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NFL Power Rankings: 2017 Pre-NFL Draft Look at All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talks with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) on the sideline during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talks with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) on the sideline during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Cowboys. 5. team. 123. . 13-3.

If the Dallas Cowboys’ 2016 mantra was the offense protecting the defense, the same theory would have to apply tenfold this season.

A number of free-agent departures, especially within the secondary, force us to drop Dallas down a spot in our NFL power rankings. Gone are the likes of defensive backs Morris Claiborne, Barry Church and Brandon Carr.

Up front, the Cowboys need to move on from disappointing defensive end Randy Gregory, who will likely never meet his expectation level.

The good news is this NFL Draft has plenty of options from which to choose. Dallas can focus either on its defensive front or its secondary and not have to worry too much about either value or reaching.

On top of that, the Cowboys are set on offense for a long time. Quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott are the new faces for this storied franchise, and both should be expected to carry the load well enough throughout 2017.

Dallas may be a bit weaker on defense this season. But the Cowboys should still be fine enough to retain their spot atop the NFC East.