The Cowboys' defense last season was horrific, leading many to think the franchise has to be all-in on defense in the draft, but do they have to be?
The Dallas Cowboys' approach this offseason has been focused on one thing and one thing only: improving the defense.
With Christian Parker taking over from Matt Eberflus' league-worst defense, it is no small task to turn this ship around.
But the Cowboys have steadily worked to do that.
Jalen Thompson, Rashan Gary, Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, and PJ Locke are the new additions.
Linebacker is still a big need, and the Cowboys will look to add a veteran piece prior to the draft, according to our own Mike Fisher.
Fish also believes that a cornerback - Mansoor Delane - is Dallas' most "likely pick'' at No. 12. And the LSU standout visiting The Star on Friday adds fuel to that fire.
Delane didn’t test at this year’s Scouting Combine, but on Monday, Delane participated in LSU’s Pro Day and clocked in at 4.35 seconds on his 40-yard dash.
That's an elite number.
Meanwhile ...
There's been no busting of the budget from the Cowboys, like Jerry Jones said there would be, but Dallas appears to be set up well ahead of the draft.
But do the Cowboys still have to be all-in on defense, especially with their two first-round picks? We know that head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants to draft "natural and pure."
However, for ESPN's Todd Archer, there's only one avenue to go down.
"The Cowboys didn't answer all of their defensive questions in free agency," Archer wrote. "Even if they add a middle linebacker with a trade or signing, they'll need depth. Though they traded for Rashan Gary, their other projected starter on the edge, Donovan Ezeiruaku, is coming off hip surgery and will be limited during the offseason.
"They added Cobie Durant at cornerback, but they have to be mindful of the health of DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr. The draft still has to be about helping the defense in every way."
We understand the need for defensive help, and there have been several scenarios where all of Dallas' targets are off the board at No. 12.
What the franchise will do then is intriguing.
But if the next CeeDee Lamb or Justin Jefferson is there at No. 12, do the Cowboys go BPA (best player available) regardless of position?
That is quite the conversation starter.
In an ideal world, Dallas would get two Day 1 starters at No. 12 and No. 20 for Parker.
Exactly who those two players are is up for debate - as "likely'' as Delane may be - but what can't be debated is that the defense has to be addressed one way or another.