Before we turn the page completely on this season, let's go back and recall some of the best moments, players, games and individual plays that made the season so memorable. Let's also start focusing on the offseason plans and try to see how the Cowboys can take the next step in 2019.
The staff writers of DallasCowboys.com have put together a 10-part series – Under Review – which continues today debating the Cowboys' No. 1 draft need.
Mickey Spagnola: Not sure if this is a need or a mere No. 1 want, and I have two, all assuming the Cowboys have re-signed DE DeMarcus Lawrence: another starting quality defensive lineman, tackle or end, adding someone to a pass rush that ended up being average this season with 39 sacks, ranking in a three-way tie for 16th in the NFL and just one more than last season's 38. Or I want one of those "toy" running backs, someone like Alvin Kamara of the Saints. You realize the Saints got that guy in the third round, the 67th pick. Someone with some real juice to complement Zeke, along with able to catch passes and help in the return game. Think I've talked my way into this guy as my top choice.
Rob Phillips: Free agency might sort this all out by late April. But, as productive as this interior defensive line was – Antwaun Woods' rise, Tyrone Crawford's underrated versatility – another disruptive presence at the tackle position might take this defense to another level. David Irving would have been that guy, but he only appeared in two games and he's now a free agent. So is Caraun Reid, a solid rotation player. Maliek Collins battled through injuries to have another good season, but he's entering the final year of his deal. Rod Marinelli likes to use a lot of linemen, and adding another productive guy can help the rotation against a team like the Rams who wants to wear you down in the run game and work off play-action, as they did in the divisional round.
Lindsay Draper: Almost feels like a knock to my guy Blake Jarwin to be going with a tight end on this one. He made incredible strides this year, by the way. But I've been calling for a young, dynamic TE for a few seasons now. To have that electric, athletic, almost unguardable TE that can run (like a Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz) would add a lethal layer to this offense. It never hurts for your quarterback to have a go-to security blanket, either. My runner-up choice is another body for the trenches – either side.
