DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The "Playmaker" Michael Irvin says the Cowboys' plans for the 2021 NFL Draft should include defense, defense, defense, and more defense.
Irvin said Thursday on 105.3 The Fan that the Cowboys have to pick defensive players with their first four picks in April's draft.
"That's a good question. Because I have so much invested in the offensive line right now, I couldn't do it right now," Irvin said when asked about the potential of drafting Tyron Smith's replacement in the first round. "My first-rounder has to be a defensive player. My second-rounder has to be a defensive player. My third-rounder has to be a defensive player. My fourth-rounder has to be - you gotta get somebody on that defense, and we gotta get cheap labor. I [want to] get cheap labor on that defense because we got so much invested on that offense. So, I can't go, even if that tackle is there, I just can't do it. I have to go find help on the defensive line, on that defensive side of the football field."
Despite Irvin's belief that the Cowboys need to go heavy on defense with their draft picks, he also believes that Dallas needs the right personalities to fit the defense in order to select a certain player.
"Even if I go get someone in free agency, I'm not going to be able to get the top guys because [the Cowboys are strapped financially]. Defense is about the rally cry, 'everybody, this is what we are.' It's about hustle, it's about want-to, it's about desire, it's about connectivity. We have to be smart. And when I say we, I'm talking the Dallas Cowboys. We have to say, 'let me go find physical talent that I can put on the football field. But I have to make sure I find the right personalities to build the right defense with.'"
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The Cowboys have yet to make a decision on if defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will return next season. Nolan was in charge of arguably the worst defense in the history of the franchise. His unit allowed a franchise-record 473 points and the second-most yards in Cowboys history (6,183).