Dallas Cowboys Draft: 10 Defensive Tackles and their Potential Fit

Khalen Saunders, Western Illinois

What’s Good: Agility, Run Defense, Size, Back flips

What Ain’t Good: Strength, Burst, Instincts, Weaker Competition

One viral back flip and Saunders has now become everyone’s favorite third round pick. (Literally everyone who’s created a mock draft will have Khalen Saunders in the third) The athleticism and size are there but Saunders has more work to do before he can become a regular starting lineman in this league.

At Western Illinois, he was there nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. His skills will be able to translate to a 4-3 defense if he’s still playing as a nose tackle. This is where he might not fit the Cowboys scheme. Traditionally, the Cowboys don’t give much value to their defensive tackles and this applies more to the 1 technique tackle. The idea that the Cowboys would draft Saunders in the 3rd or 4th round doesn’t make much sense given how well Antwaun Woods played last year.

Saunders looks like a solid run defender because of his agility and his size. His ability to change direction while stuffing his body into holes makes him a lethal weapon in the run game. However, his lack of power and burst in the passing game doesn’t help him get passed the center or guard guarding him.

In addition, Saunders played against FCS talent. If he was significantly better than the competition he faced, he might be more deserving of the hype he is getting, but offensive linemen had an easier time blocking him than expected.

Saunders is very much a developmental talent at this point in his career and selecting him in the third round is a reach for any team. Given that the Cowboys are in a more win now mode, Saunders just doesn’t fit the timeline of this team.