2021 NFL Team Draft Page

It has not been a great season for this Dallas Cowboys defense, no matter how you look at it. This unit is currently allowing the third-highest rating to opposing quarterbacks at 105.1, while their four interceptions are one more than Houston and Philadelphia, who are tied for the worst mark. They've also given up a league-high 25 passing touchdowns. Against the run, Dallas has given up a league-high 1,720 yards per game, at a league-worst 4.9 yards per carry. They are also tied for the fifth-worst mark in the league, giving up 15 rushing touchdowns.


Simply said, this defense has been horrendous, and the Cowboys need to address it this coming offseason. The primary areas they need to improve are on the defensive line and secondary. Defensive Tackle should be the first area to consider, but there really isn't an interior prospect worth taking in the top ten. Also, while Trevon Diggs appears to be one of Dallas' future starters at Cornerback, Dallas doesn't really have many other options to join him. Farley and Alabama's Patrick Surtain Jr. are options, although I have my questions about this being a bit high for either. Additionally, while Donovan Wilson has had somewhat of a breakout stretch, the Cowboys still need to address the Safety position as well.

Picking this high, it's going to be tough to find value in a defender not named Micah Parsons, and it might be smart to move down if they can't find some form of success down the stretch. Not only could guys like Farley or Surtain be available down the line, but prospects like Alabama's Christian Barmore, Michigan's Kwity Paye, and TCU's Trevon Moehrig would be better values as well.

~ Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst