(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 tackle Christian Covington.)
How He Got Here: A Vancouver native, Covington has spent the last few years playing football in Texas: first at Rice, then the Houston Texans (2015-18) and now the Cowboys, who signed him to a one-year deal in March. He appeared in 50 games (nine starts) for the Texans over four seasons, posting 65 tackles, 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Bet You Didn't Know: Thousands of miles away in the Pacific Northwest, Covington actually grew up watching the Cowboys, his parents' favorite team when he was a kid. His father, Grover, played 11 years with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and set the CFL record for sacks, eventually making the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. "I've been around football all my life," Christian said. "He was my D-Line coach growing up. He coached at my high school. He taught me everything I know."
Quotable: "We thought he would fit our scheme coming out (of college) and then he went to Houston, played in a 3-4 and gained some weight. But we like his attitude. He's lost 30 pounds and he's ready to play in our scheme." -Cowboys defensive tackles coach Leon Lett
Role/Roster Chances: For years, Covington was an underrated contributor in the Texans' productive pass rush. The 310-pounder played defensive end in their 3-4 system, but he's much more experienced as a tackle in the Cowboys' 4-3 style of defense. He rehabbed a calf injury during offseason workouts but is expected to return to practice in training camp and work into a tackle rotation that includes returning veterans Maliek Collins, Antwaun Woods and Tyrone Crawford.
Bryan Broaddus' Take: As excited as I was about the trade for Robert Quinn and addition of Randall Cobb, the signing of Christian Covington is just as intriguing. Fans don't know much about Covington's play, but you're sure about to find out. I was surprised that the Texans let him walk after studying his play. The Texans are an outstanding pass rushing unit and Covington was a big part of that. With all the line stunts they ran to free guys up, Covington was helping get those stunts home. His power/athletic movement allowed guys like J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney the free runs they had at quarterbacks. This guy is not just some slug inside player that occupies blocks. His ability to push the pocket is impressive, and I expect he'll do the same for DeMarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn this season.
