FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys have surged through the final weeks of the season, winning four of their last five games with two left on the schedule. Despite this upstart stretch, they are still in need of considerable help if they hope to compete at the top of the NFC once again.
That mission should start with extending Micah Parsons who has led the charge of the Cowboys' fight in recent weeks. Exploring other options on the free agent market would not hurt either.
Really where the Cowboys must be successful is the NFL Draft. They may not make their first selection in the top 10 but will still have a picking of some very lucrative talent. Some have locked in Boise State star and Frisco, Texas, native Ashton Jeanty to Dallas, others see an opportunity for the Cowboys to lock in another star wide receiver.
But another option could be revitalizing their pass rush and getting Parsons some help on the defensive side. For such reasons, Ian Valentino of the 33rd Team has tabbed All-American linebacker Jalon Walker to the Cowboys with the 14th pick.
Walker will be one of the more coveted defensive prospects come April and should fall outside the top 10 where the Cowboys will be waiting. Walker has 6.5 sacks for the Georgia Bulldogs this season, tied for the most on that defense.
Like Parsons, Walker is a linebacker who can play off the edge and get after the quarterback. The question is do the Cowboys need a player of that skillset on this defense?
Longtime defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will likely leave for free agency in the offseason. Sam Williams should return next season after tearing his ACL in the summer while Chauncey Golston has filled in well in reserve and Marshawn Kneeland is a developing prospect for the team.
The Cowboys have solid options already in the locker room, but Walker would be a significant upgrade with the reputation he brings. Additionally, Parsons' hint at taking a potential pay cut could incline the Cowboys to give him a boost on the defensive side.
