Randy Gregory, the former Nebraska defensive end/outside linebacker, who is considered to be a top 10 talent by most draft experts fell to the Dallas Cowboys in the second round as the 60th overall pick.
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According to Around the NFL Editor Gregg Rosenthal, Randy Gregory tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine, and was late to pre-draft interviews, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. NFL Media's Albert Breer and Rapoport also reported that there were concerns about Randy Gregory's ability to handle the "mental rigors" of professional football. Randy Gregory was the final player in the green room in Chicago to be taken.
Randy Gregory, who had a "heart to heart" conversation with Jones for about 40 minutes, also discussed taking marijuana for anxiety, saying "Hopefully (pro football) will be so much fun I won't even have to go down that road."
Dallas Cowboy defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is used to dealing with players with problems and he should work well with Randy Gregory. He will hold him accountable and be tough on him, while also showing him lots of love and encouragement.
The Cowboys coaches and staff are experienced at working with players that have issues off the field. Dez Bryant also has had his share of problems off the field, but the Cowboys have been able to keep him on the field and performing as one of the best receivers in the NFL.
The Cowboys also had success with Rolando McClain, who had basically retired from football while a member of the Raiders and had lost his love for football. But, you put him with Marinelli and the Cowboys and he was extremely successful this past season. McClain was the main reason the Cowboys defense was so much improved.
The success the Cowboys have had with Bryant and McClain probably helped them pull the trigger on Randy Gregory.
Dallas was one of the worst teams in the league rushing the passer last year, and they have addressed that need aggressively this offseason. In first-round cornerback Byron Jones and Randy Gregory, they have also dramatically improved the athleticism of their defense.
The Cowboys also added former Carolina Panther defensive end Greg Hardy, but has now learned that he will be suspended for the first 10 games of this upcoming season for several violations of league rules.
DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys second round draft pick from Boise State last year came on strong at the end of last year. He had two key sacks in their playoff win versus the Detroit Lions, including the game winner.
The Cowboys should be excited about the defensive end tandem of Lawrence and Randy Gregory for the next several years. Those two should really be able to get after the quarterback for years to come.