Cowboys news: DeMarcus Lawrence rebound, potential roster cuts, and a Jamal Adams update

Film room: Why Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence is poised to post double-digit sacks in 2020 – John Owning, Dallas Morning News

Don’t worry about Lawrence, he’ll be just fine in 2020.

So despite the low sack numbers, it’s easy to see that Lawrence was still an extremely effective pass-rusher who created production opportunities for his teammates while a lack of luck reduced his sack total. Don’t take my word for it though, just ask Lawrence:

“Nothing happened to me last year. I know I ended the season with five sacks, but I also helped other players boost their numbers back up to double digits. It’s not a one-man game and I know how to play the game the right way. I know how to make plays when plays come my way. And I also know how to make sure my teammates are making their plays. You don’t have to worry about nothing. Trust me, the sack number will be back up.”

His process (i.e. his approach, movement patterns and technique) was still great, he just didn’t quite get the results (i.e sacks) he was looking for. That process is the biggest reason why I am confident (and you should be too) that Lawrence will amass double-digit sacks in 2020 (given that he stays healthy), as he’s undoubtedly one of the most skilled and refined pass-rushers in the NFL.

Five Dallas Cowboys who may not survive final cuts – Steve Mullenax, The Landry Hat

These players could be on their way out before the season begins.

Trysten Hill, DT

Although it’s nearly unheard of for a team to give up on a second-rounder after a single season, Trysten Hill finds himself in an unusual situation. The Cowboys drafted Hill with their first selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, 58th overall, after trading away their first-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Hill underperformed during his rookie season, playing in just seven games and recording a mere five total tackles. The Cowboys drafted him to be the centerpiece to former defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s system. But it seems even Marinelli couldn’t make it work with Hill.

Now, Marinelli is coaching in Las Vegas while Mike Nolan takes over the role of defensive coordinator in Dallas. And the Cowboys added three new defensive tackles to the roster this offseason in veterans Gerald McCoy, Dontari Poe, and rookie Neville Gallimore. All three figure to already have an edge over Hill, who will now have to win over another defensive coordinator.

Cowboys Trade Rumors: ‘There Isn’t Any Traction’ on Possible Jamal Adams Deal – Timothy Rapp, Bleacher Report

Will they actually go after Jamal Adams or not?

Adams’ future in New York is uncertain. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on April 17 that the star safety wasn’t expected to participate in the team’s virtual, voluntary offseason program, though general manager Joe Douglas told reporters on April 20 that there hadn’t been trade talks at that time and that the goal was to “keep Jamal here for a long time.”

The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported last week that the team does plan to sign him to a long-term extension, though longtime sportswriter Gary Myers previously reported that the divide between the team and player was growing:

So it remains to be seen if Adams will indeed remain in New York for the long haul. He’s emerged as one of the best safeties in football, with two Pro Bowl appearances and a first-team All-Pro selection in 2019. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 32nd best player in the NFL last season, citing his versatility and unique ability to rush the passer effectively.

Troy Aikman shares thoughts on Dak Prescott’s contract situation – Steve DelVecchio, Larry Brown Sports

Troy Aikman says pay the man.

“I love everything about him,” Aikman said. “I’m not saying anything the Cowboys don’t already know. They will pay him, he’s going to make a lot of money, and I think he’s going to be the quarterback for the Cowboys for a long long time, and continue to have a great career.”

Aikman said he has been “surprised” by how much discussion there has been surrounding Prescott’s contract negotiations with the Cowboys, as Dak is going to be with the team in 2020 whether he plays under the franchise tag or a new deal. However, Aikman clearly believes the Cowboys should bend in the negotiations if it becomes necessary.

“I think he’s a very unselfish player,” the FOX broadcaster said. “I wouldn’t say that about everybody; he only wants to win. … Dak truly doesn’t care about his stats. He just wants to win, he’s a leader, his teammates love him. So, I would pay him. He’s going to get paid.”

2020 Dallas Cowboys 53-man Roster Projection – John Williams, Inside The Star

Here’s another way-too-early roster projection for the Cowboys.

One of the strengths of the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 is going to be the depth they have along the defensive line. The interior is incredibly well fortified with the additions of Dontari Poe, Gerald McCoy, and Neville Gallimore.

While Antwaun Woods has been solid in his two seasons with the Cowboys, he’s not been good enough to hold down the 1-technique defensive tackle spot. Now the Cowboys have another legit 1-technique in Poe for Woods to share time with.

The 3-technique additions of McCoy and Gallimore put a bit of a damper on the hopeful breakout of 2019 second-round pick Trysten Hill. McCoy will start at the 3-technique spot, leaving Hill and Gallimore to battle it out for snaps in the defensive tackle rotation.

With Randy Gregory (presumably) and Aldon Smith reinstated, and the addition of Bradlee Anae in the draft, the Dallas Cowboys have some pretty impressive pass rush depth behind DeMarcus Lawrence.

After Recent Call, Jarwin Still Learns From Witten – Nick Eatman, The Mothership

The transition at tight end is on.

“Witt is a great guy,” Jarwin said. “He’s always been there for me. He’s just a true professional.”

Here recently, Jarwin said he got a phone call from Witten, offering up nothing but words of encouragement.

“Yeah he reached out about three weeks ago,” Jarwin said last week in a virtual interview with DallasCowboys.com. “He just told me ‘good luck, I’m excited for you. What an awesome opportunity this is for you.’ He just wants to make sure I don’t take anything for granted and push myself daily. That means a lot. For a guy like that to reach out. To have that friendship between us still, it’s awesome.”

source: bloggingtheboys.com