(Editor's Note: With training camp just around the corner, let's get to know 30 Cowboys players – from rookies to established veterans – who are new to the current 90-man roster. Today we continue the series with defensive lineman Daniel Wise.)
How He Got Here: The Cowboys were ecstatic to sign Wise as a rookie free agent in May because they had a draftable grade on the Dallas-area native and former Kansas standout. Daniel was a first-team All-Big 12 selection each of the last two years. In four seasons with the Jayhawks, he posted 17 sacks and a whopping 43 tackles for loss.
Bet You Didn't Know: Wise played high school football in Carrollton, Texas, just up the road from The Star. He's now the third member of his family to reach the NFL. His brother, Deatrich Jr., won a Super Bowl with the Patriots last season. His father, Deatrich – also a defensive lineman – got drafted by the Seahawks in 1988 and has been in coaching for over 25 years, including as an assistant with the AFL's Dallas Desperados in the 2000s. Daniel calls his dad "my coach throughout life. I have so many memories growing up with him. He's always in coach mode, always teaching."
Quotable: "We liked his movement, his toughness, his competitiveness (at Kansas), and he's showing it. He's been showing up pretty good. Can't wait to get him into pads and get going." - Cowboys defensive tackles coach Leon Lett during minicamp in June
Bryan Broaddus' Take: The first thing you notice about his game is his initial quickness. Can get off the ball in a hurry. Plays with some pop in his hands. Will shock/jolt the blocker. There is some violence to his game which I respect. Can win his share of one-on-one battles. Powerful player. Was one of those guys that showed up in OTAs/minicamp – when battling with guys at his level, was consistently making things happen. Plays with brute strength. Uses it both as a pass rusher and run defender. Needs to develop more pass rush moves. Some late bend. Moves and runs well. Will run down plays. Chases plays all over the field. Might be one of those guys that when he steps up in weight class battling Zack Martin/Travis Frederick, he shows up like Antwaun Woods did last year.
Role/Roster Chances: Wise is listed as a defensive end on the 90-man roster but likely fits best as an under tackle in the Cowboys' 4-3 scheme. He worked with the backups in OTAs and minicamp. Although the defensive line depth chart looks stacked – second-round pick Trysten Hill and free agent signing Christian Covington also add to a bolstered interior defensive line – Wise will have a chance to show what he can do in Oxnard and the preseason games.
