Cowboys' DeMarcus Lawrence Could Face Four-Game Suspension To Start 2016 Season

The Dallas Cowboys defensive line is considered one of the weaknesses of the team. It might be getting weaker. The Dallas Morning News posted this little tidbit today, stating that it's likely defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence could be suspend for four games to start the season.

Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence faces a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, sources said.

The Cowboys have not been notified of the impending suspension, which means Lawrence and his representatives are in the process of challenging the ruling. But several sources said all indications are that the club will be without its starting left defensive end to open the season.

So now they will be without Randy Gregeory and DeMarcus Lawrence to open the year. They didn't really find much help in free agency unless signee Benson Mayowa has a remarkable leap in his production once he hits the field in Dallas. Greg Hardy is not an option, so Dallas must find some help in the draft, or hope they can pluck a veteran from somewhere that can actually help.

Dallas does have Jack Crawford and Mayowa, along with Ryan Russell. They could also kick Tyrone Crawford outside to end on occasion, especially with the addition of Cedric Thornton. But getting help in the draft is a real priority.

At this point, with two quarterbacks going off the board at number one and two in the draft, it's very likely that Joey Bosa would be available to the Cowboys at pick number four. But you have to believe the Cowboys are thinking long-term and wouldn't be driven to take Bosa on the basis of this four-game stretch without Lawrence and Gregory. If they believe Bosa is the answer long-term, then they should take him. Otherwise, they need to stick to their board.