The Dallas Cowboys could have tremendous depth along their defensive front next season if all of their players are available, but they will not know the status of Aldon Smith or Randy Gregory before they have to decide what to do in the NFL Draft.
Neither Smith nor Gregory will be reinstated by the NFL prior to the start of the draft next Thursday, ESPN’s Ed Werder reports. That doesn’t necessarily mean one or both will miss the start of the 2020 season, but it leaves the possibility open. Obviously, that could make things slightly more complicated for the Cowboys in the draft.
Source: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is not expected to decide whether to reinstate #Cowboys pass-rushers Aldon Smith and Randy Gregory in advance of next week’s NFL draft. So uncertainty will remain as team prioritizes prospects after losing Robert Quinn to the #Bears.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 15, 2020
Just as they knew the risk they were taking when they drafted Gregory, the Cowboys knew Smith’s status would be up in the air. The former first-round pick has not played in the NFL since 2015 due to a suspension. He applied for reinstatement in 2016 but was turned down, but the Cowboys are reportedly confident he is going to be reinstated in the near future.
The Cowboys also expect Gregory to be reinstated, especially since the new collective bargaining agreement is more lenient with marijuana use. Gregory has failed multiple drug tests dating back to the NFL Combine in 2015 and has missed two full seasons because of it.
Smith has not played in the NFL since 2015 due to suspensions, and he has been in trouble with the law numerous times. Both he and Gregory have tremendous potential if they can keep their heads on straight.
