Mailbag: Position that needs a good year?

(Editor’s Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in ‘Mailbag’ presented by Miller Lite.)

Outside of quarterback, what position group on this current team is the most valuable? And which one do you think needs to have a really good year to get the Cowboys back in the playoffs? – Keith Howe, Ruskin, FL

Nick: As I’ve thought about this answer before typing, I probably changed my mind like four times. To me, that’s a sign of a really good mailbag question – so congrats!

Hmm, I might as well just draw positions out of hat and I could make a compelling argument here. There’s a few positions that need to have a good year. Maybe I’m going to go with the positions that need a bounce-back year. It has to be on defense so I’ll pick defensive end. I know cornerback and linebacker could be solid choices, but I’m a believer that it all starts with pass-rush. That’s the spot on the field that causes the most havoc and we just didn’t see it much last year.

We all knew losing Micah Parsons would be tough, but it affected much more than a lack of consistent pressure. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that DaRon Bland didn’t have his best year or we saw struggles from the safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson. And I know you guys won’t like to see this but I’m pretty sure linebackers Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn would’ve looked and played much better if they had elite rushers. They just make a difference and I’m hoping we see Rashan Gary bring that, along with an improved year from Donovon Ezeiruaku, Sam Williams and others coming off the edge.