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Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft: A defensive lineman in each round

By Lauren Draper-Wood

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet, NFL shield, stage, and podium before the start of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Jason Fanaika (51) reaches for the ball as Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Jordan Gehrke (7) throws a pass during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Jason Fanaika (51) reaches for the ball as Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Jordan Gehrke (7) throws a pass during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

ROUND 5

Jason Fanaika is a man worth rooting for. His path to the NFL and even college football has been far from straight forward. His college career began way back in 2010 where he played two years for Utah State. He then left to embark on a church missionary, but this was disrupted when he learnt his father was battling cancer. Fanaika returned home to help support his mum and siblings. Just short of a year later he joined Utah. Red-shirting in 2013, he eventually played 24 games in two years and had 65 tackles (20 for a loss), 9 sacks and an interception.

He looks a monster of a man, and could reportedly squat 830lbs. He tackles with a real thump, using those rangy arms to fight off blocks and bring his opponent down. The size and core strength allow him to be an effective bull rusher. Yet his size doesn’t limit him athletically and he appears quicker than you’d expect. A reliable member of the defense who won’t sway from his duties – you’ll rarely see him out of position.

"Fanaika is powerful and surprisingly athletic but he lacks elite length, flexibility and speed to consistently beat NFL offensive tackles off the edge. – Rob Rang, CBS Sports"

His future in the NFL will largely depend upon who drafts him and what position they want him to play. He’s not the quick twitch defender capable of winning on the edge consistently. Moving inside would probably bring the best from Fanaika, but he would need to get into shape – as he looked heavy and lethargic at times in 2015.

Next: Dallas Defensive Line Depth in Round 6

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