Quote:Fine.  Why don't they simply get a DE from "Pass Rushers R Us" and be done with it?

 

Why not simply get a Boselli class LT off the pass protector tree in the back?

 

It doesn't work that way.

 

Jimmy Johnson is considered one of the best talent evaluators/drafters in the last 30 years.  He had the aftermath of the Herschel Walker, Steve Walsh, and several other trades to work with to build the team, and this was during the era of 12 round drafts.  he took over a 3-13 team in 1989, and it STILL took him three drafts to get Dallas to the playoffs (and that was with guys like Nate Newton, Kevin Gogan, Michael Irvin, and ken Norton, Jr, already on the roster).

 

Yes, Caldwell has the advantage of unfettered free agency to help that JJ didn't have, but there was still no way to force/entice players to come here.  Besides teams typically retaining the true difference makers for the most part, many free agents aren't going to be inclined to come into a situation where they are bound to lose if they can help it.