NFL Cowboys News: Parsons played all of 2021 while injured, SB participants show love for Dallas players
If the incredible rookie campaign from linebacker Micah Parsons wasn’t enough to get excited about the future, what if performed that well, after a year away from the game, and was never at 100%? Beware. The Dallas Cowboys could select another linebacker in the first round to create a tandem at the position while Tyler Browning also breaks down a Day 2 prospect for an offensive line desperate for change.
With big decisions coming up in free agency and with limited cap space, how will Dallas handle the contracts of defensive end Demarcus Lawrence and wide receiver Amari Cooper, extensions or cap casualties? Ahead of Super Bowl LVI, current and former Cowboys stars received high praise from Ja’Marr Chase and Jalen Ramsey, who will likely line up across one another on Sunday with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.
Here’s a look at the news and notes.
Devin Lloyd could fit right into glaring need for a new Cowboys LB :: Cowboys Wire
After the home-run selection of Micah Parsons in last year’s draft, issues at the linebacker position still loom for Dallas. Tyler Browning has another prospect that could play alongside Parsons to create another impressive tandem.
Utah’s Lloyd could be the first round selection for the Cowboys who can improve on their breakout defense in 2022.
Should Dallas Cowboys be angry and pessimistic or happy and optimistic? :: SportDFW
The Dallas fan base is a conundrum that many have tried to solve and failed along the way. After a disappointing season, where should the Cowboys fans and their organization stand heading into the offseason?
With critical decisions coming, there’s different outlooks for 2022 but the goal is still the same, regardless of how it’s painted. Win it all.
Brock Hoffman could give Cowboys ultimate, immediate flexibility on OL :: Cowboys Wire
Once a staple of the Cowboys’ identity, the offensive line is vaunted and needing of a rebuilding. While there could be a first-round selection to clean things up, it could end up being a Day 2 focus as well.
Virginia Tech’s Hoffman could give Dallas a lineman in the later rounds that has the versatility to fit whatever need is necessary while challenging Tyler Biadisz for his starting role at center.
It turns out Cowboys star Micah Parsons was playing through an injury this season :: Blogging the Boys
Parsons put together a DPOY-level campaign as a rookie, and it turns out he did it while less than 100%. In an interview with Taylor Rooks, the Penn State product opened up about a hyperextended knee injury he suffered in training camp that lingered throughout the season.
Now imagine a fully healthy Parsons after a full offseason in the NFL. Flourish.
Changes Cowboys Defense Must Make to Continue Improvement in 2022 :: Bleacher Report
With Dan Quinn back coaching the defense in 2022, Dallas needs to take the momentum from last season and turn it into a defense for Quinn similar to his tenure in Seattle with the LOB.
Finding solutions at linebacker, other than Parsons obviously, alongside improvements inside could be the keys for the Cowboys to ascend as the top defense in the NFL in a years time.
5 moves the Cowboys should make before free agency :: Blogging the Boys
Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence and wide receiver Amari Cooper have been in the conversation of potential cap casualties for Dallas but Tom Ryle believes it should be the opposite, keeping them in house with extensions.
Alongside these key decisions, there’s some cuts the Cowboys need to make after mediocre play at linebacker and kicker in 2021.
Best Fits for 2022 NFL Draft's Latest Risers :: Bleacher Report
Following the Senior Bowl, a pair of defensive linemen have made waves as prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft, and they could both be perfect fits in Dallas.
Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson could be a flash pick for the Cowboys’ pass rush while Oklahoma’s Person Winfrey could wreak havoc in the middle and bring depth for the defensive tackle position.
State of the NFC East: Don “Wink” Martindale is joining the New York Giants staff :: Blogging the Boys
What’s up with the rest of the NFC East? One team has completely changed their name, the Commanders while the other two have some interesting conversations at defensive coordinator.
New York made a big hire in Wink Martingale that could pay dividends while the Eagles are sticking with Jonathan Gannon after an inconsistent season, where Philadelphia was torched by playoff teams.
Cowboys conversation: What happened to Dak Prescott? How does he get back on track? :: The Athletic
Link (paywall)
Most can agree that quarterback Dak Prescott looked off at times as the season progressed and it played into the eventual demise of the 2021 Cowboys. Now, how does he get back on track?
Jon Machota and Bob Sturm discuss the franchise quarterback and how he can return to the MVP-level player Dallas fans saw early in the season.
Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase says he grew up watching this Cowboys player :: The Landry Hat
Ja’Marr Chase has taken the league by storm as a rookie and now he’ll be playing in the Super Bowl to cap it all off. During a press conference this week, the star receiver discussed what receiver he watched while growing up.
None other than former Cowboy Dez Bryant, who was a three-time Pro Bowler and highlight-reel receiver while wearing the Star.
Jalen Ramsey shouts out Trevon Diggs’ work at Super Bowl presser :: The Landry Hat
Fitting in the theme with Chase, All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey listed the fellow cornerbacks he loves watching throughout the season. The first name he brought up? Cowboys cornerback and interception-leader in 2022 Trevon Diggs.
There’s no doubt Diggs has turned into one of the best cornerbacks in the league and Ramsey’s compliments speak to his transcendence as a sophomore in the NFL.
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