3 players who will have the biggest impact on the Cowboys' season
Each week, theScore will go division by division, highlighting which three players' performances will most impact their team's season in 2017.
Taco Charlton
The Cowboys' recent gambles on pass-rushers of late haven't paid off. Randy Gregory's career appears to be over after he reportedly failed a seventh drug test, and David Irving is reportedly facing a four-game PED ban to start the season.
In short, the Cowboys need a pass-rusher to emerge, and they need it now. Charlton is raw, but he'll need to adjust to the NFL quickly as Dallas doesn't have the depth to hide him on the bench.
Charlton has all the athleticism in the world, and the Cowboys are in desperate need of some difference-makers on defense.
Dez Bryant
Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott continuing their rookie form in 2017 is obviously vital to the Cowboys' success, but Dallas needs the other member of its star offensive trio to regain his All-Pro form.
Bryant has missed 10 games over the past two seasons, and while the likes of Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams have emerged as legitimate threats in his absence, the Cowboys' passing game needs Bryant firing on all cylinders.
The receiver has shown how dominant he can be, catching 88 passes for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014 - his third straight season of elite production before the injury problems of the last two years. A healthy and motivated Bryant should have the rest of the NFC East sweating.
La'el Collins
For the first time in recent memory, arguably the league's most dominant offensive line enters the season with concerns.
Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin remain among the best at their respective positions, but the line lost key veterans Doug Free and Ronald Leary this offseason. Collins is set to take over at right tackle, and there's sure to be some growing pains from the switch. Chaz Green is expected to slot in at left guard.
Collins is supremely talented and could help extend the Cowboys' streak of dominance on the offensive line if he can fulfill his potential. But he could also weaken Dallas' main strength if the transition to right tackle is a difficult one.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)