The Dallas Cowboys Will Look To Their Young Guys To Help Improve Their Defense Next Season.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this one, taking a look at the Dallas Cowboys. I will be identifying a couple of players that I would consider adding or trading for ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire each of these players.
Taco Charlton, Defensive End:
Taco Charlton, 24, has been just a guy through the first 2 seasons in the NFL. The Cowboys are hoping that he will take a step forward in year 3. In 2018, he started seven of the eleven games he played. He ended last season with 13 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and one sack. Assuming Taco does remain the starter going into next season, I think he will have a very productive 2019 season. Demarcus Lawrence drawing double teams should open things up for Taco to flourish, as a full time starter.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Some owners might have lost patience with Taco due to little production in his first two seasons. With his playing time projected to increase, now is a great time to buy low and use him as a starter or depth. He shouldn’t cost more then a mid round pick, to acquire.
Honorable Mention: Tyrone Crawford, Defensive Tackle.
Justin March-Lillard, Strong Side Linebacker:
Not many people know about Justin, so let me tell you a little about him. He is 25 years old, went undrafted out of Akron and has been in the league for three years. Lillard’s most productive year came in 2016, with the Kansas City Chiefs. While playing in five games, he racked up 15 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass deflections. I think he makes a great buy low to have his most productive season yet. It also wouldn’t surprise me to see the Cowboys move Sean Lee to the strong side to get his play making ability on the field.
Fantasy Recommendation:
I’m expecting the Cowboys to draft a linebacker in the upcoming draft. However, I think Justin makes for a great in-house candidate to fill the strong side linebacker spot. He should be available on the wire.
Chidobe Awuzie, Cornerback:
Awuzie, 23, had his most productive year as a pro, in 2018. He ended with 57 solo tackles, and 11 pass deflections over 15 games (14 starts). In IDP leagues, Chidobe, had a slightly more productive season than fellow teammate and cornerback Byron Jones. My hope is that Chidobe will be a 16 games starter in 2019, thus having his most productive season in the NFL. He is another player who makes for a great buy low going into the upcoming season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Chidobe Awuzie should be available on your wavier wire, but if not, he shouldn’t cost more than a late round pick.
Honorable Mention: Xavier Woods, Safety.
Conclusion
As you can tell by the names listed above, Dallas will be relying on young players to help improve its defense. The Cowboys finished as the 7th best defense, in yards per game, in 2018. I’m confident that these buy low players will help improve this ranking, going into next season. Ranking these players in order of priority, it would be Chidobe Awuzie, Taco Charlton, and Justin March-Lillard. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Denver Broncos.
Follow me on Twitter @MorganMcLane and follow the show @IDPGuys Defense does win Championships!
