In an episode during the draft as relayed by Calvin Watkins from ESPNDallas at the time, Jerry Jones apparently asked new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan about getting some defensive players in the draft.
"I said, 'Let's talk about this guy,'" Jones said. "He knew the ones he was interested in went early and what that does is put pressure on us to get the free agents."
Seems like it's now finally Ryan's turn to get his players. After the first two days of free agency in which the Cowboys were seemingly focused on the offense, their attention seems to be turning to the defense now. Specifically, to defensive ends. We've exhaustively chronicled the Cowboys real or perceived interest in Packers DE Cullen Jenkins, and his name remains on the Cowboys list. But today, new names surfaced as potential candidates.
Todd Archer from ESPNDallas reports that the Cowboys have contacted two defensive ends who have played for Rob Ryan in Cleveland, Kenyon Coleman and Robaire Smith. At this point however it's hard to imagine that the 32-year old Coleman or the 33-year old Smith could be long-term solutions for the Cowboys' defensive line. But perhaps Rob Ryan is looking to potentially use them in very specific roles.
The Cowboys, according to Archer, have also started negotiations with their own free agents Stephen Bowen and Marcus Spears. Jason Hatcher appears to be the odd man and today let it be known via twitter that he is "Back to waiting to see where my destination will be.. I know it will be a great place.."