Dallas Cowboys Defensive Ends: Start, Bench, Cut

For the first time in a long time, the Dallas Cowboys are heading to training camp with a significant amount of defensive end depth. Today we are going to play a game of “Start, Bench, Cut” with the back-end of the Cowboys defensive end depth.

The Dallas Cowboys have not been in a better position with their edge defenders for quite some time. Headlining the line is DeMarcus Lawrence, Robert Quinn, Tyrone Crawford, and Randy Gregory assuming he comes back from suspension. While this is generally enough depth on the outside to cause opposing offensive lines problems, the Cowboys have even more depth with Taco Charlton, Dorance Armstrong, rookies Jalen Jelks and Joe Jackson, and free agent Kerry Hyder. (Jelks might be a strong side linebacker but he was primarily a pass rusher at Oregon)

Today’s contestants for “Start, Bench, Cut” will be:

*drum rolls*

Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan

*drum rolls*

Dorance Armstrong, DE, Kansas

*drum rolls*

AND

Kerry Hyder, DE/DT, Texas Tech

*Disclaimer: I expect all three of these guys to make the final 53 in favor of the two rookies, however, we are playing a game and this is an analysis of these three players*

Each individual on this list possess different bodies, strengths, and weaknesses. They have different levels of experience, different production, and different expectations making the choice to either “Start, Bench, and Cut” them a bit tricky. The Cowboys love to have all different types of rushers and edge defenders making these decisions difficult.

For each player, I will present their opening argument, a rebuttal, and on the final slide I will call for the final verdict. First I present the opening argument for the former Red Raider, Kerry Hyder…