Dallas Cowboys: Six Mid-Round Draft Successes

Aug 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive tackle D.J. Fluker (76) and guard Johnnie Troutman (63) block Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrone Crawford | DL | Round 3 | 2012

Despite being diagnosed with a heart murmur during the 2012 NFL combine, the Cowboys still opted to draft Tyrone Crawford out of Boise State in the third round of the draft. In Rob Ryan’s defense he had a rotational role at both end positions. He finished his rookie year having played 303 snaps with 19 tackles.

Heading into 2013 Crawford was expected to feature more, but a torn achilles during training camp left him on injured reserve for the year. With such a vast turnaround of personnel on defense for the 2014 season Crawford made a welcome return. Heading into the year coaches and fans alike felt he could contribute, but nobody saw him being so significant to the teams successes.

Absent for just one game of the season, Crawford played 739 snaps left and right defensive tackle and end. His versatility didn’t restrict him. He led the team in quarterback hits (12) and had 4 sacks and made 24 tackles. He topped the teams defensive rankings on PFF by a distance with a score of 17.8 compared to second placed Rolando McClain’s 13.9.

If the Cowboys address the defensive line and pass rushing threat as expected through free agency and the draft then Crawford could find himself a more settled role in the side. His production will likely diminish but that’s (hopefully!) because the Cowboys have a consistent dominating pass rushing threat.

Next: Round 3: 2014's Runaway MVP