LACowboysFan1
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It strikes me as odd many fans here have watched this defense struggle and get gutted by runs up the middle and still feel a talented 1T isn't needed. It amazes me, in fact. True, this is not the only missing piece, but it's an important piece, none the less.
As long as the new dt can rush the passer AND stuff the run, having a "one trick pony" isn't the answer, if you have the big guy in the middle who stuffs the run but can't put pressure on the quarterback, then the quarterback will just step up or hang in the pocket and have lots of time to find open receivers.
Randy White had "officially" 52 sacks, but they didn't count sacks until 1982, he was All Pro 3 times prior to that, obviously he had sacks before that. I think the Cowboys have him at 111, if memory serves. He was one of the dual-purpose DTs. Pretty clear that was a big reason for the team's success during his years in Dallas.
If all you want is a 340-plus "fat guy" in the middle that just stands there, you aren't helping the team as much as it needs, DT-wise.
Problem is those guys aren't plentiful, if you don't get one in the first round doubtful you're going to get one at all...