NFL Team Reviews: Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys come off another disappointing postseason. Was their offseason enough to make the leap to true contenders?

Improvements: Left Guard

Conner Williams was the full-time starter since 2020. After Williams led the NFL with 14 penalties, Dallas needed an upgrade. The Dallas Cowboys addressed left guard by selecting Tyler Smith in the first round

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Look at The Dallas Cowboys rookie Tyler Smith and his A+ Run blocking grade 💪🏾🙌🏾🔥#DallasCowboys #Cowboys @Tee_sizzle_ pic.twitter.com/o5QCVHFKnK

— Dallas Cowboys Collaboration (@mailman_phil) May 5, 2022

Williams joined the Dolphins, meaning Smith will fill LG. Smith was penalized 16 times during his final season at Tulsa. Dallas replaces an undisciplined lineman with another. The caveat is Smith played tackle in college.

Guard could be the perfect spot for Smith. The former Hurricane has a mean streak, making him a great run blocker. The 21-year-old rookie has great potential. In the short term, this is a slight improvement as Smith develops.

Stayed the Same: Overall Defense

Dallas’ defense is mostly unchanged. Randy Gregory was the biggest loss this offseason. The Cowboys signed Dante Fowler, reworked Demarcus Lawrence’s contract, and drafted Sam Williams in the second round. Overall, the defensive end room remains solid.

The starters at defensive tackle, linebacker, and cornerback look the same. Overlooking CB could be a poor choice after Anthony Brown was consistently burnt in 2021. In addition, Dallas resigned safeties Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse.

Both were brought back on bargain deals; Hooker signed a 2-year, $7 million deal and Kearse agreed to a 2-year, $10 million contract. Hooker was coming on late in the 2021 season, while Kearse quietly had an excellent season. This was the best safety play the Cowboys had in several seasons.

Dorance Armstrong looks like the biggest key for the 2022 season. He flashed in 2021. With consistency from Armstrong, Dallas will be fine without Gregory.

Got Worse: Wide Receiver

Trading Amari Cooper was one of the Cowboys’ most notable moves. Dallas received a fifth-rounder and upgraded sixth-rounder from the Browns. This was clearly a salary cap move.

They proved that by resigning Michael Gallup to a 5-year, $57.5 million deal. Dallas acquired James Washington in free agency on a 1-year “prove it” deal. In the 2022 draft, Jalen Tolbert was added in the third round.

Washington and Tolbert do not stack up to Cooper. Plus, Gallup comes off a Week 17 ACL tear. More than likely, he will miss a couple of games. This leaves Dak Prescott with CeeDee Lamb, Washington, Simi Fehoko, Noah Brown, and Tolbert.

The receiving corps took a hit, no Gallup makes the situation worse.

Grade: C

Dallas had a mediocre offseason. Problems from the 2021 season are still present. The Cowboys overlooked an inconsistent cornerback group and got worse at wideout. This season’s success could hinge on rookies.