The eyes are deceiving but numbers don't lie.
The Dallas Cowboys finished 2014 with the 19th ranked defense, allowing 355.1 yards per game. They ranked 17th in first downs allowed per game (19.7), 26th in passing yards per game (251.9) and 28th in opposing completion percentage (66.5). In other words, the Cowboys really struggled against the pass and surrendered too many first downs for a playoff team.
One way to fix that is to beef up the linebacker corps with better coverage guys which is why ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer projects Dallas to select UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks with the No. 27 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
"The Cowboys welcome back Sean Lee from a torn ACL and re-signed Rolando McClain at linebacker, but Kendricks represents the best player available," Archer wrote. "He can play weakside or middle linebacker and gives the Cowboys some cover in case of injuries during the year to lee, who has yet to play a full season, or McClain. The Cowboys can get a running back and cornerback help a little later."
McClain is expected to be suspended for up to four games this season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Kendricks, who the Green Bay Packers may also be interested in, could fill in while McClain is away from the team.
Kendricks is widely considered the best coverage linebacker in this year's draft. He's a bit undersized at 6-foot-0 and 232 pounds but he can run with most pass-catchers and is especially effective in space. He would be an immediate upgrade in obvious third down passing situations and has solid ball skills that helped him notch three interceptions this past season. He doesn't offer much in the way of pass-rushing but his overall instincts, recognition and speed more than make up for deficiencies in that one area.
