The Cowboys, for most, still leave a lot to be desired as a contender as the draft approaches.
The Dallas Cowboys are a little tough to get a proper read on right now after the first wave of free agency.
Is the defense better or is it worse?
That is a question many are asking themselves, with the franchise still needed to address concerns at linebacker and corner.
With two first-round picks, the expectation is that Dallas will go defense with both, but before the draft, the Cowboys can still make a couple of moves to shore up Christian Parker's defense.
Linebacker feels like the position Dallas will target with Jordyn Brooks and Azeez Al-Shaair as possible options via trade.
Either would be a superb addition to a linebacking unit that desperately needs a veteran.
For Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano, he knows what Dallas needs this offseason.
"You know what they need? A guy like Micah Parsons. They should look into trading for him," Vacchiano wrote. "Actually, to be uncharacteristically serious for a moment, they aren’t in a terrible position. They have one of the most potent offenses in the league.
"And if they can figure out how to generate a pass rush, their defense might not be as terrible as it was. But that’s what they need to do. Play not terrible defense. Even adequate defense may be enough to get them into the postseason."
Sarcasm aside ...
Pass rush is also on the list of needs, and the draft is where many think the Cowboys will look to bring on some help.
But do the Cowboys need a veteran, say someone like Calais Campbell? Or are they fine going to the draft and hoping that player will be productive?
The two first-round picks give Dallas flexibility over how it can approach the draft, even if we say they should go BPA (best player available), regardless of position.
As our own Mike Fisher states, if the next Darren Woodson is there at No. 12, you take the next Darren Woodson.
Drafting for need has gotten the Cowboys in trouble in the past (Maxi Smith, Luke Schoonmaker), and it is clear the franchise doesn't want to do it again.
With several needs, Dallas isn't stuck in one position in the first round, so everyone is on the board.
And if they hit on their picks, the Cowboys' defense could see decent improvement, and that might mean playoff football in 2026.