Mailbag: Most important move after Parsons?

I was surprised to hear Brian Schottenheimer talk about building the team from the outside in, focusing on those players who are on the ends or edge. I've always heard championship teams are built from the inside out, focusing first on the offensive and defensive lines. Am I missing something? What do you think of this approach?

Is there one position group that's in good shape heading into the draft? Seems like there are pressing needs or question marks everywhere. Scary.

With most running backs having relatively short spans of productivity in the NFL, is it wise to spend a high draft pick on one (Ezekiel Elliott being a recent example)? Would the Cowboys be better off using the No. 12 pick to draft a player at a position that traditionally has more longevity?

With Micah Parsons now coming out and saying he wants to be the NFL's first $200 million defensive player, how is that going to change the contract negotiations? Can the Cowboys afford that? What once seemed like a relatively easy process just appears to be getting more and more complicated.

I know the Cowboys did the right thing by adding some quality running backs in free agency, but if Ashton Jeanty is there at No. 7 or 8, do you see the team moving up four or five spots to draft him? Would that be considered overpaying for a running back, even one who is as crazy skilled as Jeanty?

Did the Cowboy's do enough in free agency to pick the best player available at No. 12 in the upcoming draft instead of reaching for a lower-ranked player at a position of need? 

I'm torn on all this talk about banning the tush push. On the one hand, if a team has figured out a play that works, it's up to opponents to figure out a way to defend it. Take care of it on the field, not in a conference room. On the other hand, the team in question is the Cowboys' biggest rival. What are your thoughts? 

It's looking more and more like the Cowboys won't draft Ashton Jeanty at pick No. 12, even if he is still available. However, I believe that is a mistake. Why would Dallas pass on a generational talent at a "devalued" position like running back just to take a good prospect at a "more valued" position? I think they should take the very special player in Jeanty if they have the chance.

The restructuring of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb's contracts opened up a lot of salary cap space. Any Micah Parson deal would free up even more space. What good is all this cap space if they're not bringing in top-tier talent? Seems as though kicking dead money down the road will be a bigger headache. Why restructure these contracts if they weren't going to spend the money?

I want your opinion on my draft idea. I love Micah Parsons, but I don't think the Cowboys can pay three players at the top of their positions. My idea is to trade Parsons to the Titans for the No. 1 pick and keep our pick at 12, take Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter and then see what falls to 12. Imagine the salary cap upside. Am I crazy here? 

It seems as if the Cowboys' free agent approach is to go after players who still have something to prove instead of players who have already proven themselves. Personally, I don't think it works. Why not go after players who have made a high impact with their previous team? It may cost more financially, but at least you know what you're getting. What do you guys think?