FRISCO, Texas – In the second week of free agency, we've got some new acquisitions to discuss.
The Cowboys signed veteran defensive lineman Kerry Hyder on Monday, giving them some added depth at a position that has suffered losses in recent weeks.
Having sat down with the tape of Hyder's last season with the Detroit Lions, here's my scouting report on what the Cowboys are getting:
Name: Kerry Hyder
Position: DT
College: Texas Tech
Height: 6-2
Weight: 270
Draft: Undrafted in 2014, signed with New York Jets. Signed with Detroit in 2015.
- Hyder played in seven games for the Lions last season. He missed all of 2017 with an Achilles injury.
- The Lions had him play nose tackle as a nickel rusher – which is honestly not something I'm sure I would do.
- He has good quickness to capture the edge of the blocker. He keeps working hard to get his shoulder past his man.
- The Lions asked him to play head-up techniques, going directly against opposing linemen. In my opinion, he needs to be on the edge where he can use his quickness to his advantage.
- Tends to get caught up on blocks. Playing down the middle is not good for him. Gets banged up with blockers.
- I would like to see him win more one-on-one battles. You will see him struggle with double-team blocks, as well.
- Hyder does a solid job finding the ball in the running game. He will work along the line until he arrives at the ball carrier.
- His effort is good to get to the outside. Doesn't stay in one spot for long. I was impressed with his range.
- He can finish when he gets in position – it just didn't happen as much in his 2018 tape.
- If I had to guess, I think Hyder is going to be a rotational inside player for the Cowboys. I think he's better suited to play the under-tackle than the nose.
