(Editor's Note: With the NFL Draft fast approaching, DallasCowboys.com is taking a comprehensive look at each position on the roster: free agency additions, departures, and what the draft might hold. Today, we begin the series with defensive tackle.)
Need Meter (1 lowest, 5 highest): 3
Depth Check: Normally, if a team signed a pair of veteran defensive tackles, including a six-time Pro Bowler, there wouldn't be a strong need to address the same position during the draft. But this might be an exception to the rule. Certainly, the additions of both Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe – a couple of former first-round picks, will bolster the middle of the defensive line. And it seems as if the Cowboys are looking for a different type of tackle, especially with Poe's playing weight always around 350 pounds. But after those two, there are some question marks. Antwaun Woods has not been signed and Trysten Hill was a non-factor in his rookie season, despite being the team's top overall pick. The Cowboys could stand to gain some depth inside, especially since Poe and McCoy seems to be more of a short-term fix.
Prospect Preview: One name that keeps getting linked to the Cowboys is South Carolina's Javon Kinlaw, a freakishly-gifted athlete who figures to be gone before the team picks at No. 17. But Kinlaw has rare size (6-5/315) to match his athleticism and could be a force in the middle of any team, regardless of scheme. The Cowboys had a virtual meeting with Auburn's Marlon Davidson, who has some position flex to play both end and tackle. Alabama's Raekwon Davis (6-7, 311) was also another player the Cowboys visited during this process and could provide some beef inside as well.
Memorable Pick: How about the first one in team history? The Cowboys had the 13th overall pick in 1961, their first year to participate in the regular NFL Draft. And while he might have been a local player from TCU, Bob Lilly turned out to be an outstanding pick. Nicknamed "Mr. Cowboy," Lilly was an All-Decade player both in the 1960s and 70s and was the first Cowboys player inducted into their Ring of Honor. He still is tied for the team record with 11 Pro Bowl selections, along with Jason Witten.
Series Schedule
- Monday, April 13 – Quarterback
- Tuesday, April 14 – Running Back
- Wednesday, April 15 – Wide Receiver
- Thursday, April 16 – Tight End
- Friday, April 17 – Offensive Line
- Sunday, April 19 – Defensive End
- Monday, April 20 – Defensive Tackle
- Tuesday, April 21 – Linebacker
- Wednesday, April 22 – Cornerback
- Thursday, April 23 – Safety
