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Film room: Here’s how S Damontae Kazee fits with the Dallas Cowboys defense - John Owning, DMN
A deep dive into the Cowboys latest safety, Damontae Kazee.
Kazee spent most of his time in Atlanta as a free safety in Quinn’s “Seattle” Cover 3 scheme but also has experience in the slot and at strong safety, giving Kazee a similar-ish career arc to Dallas previous starting safety Xavier Woods.
Listed at 5-11 and 190 pounds, Kazee takes the “safe” part of playing safety literally, as he plays with a ton of depth and doesn’t take a lot of chances on the back end. While that may sound like a diss, it’s actually a likable trait for a deep centerfield safety who is the last line of defense and possesses only modest athleticism.
This allows Kazee to stay on top of deep vertical routes from receivers who are much faster, forcing opposing QB to attack the Atlanta defense in the intermediate or outside portions of the field with Kazee patrolling the deep middle.
Having said that, it does limit Kazee’s ability to make plays, as he’ll often take a safe angle of pursuit that will enable him to limit the damage of a big play rather than a more aggressive angle that could allow him to prevent it in the first place.
Mailbag: How Many Bases Covered Before The Draft? - Nick Eatman, DallasCowboys.com
Are the Cowboys free to go BPA?
By adding new defensive linemen and safeties in the first two weeks of free agency, does that let the Cowboys have more range to draft top available players instead of need? — STEPHEN GRAYSON / GREENVILLE, MS
Nick: I would guess that’s always been the case. I’m positive that Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay and Mike McCarthy will tell you that taking the best player is always the goal, over any need. But we all know that sometimes, the need is so great that you just make sure he’s the “best” player available. Personally, I’ve always thought it should be “best available need” anyway. Forget about the best player if he’s a quarterback. You’ve got one and you’re paying him rather well. So give me the best position of need. I don’t think anyone they have signed in free agency would stop them from drafting a player at that position.
The role that Jayron Kearse should fill for the Cowboys in 2021 - Tom Ryle, Blogging the Boys
Figuring out where Jayron Kearse will play in Dallas.
The signing earlier this week of Jayron Kearse strikes many as more akin to the recent desultory moves, however. He is not expected to be a starter. It leaves many asking, just what was the point?
The answer: Free agency is also about building your depth. The earlier signing of veteran Ty Nsekhe as a contender for the swing tackle position is proof. Given the way losses at that position played such a role in the train wreck that was the 2020 season for Dallas, most observers felt it was probably a wise move. Depth in the secondary may not be as obvious a need as at offensive tackle, given that Cowboys were just middle of the pack in how injuries affected them there. Kearse also may seem like getting the cart before the horse since, unlike at tackle, the team doesn’t have a clear answer already at free safety. Both Kearse and their other safety signing, Keanu Neal, are much more box or strong safety types, as is Donovan Wilson. And in his Thursday press conference, Mike McCarthy confirmed the reports that plans for Neal are to use him more as a linebacker than a safety.
Scouting Report: Basham Has Intriguing Skill Set - Bucky Brooks, DallasCowboys.com
The Cowboys are hoping Tarell Basham will be an under-the-radar signing that pays off.
Overview: Basham is a high-energy edge defender with intriguing pass rush skills and developmental potential. He isn’t a finished product at this point, but his combination of effort, energy and toughness could make him a disruptive force in time. Through four NFL seasons, Basham has amassed 84 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception 58 games (12 starts).
As a run defender, Basham is active at the line of scrimmage utilizing his quickness and athleticism to shoot through gaps. He is at his best on the move and aggressive defensive coordinators unlock his playmaking ability by featuring him on slants, games and stunts. As a member of the Jets, Basham flashed a knack for producing negative plays (sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles) when put him on the move at the line of scrimmage. The constant activity and relentless effort creates problems for opponents ill-prepared to deal with a Tasmanian Devil on the edges.
How the Eagles Trade Affects the Cowboys Draft Strategy - Shane Carter, Inside The Star
Did the Eagles draft day trade effect the Cowboys in any way?
As for how this affects the Cowboys, it could create a similar predicament that they faced in last year’s draft where they took CeeDee Lamb at 17 overall.
While wide receiver was a need for the Cowboys, it wasn’t seen as a first-round need. However, with Lamb remarkably dropping into the Cowboys’ laps, the Cowboys had to take him over defensive players like Patrick Queen, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Trevon Diggs (who they would draft with their next pick).
It was another instance of using the draft strategy of taking the “best player available” rather than filling a need. Even more important than that, the Eagles were sitting there at pick 21, and could easily see the Cowboys passing him up to take a more immediate need.
Not only did Dallas take the obvious best player available, but they filled a need and kept him away from a division rival who they would have to face twice a year for at least the next five seasons.
Dallas Cowboys’ Jerry Jones donates millions to new Arlington museum - Teresa Gubbins, Dallas Culture Map
Jerry opened up the checkbook, but not for an NFL player.
The first National Medal of Honor Museum, set to open near Arlington’s Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium in 2024, has received a major donation from the owners of the Dallas Cowboys.
According to a release, Dallas Cowboys owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones and his family will make a historic $20 million donation to the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation (NMOHMF), which has now surpassed $70 million in total funds raised.
Jones’ daughter, Charlotte Jones, executive vice president and chief brand officer for the Cowboys, serves as Chairman of the Board for the Museum.
The donation brings the Museum one step closer to beginning construction; the National Medal of Honor Monument Act currently moving through Congress is another key component of this project.
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