Cowboys Boost Defense, Eye Draft Picks

0:00On March 30, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Shottenheimer is feeling good about the team's off-season moves heading into the 2000. 26 draft. They've been busy in free agency and trades, fixing big holes in the secondary and defensive line after giving up the most passing yards per game last. Season. Still, Inside Linebacker stands out as their main need since they haven't signed anyone there yet. They beefed up the back end with safety Jalen Thompson and PJ Locke, plus traded for edge-rusher were Sean Gary to get bigger up front. To make room, they sent defensive tackle Osa Odi Jizua to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick. Shottenheimer called it a tough call, especially after a skin change forced some hard goodbyes. Fans and the front office see the impact from new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who's already a standout higher. The outside linebacker group looks solid, too, with guys like Donovan as Aeroaku stepping up in year two and Sam Williams returning as a prototype pass.

1:01Wresher. Looking ahead, the Cowboys hold the 12th and 20th picks in a deep draft class, especially at edge. Shottenheimer likes the idea of grabbing a rookie inside linebacker if the instincts match, surrounded by vets. But they're set up to just take the best player available, even on offense. With league meetings wrapping up, Dallas stays open for business on trades while eyeing those top picks. They got depth now, but one or two defensive starters could still drop in via the draft.