"Veterans bring clarity to a defense by being able to be the calming force in a sometimes hectic game. A veteran doesn't have to necessarily be the most vocal, but must let their game speak for itself. That sets the tone for younger players trying to adjust to the NFL. A good free agent pickup can reduce mental mistakes, stabilize alignments, and allow younger players to develop, which is the key to a successful defense."
"Once you have the stability provided by the correct free agent pickups, the draft is about upside. The early picks should target fast, physical, high IQ defenders. The day two picks should be players who can play, but need some development, or players with high upside, but character concerns. The late rounds are all about development. The Cowboys should be targeting players with athletic traits but low production. These are the players who can turn into late-round gems down the road."
"With Christian Parker guiding the defense, the emphasis should be clear to everyone. Communication, discipline, and cohesiveness across all three levels of the defense. This is possible if free agency and the draft are used correctly. If we as fans see this on the field, we should expect a great season. If not, expect the offense to be in shootouts nearly every game for another year."
Prioritize veteran free-agent additions to provide calming leadership, reduce mental mistakes, stabilize alignments, and accelerate younger players' development. Use early draft picks to add fast, physical, high-IQ defenders who can contribute immediately and raise the unit's ceiling. Target day-two selections that either offer immediate playability with developmental needs or possess high upside despite character questions. Focus late-round selections on athletic, low-production prospects who can be developed into late-round gems. Emphasize communication, discipline, and cohesiveness across all three defensive levels under Christian Parker's guidance. If executed, expect a strong season; if not, anticipate frequent offensive shootouts.
Read at Inside The Star
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]