Dallas Cowboys desperate pass rush options

Well, that escalated quickly. The Dallas Cowboys, who desperately need a pass rush, struck out on another free agent defensive end as Chris Long skips dinner with head coach Jason Garrett to sign with the New England Patriots. So what happens next? There is a possibility of a trade or going into the draft and taking guys like Joey Bosa or Noah Spence.

The free agent market is dried up, but there are some names that could be of some help for the ailing pass-rush. Let’s look at some of the names.

1.)  Jason Jones- He is a 30 year-old pass rusher that is basically the best of the eh. He was decent in Detroit last season and was considered their second-best pass rusher. He had 4.5 sacks in 2015 and was decent against the run. It looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers visited with him and is interested in signing him, but if the Cowboys want to make a move to stop the bleeding, they could do it with Jones.

2.)    Jeremy Mincey- We all know and love Mr. Mincey. While sacking quarterbacks in 2014, he also produced music that was quite entertaining. Unfortunately, Mincey didn’t have much of an on-the-field impact for the Cowboys as he didn’t record a single sack. That could be because Greg Hardy was getting a lot of the snaps, but it is a worrisome sign that Mincey might not be an impact player anymore. Yet, as desperate as the Cowboys are, the team might have to return to the veteran defensive end to help solidify the pass rush and bring leadership to the defense.

3.) Dwight Freeney- OK, this is getting bad. Do we really think Freeney can be a savior for the Dallas’ pass rush? He might not be the solution, but he could be a rotational player and can hold down the fort until Randy Gregory returns from his four-game suspension. It is very unlikely the team will sign him, but he is out there.

Troublemakers:

1.)    Greg Hardy- He may be the most talented of all the defensive ends that were in this free-agent draft class, but he is also the most troubled. After a turbulent season with the Cowboys, Hardy seems to have soured his relationship with a lot of teams. We know Dallas won’t sign him, at least if it was head coach Jason Garret’ call. According to Mike Fisher of CowboysHQ.com and CBS DFW, the Cowboys will not bring back Hardy. Hardy also hasn’t visited or had any interest from other teams as well. According to “The Dallas Morning News”, Hardy is back at Ole Miss finishing his degree. It seems safe to say that Hardy won’t be a Dallas Cowboy.

2.  Aldon Smith- UMM NO.  He’s suspended for at least half the year. No thanks.

Looks like it might be Joey Bosa in the NFL Draft. No bueno.

Elliott to the Cowboys?? Not so Fast!

How can the Dallas Cowboys royally screw over their draft this year? Oh by drafting Ohio State phenom running back Ezekiel Elliott with the No. 4 overall pick.

Recently, ESPN Dallas writer Jean-Jacques Taylor had an article out that detailed why the Cowboys need to take Elliott in the first round. He had some valid arguments that almost swayed me to switch over and take the Buckeye at No.4.

Taylor pointed out that Dallas Quarterback Tony Romo had his best season in 2014, when he was attempting 30 or fewer passes in games. That was thanks to the marvelous season former Cowboys running back Demarco Murray, who rushed for 1,845 yards en route to winning the AP Offensive Player of the Year Award.

With Murray grinding out yards during the game, it allowed Romo to pick where to attack and gave him a lot of breathing room to help carry the team to 12 wins and a playoff victory in 2014. It was truly the best combination the Cowboys have had in recent years and I get why Elliott would be a guy that could help bring back that magic.

My problem is that I think you can still find that kind of running back later in the draft and still use current starting running back Darren McFadden. Did we forget that during this dreadful 2015 campaign, McFadden still ran for 1,200 yards behind an offensive line that declined in play? Add in a young running back in second or third rounds and the team can still churn out that 2014 magic.

If Elliott was a top-5 player in this draft class, I would be happy to bring him in, but he isn’t. There are far better players to choose from. The Cowboys have to stick to their board and take the best player available and at pick No. 4, Elliott isn’t that player. Players like linebacker Myles Jack, defensive back Jalen Ramsey and defensive end Joey Bosa are all better than Elliott.

Fans and media alike used to kill the Cowboys for drafting for need because it led to reaching on players and that is exactly what will happen if they draft Elliott.

Be smart and take the best player on the board at No.4. It’s a safe bet it won’t be the phenom running back from Ohio State.