NFC Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Panthers

Cowboys

Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said this season is a “big year” for DL Taco Charlton and he must “step up” given he has not earned a starting role. 

“Taco obviously hasn’t made his way into the starting lineup yet. He had a (shoulder) injury last year, which set him back,” Jones said, via 105.3 The Fan. “He didn’t necessarily come back as strong as he did before he got hurt. So, this is a big year for Taco to step up. We certainly need him with our defensive front.”

Giants

• Ralph Vacchiano of SNY writes that the Cardinals’ price tag on QB Josh Rosen and their willingness to trade him could alter the Giants’ plans to select a quarterback in the 2019 NFL Draft. 
• Vacchiano adds that the Giants’ draft strategy is a “clouded mystery” after GM Dave Gettleman said, “I’m not going there,” when asked if Rosen’s availability changes their strategy. 
• Vacchiano, citing a source, reports that the Giants did not have Rosen as their highest-ranked quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft, but it is unclear how they grade him compared to this year’s class. 
• According to Vacchiano, the Giants’ “biggest concern” with Rosen is his personality and says he came off as “arrogant” in public settings. 
• Gettleman mentioned that a quarterback’s personality is a big factor in what they are looking for: “Being a quarterback of a team in this type of market is a load. It’s a mental load. It’s more than just looking at a guy’s physical talent. It’s about his makeup. You have to have a mental toughness about you to play the position here in New York.”
• Gettleman would not comment on the Giants’ level of urgency in finding a quarterback this offseason: “If you put a lot of pressure on it, you’re going to make a mistake. You ask me how urgent do I feel that we need to (find a quarterback)? I’m not going to put a level on it.“

Panthers

Panthers HC Ron Rivera said he expects CB Rashaan Gaulden to compete for the vacant starting free safety job, but they also value his versatility. 

“The guy who can give you the versatility is probably going to be Rashaan, and we have to give him every opportunity to find out if (big nickel) is a home place for him,” said Rivera, via the Charlotte Observer.