The Dallas Cowboys top-5 needs in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Reid Hanson
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Dallas Cowboys Draft Need No.4
Defensive Tackle
Defensive tackle was a top-5 need last draft cycle and it’s a top-5 need again today. The good news is it’s not quite as glaring as it once was because the Dallas Cowboys suddenly have a handful of promising prospects developing before our eyes.
Dallas Cowboys 2022 DT Free Agents: Carlos Watkins and Brent Urban
There’s an excellent chance Brent Urban returns to Dallas on a deal similar to his last. The will-be 31-year-old defensive lineman offers position versatility and plays staunchly against the run. Watkins is in a similar situation. He performed admirably last season and won’t break the bank to retain.
Dallas Cowboys core players: Neville Gallimore, Osa Odighizuwa, Trysten Hill
The three young guys listed above are the main reason DT has dropped a touch on the “needs list.” Gallimore played well in both phases of the game and projects as a strong top-2 DT for Dallas next season.
Osa, or “Diggy”, exploded out of the gates for the Dallas Cowboys last season but seemed to fade as the season went on. But what he showed early was enough to get excited about and Diggy very much has top-2 DT starting potential entering the offseason.
Trysten Hill is a wild card. He’s young and talented but not always focused or reliable. Dallas will likely give him another full offseason to take that next step but in no way should they bank on him being a long-term answer.
All indications are the Dallas Cowboys have their two starting defensive tackles on the roster with Gallimore and Osa. But since both are developing and neither are considered blue-chip, there’s room to add an elite player to mix if that’s how things fall.