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The Dallas Cowboys have used a cookie-cutter approach to the offseason for some time now, predicated on getting to the draft without a glaring need on the roster. However, this plan has glossed over what was once a promising group of defensive tackles that’s already been depleted this offseason.
The 3T position is a critical spot in Rod Marinelli’s defense, and even with Kris Richard taking over the play calling duties, the Cowboys would benefit greatly from having a consistent pass rusher at this spot, and Dallas seems to need to grab one via the 2019 NFL draft.
Tyrone Crawford, Maliek Collins, Daniel Ross, and Taco Charlton are internal options for the Cowboys. With Crawford excelling as the jack of all trades on the Cowboys line, his overall impact at DT has been limited – with Dallas still lacking in the defensive end depth needed to keep Crawford off the edge.
Collins and Ross have both been disruptive players at times, but neither are ideal starters at 3T, better in rotation with a pass rusher the Cowboys could add through the draft.
Kerry Hyder and Christian Covington are the only additions so far to a Cowboys defensive line that’s lost David Irving and Randy Gregory to an indefinite suspension.
The Cowboys latest activity in the second wave of free agency includes some bigger names than usual, with Robert Quinn in trade talks with the club and Malik McDowell taking a free agency visit.
Still, the best way for the Cowboys to build on being 16th in sacks, fifth in rushing yards allowed per game, and 12th in pass yards allowed is to add at defensive tackle in the draft.
Already addressing wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, and linebacker in free agency, the Cowboys should turn their attention towards these defensive linemen that could be available with the 58th overall pick.
Gerald Willis, Miami
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
6-foot-2, 302 pounds
A confirmed pre-draft visitor of the Cowboys, Willis generated 18 tackles for loss and four sacks at Miami this season. A powerful rusher who gives guards problems with his change of direction ability and strong hands, Willis is rarely washed out of a play with a nose for the football against the run.
Using a swim move to disengage from blockers on his way to the quarterback, Willis is a downhill player that doesn’t lose momentum transitioning between rush moves. Winning with leverage and a sharp first step come naturally for this rangy defender.
Willis would fit the Cowboys herd mentality on defense very well, never giving up on a play as he transitions between both the 1T and 3T positions to make plays.
Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
6-foot-5, 271 pounds
With 45 sacks over a remarkable four-year career at LA Tech, Jaylon Ferguson is a pass rush specialist ready to help any team at the next level. Ferguson put up 17.5 sacks in 13 games this season, and is another of the Cowboys confirmed visits.
Much more of an edge rusher than a projected defensive tackle, the Cowboys interest in Ferguson highlights their need for pass rush up and down the line. Putting Ferguson on the field with linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith suddenly gives the Cowboys an unrivaled amount of athleticism in the front seven.
Ferguson is a quick-twitch rusher, bending the corner at lightning speed with long strides to close on the quarterback. Ferguson uses his length very well, keeping blockers at bay with long arms and polished rush moves to create a small blocking surface area.
The Cowboys have been relatively concrete when it comes to filling their defensive line with specific molds at all four spots. Expanding their search for pure pass rushing skills and relying on their current depth at DT is one plan of action should a player like Ferguson fall to them.
Ferguson had a catastrophic Pro Day performance on Tuesday, but his tape (albeit at a lower level) certainly confirms he has the ability to produce as he’s college football’s career sack leader. Would a move inside, where his lack of agility would have less impact than on the edge, allow Ferguson to be his best pro self?
Charles Omenihu, Texas
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
6-foot-5, 280 pounds
A local option for the Cowboys to add an athletic presence at defensive tackle is Omenihu, who was featured all over the Longhorns front in 2018 with 9.5 sacks to show for it.
Omenihu isn’t a finished product as an interior defender, but has all the traits for the Cowboys to develop into a top-tier pass rusher. Creating penetration comes easily for Omenihu, getting on blockers quickly with a physical frame and overpowering them at the point of attack.
The best position for Omenihu to continue developing is likely 3T, where the Cowboys have the most immediate need for an energetic player like Omenihu. Similarly to Maliek Collins, this is a player who can contribute right away as a first-year defender in Dallas thanks to his stature.
Star Gazing
The Cowboys search for improvements at DT feels like a trip down a beaten path, mostly because it is. At this position more than others, the Cowboys have realized the negative effects of searching for discount free agents and high upside/high risk players.
What’s left is an average group of players that could desperately use an infusion of top talent available in the draft. Of course, the Cowboys are without a first-round pick after trading for Amari Cooper.
This makes the need for an impact player at No. 58 even more crucial, with the potential value from Willis, Ferguson, or Omenihu being a worthy investment on the defensive line.
Gallery
Cowboys 7-round Mock Draft: March 15, 2019
Continue reading...
The 3T position is a critical spot in Rod Marinelli’s defense, and even with Kris Richard taking over the play calling duties, the Cowboys would benefit greatly from having a consistent pass rusher at this spot, and Dallas seems to need to grab one via the 2019 NFL draft.
Tyrone Crawford, Maliek Collins, Daniel Ross, and Taco Charlton are internal options for the Cowboys. With Crawford excelling as the jack of all trades on the Cowboys line, his overall impact at DT has been limited – with Dallas still lacking in the defensive end depth needed to keep Crawford off the edge.
Collins and Ross have both been disruptive players at times, but neither are ideal starters at 3T, better in rotation with a pass rusher the Cowboys could add through the draft.
Kerry Hyder and Christian Covington are the only additions so far to a Cowboys defensive line that’s lost David Irving and Randy Gregory to an indefinite suspension.
The Cowboys latest activity in the second wave of free agency includes some bigger names than usual, with Robert Quinn in trade talks with the club and Malik McDowell taking a free agency visit.
Still, the best way for the Cowboys to build on being 16th in sacks, fifth in rushing yards allowed per game, and 12th in pass yards allowed is to add at defensive tackle in the draft.
Already addressing wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, and linebacker in free agency, the Cowboys should turn their attention towards these defensive linemen that could be available with the 58th overall pick.
Gerald Willis, Miami
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
6-foot-2, 302 pounds
A confirmed pre-draft visitor of the Cowboys, Willis generated 18 tackles for loss and four sacks at Miami this season. A powerful rusher who gives guards problems with his change of direction ability and strong hands, Willis is rarely washed out of a play with a nose for the football against the run.
Using a swim move to disengage from blockers on his way to the quarterback, Willis is a downhill player that doesn’t lose momentum transitioning between rush moves. Winning with leverage and a sharp first step come naturally for this rangy defender.
Willis would fit the Cowboys herd mentality on defense very well, never giving up on a play as he transitions between both the 1T and 3T positions to make plays.
Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
6-foot-5, 271 pounds
With 45 sacks over a remarkable four-year career at LA Tech, Jaylon Ferguson is a pass rush specialist ready to help any team at the next level. Ferguson put up 17.5 sacks in 13 games this season, and is another of the Cowboys confirmed visits.
Much more of an edge rusher than a projected defensive tackle, the Cowboys interest in Ferguson highlights their need for pass rush up and down the line. Putting Ferguson on the field with linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith suddenly gives the Cowboys an unrivaled amount of athleticism in the front seven.
Ferguson is a quick-twitch rusher, bending the corner at lightning speed with long strides to close on the quarterback. Ferguson uses his length very well, keeping blockers at bay with long arms and polished rush moves to create a small blocking surface area.
The Cowboys have been relatively concrete when it comes to filling their defensive line with specific molds at all four spots. Expanding their search for pure pass rushing skills and relying on their current depth at DT is one plan of action should a player like Ferguson fall to them.
Ferguson had a catastrophic Pro Day performance on Tuesday, but his tape (albeit at a lower level) certainly confirms he has the ability to produce as he’s college football’s career sack leader. Would a move inside, where his lack of agility would have less impact than on the edge, allow Ferguson to be his best pro self?
Charles Omenihu, Texas
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
6-foot-5, 280 pounds
A local option for the Cowboys to add an athletic presence at defensive tackle is Omenihu, who was featured all over the Longhorns front in 2018 with 9.5 sacks to show for it.
Omenihu isn’t a finished product as an interior defender, but has all the traits for the Cowboys to develop into a top-tier pass rusher. Creating penetration comes easily for Omenihu, getting on blockers quickly with a physical frame and overpowering them at the point of attack.
The best position for Omenihu to continue developing is likely 3T, where the Cowboys have the most immediate need for an energetic player like Omenihu. Similarly to Maliek Collins, this is a player who can contribute right away as a first-year defender in Dallas thanks to his stature.
Star Gazing
The Cowboys search for improvements at DT feels like a trip down a beaten path, mostly because it is. At this position more than others, the Cowboys have realized the negative effects of searching for discount free agents and high upside/high risk players.
What’s left is an average group of players that could desperately use an infusion of top talent available in the draft. Of course, the Cowboys are without a first-round pick after trading for Amari Cooper.
This makes the need for an impact player at No. 58 even more crucial, with the potential value from Willis, Ferguson, or Omenihu being a worthy investment on the defensive line.
Gallery
Cowboys 7-round Mock Draft: March 15, 2019
Continue reading...