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Dallas Cowboys: Three possible sleepers for 2017

By Carl Daley

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: David Irving #95 and Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys sack Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 18: David Irving #95 and Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys sack Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys will have several players looking to step up for veterans who left the team during free agency. Here are some sleepers for 2017.

ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 18: David Irving #95 and Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys sack Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 18: David Irving #95 and Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys sack Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Cowboys will have several players who could potentially be in for big seasons that may are not seeing as much coverage as a certain rookie tandem from 2016.

All of these defenders are expected to be heavily involved in the future of the team as these are several young players who likely did not/have not gotten a chance to play a snap in the NFL.

These players are ready to be young reliable options for the Cowboys as the team’s defense is looking to turn a corner.

Maliek Collins, Defensive Tackle

Collins is my favorite to have the biggest impact as his versatility could prove vital to the team’s success. He finished the season with the second most sacks of any player on the roster with five total.

He had foot surgery during the summer and by the time Week One came around only had five preseason snaps total. Finally healthy and participating in all offseason workouts and training camp, Collins should shine in what should be a big season for the second year player.

With no dominant pass rusher on this roster, Collins could carve out a significant role for himself. There will be plenty of competition along the defensive line that could bring out the best in some of the team’s younger pass rushers.

The Cowboys pass rush will need to be productive earlier on in the season as the team has several tough matchups against the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and a date with the Arizona Cardinals.

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