Dallas Cowboys: Who will be the second leading sacker in 2019?
By Reid Hanson
DE/DT Tyrone Crawford
Tyrone Crawford is likely to gain the most from Quinn’s early absence. And considering the poor offensive tackles he’s about to face the first three games of the season, it’s safe to say Craw’s going to get out to an early lead on this race for second.
Now Crawford hasn’t exactly been the pass-rusher the Dallas Cowboys were hoping for when they signed him to that massive extension a few years back, but he’s been stable and his position flex ensures he’s going to get on the field a lot.
Last season, Craw played 732 snaps, second only to Tank on the D-line (snap counts per Pro Football Focus). The fact that he gets the second most opportunities certainly plays to his favor. But considering Craw has never logged more than 5.5 sacks in a season, I’m not betting on him either.
Maliek Collins
Maliek is someone I’ve been touting for months. Even before he started flashing in Cowboys Camp, Collins was primed for a breakout season in 2019. First, is his contract situation. A soon-to-be free agent, Collins is looking to cash in big this year. Never underestimate the impact of a contract year.
Second, he’s finally healthy. Collins led his class in interior pass-rushing production as a rookie, but he’s failed to stay healthy ever since. Collins is finally healthy this season allowing him to build on that great rookie season that everyone seems to overlook. Really, it was one of the best rookie seasons we’ve seen from an interior lineman in a very long time.
Third, Collins will be the primary under tackle. Sure, Craw will move inside from time to time, but Collins is set to dominate snaps at Marinelli’s most important pass-rushing spot. Rookie Trysten Hill surely won’t be stealing many snaps. For my money, Collins has to be the favorite get the second most sacks this season. Unless something happens with this guy…