Dallas Cowboys: 7 Edge-Rusher NFL Draft Prospects to Watch Post-Combine
With the NFL scouting combine well behind us now, which edge rushers should the Dallas Cowboys have their eyes on as the 2017 NFL Draft approaches?
The Dallas Cowboys headed into the 2017 offseason with a lot of needs on defense. Those needs only grew when they discovered they would lose starting defensive tackle Terrell McClain, who signed with the Washington Redskins, and safety Barry Church, who went to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Those departures hurt but it can't take the team's attention away from where they really need help—defensive end. The Cowboys were a surprise team that won 13 games after losing starting quarterback Tony Romo to injury. Rookie fourth-round pick Dak Prescott stepped in and led them into the post season, but it was their lack of pass rush that doomed them in their loss to Green Bay in their one playoff game.
In order to take the next step, addressing this glaring issue is an absolute must. While many believe they should go with a first round pick for a defensive end, this may not be the case. Dallas signed a former third round pick in Damontre Moore and they do still have Demarcus Lawrence as well as last season's sack leader Benson Mayowa. While a first-round pick would be nice, don't be shocked if Dallas goes for the best possible player and waits until Round 2—in a stacked pass rushing draft—to address their biggest need.
Knowing the player they get to bring the pressure could come from anywhere, here is a look at seven players who could be real possibilities for them.
Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Idaho Vandals quarterback Matt Linehan (10) runs the ball while defended by Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
1. Carl Lawson, DE — Auburn
A player who is considered by some to be potentially elite, Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson has struggled with injury issues during his collegiate career. Lawson had 9.5 sacks in his final season, but finished with just 14.5 while missing all of 2014 and about half of 2015 with a cracked hip followed by a torn ACL.
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Vitals
Height: 6-2
Weight: 261 Pounds
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.67s
Bench Press: 35 Reps
Three-Cone Drill: 7.46s
What The Scouts Say
Of course, none of the talk out there around Lawson won't include a caveat. Rob Rang of CBS Sports seems to be high on the talent, but scared of the issues like most are.
Lawson is perhaps this year's greatest litmus test for each team's durability threshold. When healthy, he is a proven difference-maker, showing the initial quickness and power every team is looking for as an edge rusher.
Lawson himself sees no issues though as he recently told Tom Green of AL.com that he is a first-round talent for sure.
"If you followed me throughout my career, I watch film all the time and watch NFL film. I'm a guy who could consistently win one-on-ones on the edge, so I definitely feel like I'm a first-round talent."
Is he a fit in Dallas?
Yes, and no. Dallas would love him simply because of his ability to get off the edge. However, his injury history could scare them. They have taken chances before, but not typically with their first round pick. Now, that's not to say it would never be worth it—and there is one guy in this draft who may be—but they would need to be convinced that he can stay on the field.
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot (91) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) in the endzone for a safety during the 2nd quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
2. Dawuane Smoot, DE — Illinois
Many thought, after a good season in 2015, that Duwuane Smoot of Illinois would be a breakout star in 2016. That didn't really happen as he finished his final collegiate season with 56 tackles and five sacks. Nothing to be ashamed of, but definitely not top pick worthy.
Vitals
Height: 6-3
Weight: 264 Pounds
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.77s
Bench Press: N/A
Three-Cone Drill: 7.18s
What The Scouts Say
David Holmes of FanSided's NFL Mocks likes Smoot overall and praised his athleticism and football smarts. Holmes believes that he will be a contributor soon in the NFL.
Overall, Dawuane Smoot is a talented NFL prospect that has the movement skills and athleticism needed to make an impact. His powerful hands and speed will serve him well as he transitions from the college game to the professional level. If he is able to develop a deeper pass rushing arsenal while learning to maintain control as he rushes, he should contribute to a NFL team sooner than later.
Is he a fit in Dallas?
Yes, because of the key word Holmes used—a contributor. While so many want that elite edge rusher, Dallas has shown during the time defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has been there that they like rotating guys. They seem perfectly content finding several contributors and not having to rely on one guy. Is it the right approach? Maybe, maybe not. However, should they land a guy like Smoot in Round 3, it would free them up to fix issues at both corner and safety in the first two rounds. It all depends on how the powers that be prioritize those needs.
Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) is sacked by Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
3. Charles Harris, DE — Missouri
Missouri defensive end Charles Harris is a player who was examined before the combine as a potential first-round target of the Dallas Cowboys. He had all the hype around him and was considered a sure fire Day 1 pick. He didn't really do a lot to help his stock though and his 40-time really stood out in a shocking way.
Vitals
Height: 6-3
Weight: 253 Pounds
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.82s
Bench Press: 21 Reps
Three-Cone Drill: 7.47s
What The Scouts Say
Discussing Harris cannot be done without talking about his spin move—which is nasty. While some believe he goes to it too often, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah says it isn't the only move he has and Harris is a natural rusher with a nice selection of "pitches:"
Harris has a natural gift to rush the passer. He has a nice blend of physical skills, but I'm even more impressed with the technical aspect of his game. Rushing the passer is almost like pitching. You can't just win with a fastball. Harris has several outstanding pitches (moves) and he keeps hitters (offensive tackles) off-balance.
Of course Harris' numbers at the combine were a bit shocking. While his three-cone drill wasn't bad, he was much slower than expected in the 40-yard dash. He also wasn't a top performer in any area, which was surprising.
Is he a fit in Dallas?
Harris is another one that could fit in Dallas. Marinelli would love the natural pass rushing skills that he brings to the table. His 40-time was lower than expected, but really has little bearing over what he would be asked to do as an edge rusher in Dallas.
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
4. Derek Rivers, DE — Youngstown State
Derek Rivers is a talented edge rusher who has made a name for himself since showing out at the Senior Bowl. A strong combine only raised his stock higher. Rivers was in the higher ends of the numbers for bench reps, 40-yard dash, and the three-cone drill.
Vitals
Height: 6-4
Weight: 248 Pounds
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.61s
Bench Press: 30 Reps
Three-Cone Drill: 6.94s
What The Scouts Say
According to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, Rivers has sensational burst and is able to use his body control to free himself from blocker:
Although he uses his combination of bend and balance to work through contact as a pass rusher, his lack of ideal core power and shed skills will show in the run game. An athletic one-gap upfield penetrator, Rivers has occasional struggles vs. the run that could limit his pro ceiling, but his pass rush skills are NFL worthy, ideally suited as an edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme.
Is he a fit in Dallas?
Brugler's piece is telling in that he says the 248-pound Rivers is ideal for a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker. While that may be true, he is very similar in stature to Benson Mayowa, who led Dallas in sacks last season. Of course, at that size holding up against the run won't be easy. To top it off, the Cowboys primary draft decision maker—assistant direct of player personnel Will McClay—is not a fan of using picks small school kids. This one seems like a long shot.
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) tackles LSU Tigers wide receiver Malachi Dupre (15) during the first quarter of an NCAA football game in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
5. Devonte' Fields, DE/OLB — Louisville
Devonte' Fields is one of the more talented pass rushers in the entire 2017 NFL Draft. He had 10 sacks as a freshman for the TCU Horned Frogs before he got suspended—was actually shot during a robbery—and ultimately released from the team when a domestic violence arrest came about. He wound up in Louisville and had 16.5 sacks in two seasons, including 10.5 his first season with them.
Vitals
Height: 6-2
Weight: 236 Pounds
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.72s
Bench Press: N/A
Three-Cone Drill: 7.40s
What The Scouts Say
Scouts love his ability to get after quarterbacks, but they don't love how he turns his motor off so frequently. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein discusses how that is one of the things that could actually be more concerning than his off-field issues;
Undersized end who will have to play as an open-side rush linebacker on the next level. Fields flashes impressive athletic gifts and opens a window into his potential, but takes too many plays off and is lacking the play demeanor NFL teams desire. Fields' off-field character will be vetted, but it is his football character that has scouts concerned about whether he can play to his potential.
Is he a fit in Dallas?
It seems like the answer should be no. He isn't necessarily an end and he has too many red-flags. However Dallas did just sign Damontre Moore, who has had a lot of issues in the past and they did take a gamble on players like linebackers Rolando McClain as well as defensive ends Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. The McClain experiment worked for about a year and the Hardy and Gregory ones were failures. Signing Moore shows they'll still gamble if it is a low-risk bet and if Fields drops to the later rounds, who knows—it could happen.
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA defensive end Takkarist Mckinley speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
6. Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB — UCLA
Another player from the original watch list makes the post-combine group. UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley was also selected in a recent mock draft as the first-round pick for the Cowboys, despite being injured at the moment. His final season as a Bruin showed what he could do as McKinley recorded ten sacks and 18 tackles for a loss.
Vitals
Height: 6-2
Weight: 250 Pounds
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.59s
Bench Press: 24 Reps
Three-Cone Drill: 7.48s
What The Scouts Say
Another of our FanSided friends had some good things to say about one of these prospects as Brady Lunt of NFL Mocks praises the freakish athleticism of McKinley.
McKinley is a freak athlete, who possesses the strength and speed to dominate as a pass rusher. His physical traits are very appealing and when paired with his effort level and tenacity, make him an intriguing fit for both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive fronts.
Originally thought of as just a 3-4 outside linebacker, McKinley is gaining traction as a right end on a 4-3 defense. His ability to win with his overwhelming speed makes him a nightmare matchup for offensive linemen.
Is he a fit in Dallas?
McKinley is a fit, and up until about a month ago it seemed like he wouldn't be there when the Dallas Cowboys were on the clock with 28th pick. Then word came out that he had to have shoulder surgery and could miss some time. However, if an elite edge rusher falls to a team needing an edge rusher, missing some offseason work and some preseason games shouldn't be a deterrent. McKinley will be a part of whatever team drafts him in 2017, and Dallas should strongly consider him if he is available.
Dec 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback J.J. Cosentino (16) attempts to throw the ball as Houston Cougars linebacker Tyus Bowser (81) defends during the first quarter in the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
7. Tyus Bowser, DE/OLB — Houston
One player who has seen his stock rise recently is Houston's Tyus Bowser. With 22.5 career sacks (8.5 as a senior) Bowser was on NFL radars, then he performed well in every athletic test at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Vitals
Height: 6-3
Weight: 247 Pounds
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.65s
Bench Press: 21 Reps
Three-Cone Drill: 6.75s
What The Scouts Say
Bowser is called "explosive" by Lance Zierlein of the NFL.com. After seeing him perform well at the 40-yard dash (4.65 seconds), the three-cone drill (6.75), the broad jump (127 inches), and the vertical jump (37.5 inches) it's easy to agree with Zierlein:
Ascending pass-rush prospect who is still learning the fundamentals of his position thanks to a late commitment to the sport. Bowser's movement ability in space creates interesting possibilities for teams looking for a twitched-up toy to play with. Bowser lacks production, but his explosive characteristics off the edge will push him up the draft board and give him a chance to play well above where some scouts might project him.
Must Read: 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Three-Round Projections
Is he a fit in Dallas?
Bowser feels like a 3-4 linebacker. He is small for a defensive end and there's no way you play him at linebacker unless his goal is to get after the quarterback. This one would be a surprise should Dallas get him, but he is going to be a very good football player at the professional level.