The club comes off a disastrous season in which the defense and ground game were disappointment. Could the Dallas Cowboys add these three performers?
Much of the buzz this year and preseason has been about the health of quarterback Dak Prescott. But when the Dallas Cowboys visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the second Thursday of September, the five-year pro is expected to be in the starting lineup.
Of course, the other big issues when it comes to Mike McCarthy’s club has reviving a defensive unit that was simply embarrassing in 2020. Hence the use of eight of the team’s 11 draft picks on this side of the ball this year. But what about some other players who could help the Cowboys rebound from a 6-10 showing?
3. OL Nick Easton
The Cowboys were a disappointing 17th in the league in rushing offense this past year. Some of that had to do with the team’s inability to stop opponents. Some of that was via a disappointing 2020 from running back Ezekiel Elliott.
But part of that was also due to the fact that the pride and joy of the franchise in recent years was ineffective for a variety of reasons. Dallas’ offensive front dealt with its share of injuries and erratic play. Left tackle Tyron Smith has had problems staying healthy in recent years. And perennial All-Pro right guard Zack Martin missed the final five games of 2020.
Versatile Nick Easton would be an excellent addition in terms of depth. The 29-year-old pro spent the last two seasons with the Saints after beginning his career with the Vikings. He can line up at any spot on the line’s interior.
2. DE Olivier Vernon
He’s been a steady performer throughout his nine-year career in the league. Edge rusher Olivier Vernon spent four seasons with the Miami Dolphins and signed with the New York Giants in 2016. After three seasons with Big Blue, he was dealt to the Cleveland Browns. He was injured late in 2020 and was not re-signed by the club.
The resume includes 63.5 sacks in 127 regular-season contests. The 2012 third-round pick from the University of Miami was one of many veteran pass rushers on the open market this offseason and he could certainly aid a Dallas’ defense that was dreadful a year ago.
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1. DT Geno Atkins
Via Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, rookie defensive tackle Nelvin Gallimore figures to miss some time with an elbow injury suffered in a preseason tilt with the Cardinals. But even before that, the Cowboys might have been looking (SI.com’s Mike Fisher brings some clarity) into adding a standout interior presence.
Geno Atkins suited up for the Cincinnati Bengals for 11 seasons but saw his 2020 campaign interrupted more than one time by injuries. The eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro was limited to a career-low eight games. Could he possibly join Mike McCarthy’s team sooner than later?