The Dallas Cowboys must up-grade this position on the D-line

On the defensive line the Dallas Cowboys really only have one NEED they should address this offseason and that’s the role of the 3-technique under tackle

The Dallas Cowboys enter the offseason with multiple needs that must be addressed. Depending on who you speak to around Cowboys Nation, those needs will vary significantly. One area that seems to divide fans, is regarding the primary need on the defensive line

Recency bias has caused many of us to list a run-stuffing defensive tackle as the unit’s top need. It’s a little understandable given the way in which the Dallas Cowboys were dispatched from the playoffs this January.

In the divisional round, the Los Angeles Rams ran all over the Dallas D, totaling 273 rushing yards on 48 carries for a back-breaking 5.7 YPC. They moved the ball at will, even converting multiple first downs in the closing minutes to ice the game and prevent Dak Prescott from mounting one of his signature comebacks. It was a brutal and uncharacteristic way for the Dallas Cowboys’ season to end.

Luckily that game was an anomaly.

For the season the Dallas Cowboys only allowed 3.9 yards per carry (5th in the NFL). Led primarily by Antwaun Woods at the 1-technique, they effectively shut down opposing running games all season long. And that’s Rod Marinelli’s style. Every year he brings in a collection of orphan players and turns them into a highly effective unit. Last season was just another example of it.

The defensive line positions the Dallas Cowboys like to invest in are the ones that penetrate. The edge rushers and the under tackle are the pass-rushers on this defense and the ones the Cowboys are likely to invest in.

Since the average offensive passing play adds 0.25 in expected points where the average run just adds 0.06 expected points, it makes sense the Dallas Cowboys prioritize stopping the pass over the run. It doesn’t exactly explain Dallas’ primitive run-heavy offense, but that’s a topic for another day.

State of the D-Line

We all expect DeMarcus Lawrence to re-sign with Dallas this offseason so the starting LDE is locked down for the next five seasons. Randy Gregory had an amazing comeback season and heads into 2019 with legit double-digit sack potential – locking down the starting RDE spot for the foreseeable future. Behind those gents are primarily Taco Charlton and Dorance Armstrong Nothing flashy but depth nonetheless).

It’s inside where the waters get murky. Maliek Collins is in the final year of his deal. Injuries have slowed his development and while he’s flashed potential at both tackle spots, he’s done nothing to indicate he’s the future there. Caraun Reid (assuming he’s re-signed) and Daniel Ross round out the depth – again, not exactly future starting material there.

Given the need, Tyrone Crawford (DT/DE) will probably play one more season with the Cowboys in 2019, but beyond that he’s likely to be released.

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With the future inside in doubt, under tackle is likely the chief concern heading into free agency and the draft. Years of data tell us Rod Marinelli will make the 1-tech DT work with whatever parts he can find laying around (Plus Woods is still under contract).