Dallas Cowboys training camp battle predictions
By Brad Austin
1-TECHNIQUE DEFENSIVE TACKLE (Winner: Paea)
The departure of Terrell McClain left a big hole at 1-technique defensive tackle.
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Cedric Thornton will get the first crack, but his 2016 performance left much to be desired. While we may see improvement, it won’t hold off challengers.
Dallas signed Stephen Paea in free agency to offest McClain’s loss. He was a former player for Marinelli in Chicago’s 4-3 defense.
During his first four years in the 4-3, Paea was a disruptive force with 40 starts.
His final season (2014) in the Bears defense ended with six sacks. While playing the last two seasons out of position in the 3-4, his impact fell off.
He’s now reunited with his old mentor and back playing his natural spot. Paea will turn heads and resurrect a starting role in Dallas.