
Carrick: Man Utd games vs Liverpool some of my favourites
Carrick highlights the significance of Man Utd vs Liverpool rivalry
The Dallas Cowboys received praise for their strategic approach to the linebacker position during the draft, avoiding panic after free agency setbacks. They successfully adjusted their plans, selecting edge rusher Malachi Lawrence instead of forcing a linebacker pick.
The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to criticism, so when the occasional compliment surfaces, itâs important to acknowledge it with open arms. One particular post-draft compliment comes on the heels of Dallasâ handling of the linebacker position.
After striking out in free agency, the natural instinct for the Cowboys would have been to panic. The linebacker position was in desperate need of starting talent, and the 2026 NFL draft offered a decent amount of inside linebacker depth. But Dallas didnât panic, they adjusted to the dynamic circumstances of the draft and pivoted accordingly, ultimately landing praise from a podcast duo who are normally critical.
On the Check the Mic podcast with Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson (both formerly of PFF), they pointed out the Cowboys needs at linebacker and complimented Dallasâ way of not forcing the issue in the first round.
As everyone now knows, instead of trading up early for Sonny Styles, the Cowboys waited patiently for star safety Caleb Downs to fall within striking distance. Later in the first, instead of reaching on players like C.J. Allen, Jacob Rodriguez or Anthony Hill, Dallas resisted the urge and stuck to their board, selecting edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at pick No. 23. Without another pick until late in the third round, it would have natural and even understandable if they forced the issue at linebacker but instead, they pivoted to Plan B and based on Check the Mic reviews, they showed âgood process.â
The Cowboys' handling of the linebacker position wasnât praised just because they stuck to their board, but also because they worked other channels in the background. They had a flow of conversation open with the San Francisco 49ers ever since the Osa Odighizuwa trade. Previously, they expressed their interest in veteran linebacker , so when they reengaged conversation during the draft, things were able to move quickly.
The Cowboys adjusted their strategy by not panicking after free agency and selecting edge rusher Malachi Lawrence instead of forcing a linebacker pick.
The Cowboys were praised by Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson on the Check the Mic podcast for their handling of the linebacker position.
The Cowboys needed to adjust their strategy due to a lack of starting talent at linebacker after striking out in free agency.
The Cowboys avoided drafting players like Sonny Styles, C.J. Allen, Jacob Rodriguez, and Anthony Hill in the first round.

Carrick highlights the significance of Man Utd vs Liverpool rivalry

De Zerbi insists Spurs aren't relegated yet despite struggles

El Real Madrid cierra una temporada sin tĂtulos, una situaciĂłn no nueva para el club.
Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp set for May 8-9, 2026
Washington Nationals have signed Max Kranick, a former Mets reliever, to a minor league deal.
Bronxville High School Football has announced its 2026 schedule, including a game on September 19.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Adding Winters in exchange for a fifth-round pick allowed the Cowboys to get a plug-and-play starter without burning top draft capital to get it. It gave the Cowboys the power to stick to their board and fill and important need in the process. It was basically a master class in draft day discipline and offseason contingency plans.
As luck would have it, Jaishawn Barham would fall to the Cowboys in the third round. The Michigan edge rusher was a projected inside linebacker by the Cowboys coaching staff and offered exceptional value to Dallas at pick No. 92.
Under normal circumstances Barham might have been a gamble given his questionable experience inside. But with a veteran like Winters plugged in ahead of him, the Cowboys can bring the rookie along slowly, keeping the big picture in mind. Again, Winters allowed the Cowboys to stick to their board and not draft solely on who can help the most on Day 1.
Cowboys fans will tell you the inside linebacker spot is far from perfect and could still use additional personnel. But as far as how the Cowboys handled linebacker during the offseason, the Cowboys showed âgood processâ in their restraint, discipline and adaptability.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys praised for âgood processâ in trade-and-draft LB strategy