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Dallas Cowboys 2018 biggest team need: Defensive Tackle?

By Steven Mullenax

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles is pursued by Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 19: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles is pursued by Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter of a football game at AT&T Stadium on November 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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We try to determine what the biggest team need is for the Dallas Cowboys going into the offseason with free agency and the draft still to come.

Following a disappointing 9-7 season where injuries and suspensions played an important role in not returning to the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys have several areas of need to address on their roster. Maybe the biggest issue being a lack of quality depth.

That’s surely the case when it comes the Dallas’ offensive line. The Cowboys lost games last season in great part due to a severe lack of quality depth behind five-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith at left tackle. Address the swing tackle position will be a major focus for Dallas’ front office in the coming weeks.

Despite it’s importance, swing tackle may not even be the offensive line’s biggest need. It could be finding a starter at the left guard position.

Last year, journeyman Jonathan Cooper filled that void after an extended try-out that stretched uncomfortably into the regular season. Unfortunately, Cooper was only on a one-year deal and is currently a free agent. If Dallas is unable to re-sign Cooper, suddenly left guard becomes a major priority.

But all the talk right now seems to be about the future of wide receiver Dez Bryant in Dallas. With Bryant and the Cowboys front office heading for a possible impasse when it comes to his massive contract, this team could be in desperate need for a playmaking wide out soon. So is wide receiver potentially Dallas’ biggest need this offseason?

According to one football analytics website, it’s actually defensive tackle.

"“Dallas was very strong on the edge this season, but inside is where that defense was weak and lacked a real impact playmaker,” wrote Sam Monson for Pro Football Focus. “Free agency isn’t overburdened with quality interior players, so the draft is where Dallas needs to focus.”"

Manning the middle of the defensive line are 2016 third round selection Maliek Collins and current restricted free agent David Irving. Collins had a bit of a down season in his second year, but flashed Pro Bowl ability as a rookie. Irving played just eight games in 2017 due to injury and a suspension for PEDs. But he also racked up an incredible 7.0 sacks in that limited time.

Both Irving and Collins are expected to be major contributors for Dallas in 2018. Behind them on the depth chart are relative unknowns in Richard Ash, Daniel Ross and Lewis Neal. But what the Cowboys really need is a space-eater, a true one-technique defensive tackle who can plug interior running lanes and provide consistent pressure on the quarterback.

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Names like Washington’s Vita Vea and Michigan’s Maurice Hurst have been identified as possible defensive tackle targets for the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. But I think the Cowboys believe they can find suitable prospects for this position in the later rounds.

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