2 days ago
Stephen Jones admits Cowboys have two gaping roster holes that still need to be filled
The Dallas Cowboys had two big holes on their roster when they began training camp, and in the first few weeks of practice in Oxnard, California, their weaknesses remain evident. Cornerback and defensive tackle continue to be worrisome spots for the team.
That isn't news to those to follow the Cowboys closely. However, it's one thing for people outside the organization to suggest there's a problem, and another for the team's decision makers to admit they're concerned, as Stephen Jones candidly mentioned.
The Joneses are some of the most positive-spin people in the NFL, so when they start to question their roster openly, it's a problem. Yet it's hardly a surprise, both positions have issues, but for different reasons.
They are the same two positions that were never significantly addressed in free agency. The draft saw them select an injured CB, but they waited until late in Day 3 to address DT.
CB is a place where the Cowboys aren't healthy enough right now, which is affecting their depth. They do have two solid starters in DaRon Bland and Kaiir Elam, but there isn't much quality after them to inspire confidence. Coming into training camp the hope was that veteran CB Trevon Diggs or rookie Shavon Revel would be ready to play at some point before the regular season, but that isn't likely now. Revel had a setback on his torn ACL that is costing him close to two months, and while Diggs continues his rehab, he still hasn't practiced.
To make matters worse, last year's surprise at CB, Josh Butler, isn't ready due to his recovery from an ACL injury suffered last season, and second-year man Caelen Carson is out 4-6 weeks due to hyperextending his knee.
That leaves former second-round pick Andrew Booth, two veteran Day 3 picks, Tony Pride and Christian Matthew, as well as undrafted free agent Kemon Hall, as the next men up. Converted safety Israel Mukuamu has also been one of the options, but through a few weeks of camp, that doesn't appear to be good enough. Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have been having their way with the depleted secondary.
In some instances, Dallas has turned to giving UDFA Zion Childress snaps with the 1s. The injuries are hurting the Cowboys' secondary, and they need help. The team cannot afford to wait much longer before finding a quality CB or two to improve the unit. Stephon Gilmore is a veteran whose name continues to be mentioned, and he would immediately upgrade the CB room.
At DT, there isn't much the team can do to find someone to boost the position unless they make a trade or wait until rosters are trimmed closer to the regular season to find a veteran to improve their depth. It's been one of the biggest problems on the Cowboys for years, and yet they're still searching for answers.
Osa Odighizuwa remains the best DT on the roster, and there doesn't appear to be a close second. Third-year man Mazi Smith hasn't looked good in camp and his highlights have come when the offensive line has been pushing him around. Not a good look when Smith is considered the starter.
Top backups Solomon Thomas and Jay Toia could be pushing Smith for playing time, but Thomas hasn't lived up his draft status and Toia is a rookie. Perrion Winfrey was signed late this offseason, and he seems to have the most buzz through a few weeks of camp.
If Winfrey does play a bigger role than expected, it's an indictment on how the Cowboys built the interior of their defensive line. It's been one of the biggest weaknesses on the roster for years and the organization still hasn't been able to find the right pieces. A few weeks into training camp and they're still searching for answers.
The problems remain at DT for the Cowboys, and it's hard to see how it gets better this season. As Stephen Jones acknowledged, there's concern at the position and time is running out to find help.
If only someone could've foreseen these problems before training camp began.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Stephen Jones thinks Cowboys roster still needs help at CB, DT
