There’s no other way to say it. The Dallas Cowboys are winning the offseason. But not even a month of masterful management can fix everything. Here’s what they should do next:
1. Find another Dalton Schultz
Schultz is now in Houston, leaving Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon to fill the void at tight end. Collectively, the three have less than 40 catches in their careers. The Cowboys need a tight end to start right away, and they’ll probably get one in the draft.
Luckily for Dallas, this year’s tight end class is loaded with talent. Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer and Utah’s Dalton Kincaid are believed to be the top options and at least one should be available for the 26th pick.
Of course, the Cowboys have a history of finding bargain tight ends. Schultz was a fourth-round pick in 2018 and if Dallas is patient, players like Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave should be available later in the draft.
2. Find out about Jonathan Hankins
After re-signing Dante Fowler, ESPN’s Ed Werder reported Hankins is the “next defensive priority,” but at the moment, the run-stuffing 340 pound tackle remains unsigned.
According to Bryan Broaddus of 105.3 The Fan, Hankins is in no hurry to sign and at 31 years old, he may want to avoid offseason programs. At the moment Osa Odighizuwa, Neville Gallimore and Quinton Bohanna are the team’s only defensive tackles.
If Hankins doesn’t sign, Michigan’s Mazi Smith could be an option. The 6-foot-3, 338-pound tackle led all defensive lineman at the scouting combine with 34 reps of 225 pounds and runs a 4.85 40-yard dash. If Hankins drags his feet, Jerry Jones should send him Smith’s tape.
3. Find Tony Pollard some help
While Pollard recorded the first 1,000-yard season of his career, Ezekiel Elliott still had 231 carries, 38 more than Pollard. He also had 12 touchdowns, three more than Pollard.
To help fill the void, the team signed Ronald Jones, but Jones’ better days are clearly behind him. In four years with the Bucs and one with the Chiefs, he’s never had a 1,000 yard season. He appeared in only six games with Kansas City last year, rushing for 70 yards and a single touchdown.
Expect Dallas to draft a running back, just don’t expect it to be Bijan Robinson. The Texas Longhorn will be long gone before the Cowboys make a pick, but TCU’s Kendre Miller should be available in the middle rounds and his downhill running style would be perfect for short yardage situations.
