The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed defensive end Jack Crawford after he visited the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2016 NFL offseason. It appeared as if Crawford would join the Steelers after the Cowboys remained relatively quiet on his status, but it appears he feels as if the best option is to remain with Dallas.
Crawford was a key component in the Cowboys pass rush during the 2015 season and, although they went 4-12, this defense actually played better than the previous year. Crawford recorded four sacks, one start and 21 combined tackles, and his second season with Dallas (after spending 2012 and 2013 with the Oakland Raiders) helped add some depth to an already porous defensive line.
Dallas should add some help along the defensive line in this upcoming draft, but by re-signing Crawford - and adding Cedric Thornton - there is much less urgency to address the position immediately.
Defensive end Randy Gregory's four-game suspension does not help, but the Cowboys should have another second round pass rusher in the near future. Dallas will look to have a strong draft class to complement its offseason moves, and will have the fourth overall pick in the draft.
The Cowboys have been linked to NFL prospects such as pass rusher Joey Bosa, DeForest Buckner and running back Ezekiel Elliott, however, the top player on their draft board has been defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
Ramsey is expected to be gone by the time the Cowboys are on the clock though, which means their choices will likely be limited between defensive end Bosa and running back Elliott.
The Cowboys are looking for a player who will immediately make this team better and both seem like logical choices. There are drawbacks to both selections though, as the Cowboys have cooled somewhat on Bosa after having him in for a pre-draft visit, which is concerning considering they have a serious need for a productive pass rusher.
Elliott, on the other hand, is a running back, and finding a productive player at that position should be easy in the third and fourth round. At the very least, re-signing Crawford allows the Cowboys to really explore the other options in this draft other than pass rusher.
