Dallas Cowboys: Three internal replacements for David Irving at the 3-tech

With another suspension on the horizon, David Irving’s future with the Dallas Cowboys is now seriously in doubt. So here are three internal replacements for both short and possibly long-term.

The 3-technique defensive tackle is one of the most important positions on this Dallas Cowboys defense. It’s this Rod Marinelli “under tackle” that’s responsible for providing the majority of the pressure up the middle. And given how sparingly the Cowboys blitz, it’s imperative they fill that role with a dominant player.

Many of us had high (no pun intended) hopes for David Irving. The 24-year old disrupter stands 6’7”, has a wingspan of over seven feet. Simply said, he’s as naturally gifted as any interior linemen in this league. But in the wake of his four-game suspension it’s clear, Irving is a man that cannot be trusted to build around – no matter how talented he is.

This isn’t to say David Irving is done in Dallas. No, he’s far too dominant to be kicked to the curb. The Cowboys will wait this out and get him on the field as soon as they can. But what’s clear is David Irving is no longer a player they can factor into their long-term future.

The Dallas Cowboys obviously need to find a player capable of playing the 3-tech role in Weeks 1-4, but they also must start their search for a long term solution. Lucky for them, there are a few intriguing internal options. And a couple of them may surprise you.

Here are three players that could help in both the short-term and the long-term at the 3-tech defensive tackle.