Cowboys owner Jerry Jones knows what he wants this offseason, and it's fun to shout it out loud.
Jones did just that on ESPN Dallas 103.3's J Dub City last week.
"If I have a chance to bring one of these premier pass rushers, one of these war daddies that takes two to block, if I have a chance to get a player like that, I would," Jones said, via the Dallas Morning News.
Why does Jones want a "war daddy" so badly? The Cowboys ranked 13th in the NFL in sacks last season, but team leader Benson Mayowa had 6.0 sacks. Jones, predictably, wants more pressure on the quarterback.
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If it's a pass rusher Jones wants, then there are several options through either the 2017 NFL Draft or free agency.
Here's a look at those 12 options and how attainable they would be for Jones and the Cowboys.
2017 NFL Draft
1. Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Garrett, considered by many the favorite to be the No. 1 pick by the Browns in the draft, already asked Jones to trade up. At 6-5 and 270 pounds, Garrett is exactly the "war daddy" Jones covets, but he would cost the Cowboys a lot of picks. Would Jones be this bold?
2. Jonathan Allen, DE/DT, Alabama
Allen is a combo defensive lineman who was recruited as a linebacker but dominated as a defensive end and defensive tackle for Alabama the past few seasons. He's arguably the most versatile pass rusher in the draft, but drafting him also would require Dallas moving up the board.
3. Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Thomas is yet another top 10-caliber pass rusher in this draft, and he might be the best bargain. Thomas' dominant performance in the Sun Bowl is a reminder of that talent, and he has the potential to move up. He has a high ceiling after a 14-sack season in 2016, but the price again will require trading up.
4. Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
Foster isn't the pass rusher Jones is looking for, but he's a thumper and a linebacker around which a defense can build. Foster is a vicious hitter who compiled 115 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. He gives a unit a nasty persona. Alabama linebackers have a history of that at the next level, and teaming Foster with Sean Lee (and possibly Jaylon Smith) would be fun.
5. Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan
Charlton improved with each season at Michigan and had 13.5 sacks as a senior. He dominated with 14.5 tackles and 3.5 sacks in losses to Ohio State and Florida State to end the season. He was remarkable in those games. There's a lot of upside here.
6. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
Barnett broke Reggie White's career sack record at Tennessee and plays with a disposition that will serve him well at the NFL level. Of all the pass rushers in this year's draft, Barnett might be scrutinized most at the Combine. He's a playmaker who will have something to prove if he slips to Dallas.
7. Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
Dallas fans who watch the Big 12 are familiar with this potential pick. Willis could be available at this point, and he is an underrated prospect with the same high ceiling as some of the other elite pass rushers. He had 11.5 sacks last season and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2016.
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Free agency
1. Chandler Jones, DE/LB, Arizona
Jones' versatility is a plus, and he's coming off a season in which he had 11.0 sacks. He fits regardless of scheme and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. This would be the fit, and he'll be 27 next season. Jones still has a lot of production left.
2. Melvin Ingram, OLB, Los Angeles Chargers
Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer likes Ingram as the best outside linebacker on the market, and the 2012 first-rounder has 18.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles over the past two seasons. He's worth a look.
3. Kawann Short, DT, Carolina
Short requires double-teams on the interior but can still be disruptive. He has 17 sacks over the past two seasons and was dominant in 2015 during Carolina's run to Super Bowl 50. He just turned 28 and would be an interesting addition.
4. Calais Campbell, DE/DT, Arizona
Campbell will be 31 next season, but he has required double-teams for years. He's 6-8 and 282 pounds and fits the mold of a player who will continue to flourish in Dallas. Campbell has never been a double-digit sack guy, but he can open that opportunity up for other pass rushers.
5. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants
Pierre-Paul had seven sacks for New York in 2016 and is still effective off the edge. He might not be a 16.5-sack player anymore, but you never know what a change of scenery in the same division might unlock. JPP still has game and won't be as expensive as some of the other options. It's bold. It's right up Jones' alley.
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