Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft: A defensive lineman in each round

ROUND 2

In 2015, Florida’s Jonathan Bullard had the top PFF grade against the run among interior defensive linemen. Last year the Cowboys ranked 22nd in rush yards against, allowing 1931 yards and 16 touchdowns (the 5th highest in the league). Bullard would be a disruptive presence from inside that Dallas line.

Bullard’s a tough, powerful player who at 6’3” and 285lbs certainly has the room to pack on some more pounds if required. The strength he plays with is evident in the lack of yards racked up against him; NFL.com note that half of his tackles gained two yards or less and was credited with 17.5 tackles for loss. He’s a clean tackler, wrapping up his players and finishing hard.

Opting to stay in college for his senior year looks to have been absolutely the right decision. Statistically he near doubled his career stats, playing without doubt the finest year of his young career. In his 47 games for the Gators he player right across the defensive line; either end and along the inside- another versatile player who could perform within a 3-4 or 4-3 system.

"Defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard looked phenomenal in drills, displaying tremendous athleticism, agility and power. He was able to bend, displayed violent punch with his hands and easily moved about the field. Bullard met with the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans. – Tony Pauline, TFY Draft Insider"

The versatility he displays could also be considered an area of weakness however, what position he plays long term remains to be seen but he hasn’t truly dominated in one spot as of yet. Despite being a good athlete, he doesn’t bend the edge at the defensive end position, therefore an inside spot could be a better fit.

He has a tendency to overrun tackles in his keenness to make plays and his hands need some refinement, but these are areas of technique that can be improved with coaching and there’s no

Bullard certainly has the talent to be considered by some teams in the first round. If the Cowboys don’t address the defensive line with that pick at 4, then looking to Bullard in the second round would be a fine idea. A player who slot in immediately.

"“Don’t be surprised if Jonathan Bullard is the best end to come out of this draft. He played tackle and end at Florida, but he’s ideally suited for the end in a 40 front with a rare combination of great athleticism and he is truly country strong” NFC Scout, Pro Football Weekly Draft Guide"

Next: Dallas Defensive Line Depth in Round 3