5 Questions still facing the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line

The Dallas Cowboys are entering training camp with many questions concerning their defensive line. Here are five questions I’m interested in answering this preseason

Training camp is starting to warm up for the Dallas Cowboys. The pads are on and the contact is picking up. We’ve finally reached the time where we can evaluate the defensive line.

While every position unit faces their own questions this preseason, the defensive line may be facing the most. Without an established star to anchor the unit, the Cowboys will be relying on a rotation of fresh bodies to shut down the run and hurry the passer.

Speaking of hurrying the passer – that happens to be the underlying message in almost all of these questions…

Which Cowboys player will establish himself as the right defensive end on the nickel line?

I spoke relentlessly about upgrading the pass-rush this offseason. Lack of it resulted in the two most recent postseason losses, and failure to correct it would likely yield the same outcome. Since “war daddies” are about as rare a find as a mild-mannered New York Giants fan, situational rushers became the target this offseason. Specifically a pass-rusher to fit the right defensive end spot in the nickel defensive line.

While many players are competing for snaps at RDE, three players stand out as competition for this situational role: Charles Tapper, Damontre Moore, and Benson Mayowa. I’m watching intently who gets the snaps here and how they do in those opportunities.

Will David Irving be a moving piece or will he find a home somewhere?

David Irving has been the Dallas Cowboys’ most imposing weapon the past season+. Playing in a rotation, Rod Marinelli has lined him up a variety of different ways. Will that continue or will the Cowboys try to find a permanent home for Irving? He’s definitely going to play inside on the nickel line but will he stick to LDE for all other situations?

How many defensive tackles will the Cowboys keep?

The Dallas Cowboys seem committed to keeping an abnormal number of defensive ends, but how many tackles will they keep? With players like David Irving, Taco Charlton, and Tyrone Crawford who can play inside and outside, the Cowboys may go light on tackles who can only play inside.

We know for a fact Maliek Collins has a spot because he’s so darn good. We also know Cedric Thornton has a spot because he will cost too much to cut. Roughly 10 days into camp we can say with confidence that Stephen Paea has won a roster spot. He’s not only an accomplished 1-tech, but he’s also proven himself as a viable fill-in for Collins at the 3-tech.

But what about Joey Ivie and Jordan Carroll? It’s likely Dallas will only keep 10 linemen, meaning neither of these guys may remain on the team once David Irving returns from suspension.

I’m looking for position flex to decide who stays. If these guys can prove to be effective at under tackle as well as nose tackle, the Cowboys can probably keep one. I’m watching who lines up where as camp progresses because I know it will be position flex that will ultimately decide who and how many DTs make the team.

Where will Taco Charlton fit into everything?

Taco Charlton was drafted for his ability to play right defensive end. So far in camp he’s getting more looks at left end. His best place this season will probably be inside at tackle in the nickel defensive line. But this early in his first training camp, it’s really just all speculation.

Taco could find a grove and claim a spot any day. He’s big and athletic enough to do so. I’m curious to see what reps he gets and where. If he can show proficiency at any particular spot, expect the Cowboys to nurture and develop him there.

Is there anyone who can consistently create pressure on obvious passing downs?

This falls in line with the first question because if the Cowboys can find someone able to consistently apply pressure on obvious passing downs, they’ll likely have that man to play the RDE on their nickel line.

Aaron Rodgers beat the Cowboys with the absence of a running game. The Cowboys knew the Packers were throwing the ball every play, yet they couldn’t do anything to stop it. If an offense telegraphs their intentions like that, the defense should win almost every time. But the Cowboys didn’t have anyone capable of pinning his ears back and rushing the passer. The result was a loss. And that result will repeat itself if the Cowboys can’t make opponents pay for being one-dimensional.

Next: Cowboys don't need Taco to be a star...yet.

It’s these five questions I’m asking in Cowboys Camp. And it’s these questions I’m going to be looking to answer in these preseason games. Pay close attention Thursday night to the defensive line. Unlike the offensive line and secondary, there are still a ton of questions that need answering.

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