Cowboys Draft: This Combo Defensive Lineman in Round 4
By Reid Hanson
The Cowboys find themselves with needs all over the field this offseason. Finding another DT capable of playing next to, and in place of, Tyrone Crawford is must.
The Cowboys must address the defensive line with multiple picks in the NFL Draft this April. If the Cowboys want to add an interior defensive lineman in the middle rounds, Notre Dame standout Sheldon Day may be the answer.
Sheldon Day is a polished interior lineman capable of playing both 1-gap and 2-gap defense. The former Irish team leader can stand up against the run as well as split the gap and crash the backfield.
It’s no secret that Cowboys defensive coordinator, Rod Marinelli, doesn’t like to use high draft picks on 1-technique defensive tackles. He values the position but considers it an “effort” position rather than a “talent” position. That’s why Sheldon Day would have to prove to be more than just a traditional 1-technique DT to be worthy of a valuable draft pick.
Slatted to go in the middle rounds had he declared for the draft in 2015, Day decided to return to school to compete for a National Championship. He did just that, anchoring a defensive line that made plays and covered gaps, allowing all-world LB Jaylon Smith to be the best in the college ranks.
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It’s that kind of play that will pair nicely with Tyrone Crawford at DT and keep Sean Lee and Rolando McClain clean to make plays all over the field.
Day isn’t a typical “plugger” but rather an agile athlete able to make splash plays in the backfield. Not nearly the dynamic force that Andrew Billings is, Sheldon Day is still more than your average DT.
With his 2-gap abilities and 1-gap specialty, Day can play both DT spots in a 4-3 and also a 5 technique DE in a 3-4.
Related Story: 1-Gap vs 2-Gap Defense: Cowboys on the Chalkboard
Sheldon Day has edge ability and can also operate in small spaces in the middle. He’s not a dominant force against the run or double-teams, but he can certainly hold his own and offers abnormal athleticism given his build.
He’s a versatile and safe pick with a high floor and modest ceiling. In other words, Sheldon Day is the perfect middle round pick if you’re searching for a guaranteed contributor and high character player.
Watch his film and you can see his explosiveness off the snap and low pad level against blockers. He doesn’t physically dominate but he holds his ground and makes opponents pay the moment they let up. He’s a perfect Rod Marinelli guy and a Jason Garrett right kinda guy (RKG) that would be a leader on this young line from Day 1.
The Dallas Cowboys have taken some gambles in middle rounds and lost. Sheldon Day in round four (or a trade-back in late three) would be a smart, safe selection and an upgrade to the depth and rotation at the both DT spots as well as DE.
Next: Cowboys Draft: This Game Changer on the D-Line in the 2nd Round?
With high picks in each round, it is imperative that the Cowboys walk away with at least three immediate starters from this April’s draft. One position group with both need and opportunity is the defensive line. Day can play at virtually any defensive line spot and could easily be a heavy contributor from day 1.