Dallas Cowboys: 4 players who could make the pass-rush dominant in ‘18

24-years-old

6’7” 290lbs

Key Stat: Averaging .833 sacks per game

Unless you’re a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, you probably don’t know about David Irving. He seems to be flying under everyone’s radar right now, but that won’t last for long. His injury plagued 2017 season kept him out of the stat column and into a make-or-break situation here in 2018.

As mentioned above in “key stats”, Irving is averaging .833 sacks per game (10 sacks over the last 12 games). If you project that out over a 16-game season, that would be over 13 sacks in season. A tremendous number for a defensive tackle – more than even Aaron Donald has ever accrued over a single season.

Alas, injuries, specifically, a concussion, kept him from realizing that spectacular season total. It’s also kept casual football fans from knowing about the Dallas Cowboys best kept secret.

Like Tank Lawrence, Irving is on a one-year deal. With 2018 being make-or-break for the enormous 3-technique DT, you can bet he’ll be extra motivated to perform this season. Granted, it’s mildly troubling he’s shown up at minicamp overweight and out of shape, but with so much to gain, it’s hard to believe he won’t be 100 percent by the time the regular season gets close.

With David Irving leading the way at Rod Marinelli’s most important position on the defensive line (3-tech under tackle), he will be in prime position to explode in 2018.

With both him and Tank realistically gathering over a dozen sacks each next season, the Cowboys would be well-positioned to be a top team in sacks. Now for two more players who could potentially put them over the top…