Dallas Cowboys Quietly Confident With FA Acquisitions

Cedric Thornton, Defensive Tackle

For what feels like forever, the Cowboys have been crying out for an upgrade on defensive tackle Nick Hayden. Tyrone Crawford played through injury last season and the lack of talent through the middle of the defensive line was apparent.

Recruiting former Eagle Cedric Thornton in a year where the draft pool is deep with defensive tackle talent is something of a strange decision time wise. The Cowboys however are confident in using Thornton across the defensive line; with versatility a prerequisite of playing under Rod Marinelli.

"“We definitely see him as an interior player, but in their scheme he’s played all along their defensive line. You see him play as a zero nose, you see him play as a shade nose, you see him play as a three (technique), you see him play as an end in their 3-4 alignment. He’s been a guy who has a number of different things. They’ve had a couple different schemes since he’s been there so you’ve see him align along that defensive line and have different roles. Again, excited to have him here. He plays the right way. He’s the right kind of guy, so we think he can help our team.” Jason Garrett"

An undrafted free agent in 2011, in four years in Philadelphia Thornton was a regular starter appearing in 61 games, making 120 tackles and four sacks. Playing inside the sack numbers aren’t a concern and Garrett noted the physicality the 6-6, 299lbs man brings to the team.

"“He plays the right way, he’s productive, he’s active, he’s physical”"

Next: Alfred Morris