Dallas Cowboys: 5 biggest questions circling the defense

#4. What is happening at defensive tackle?

One of the bigger questions all offseason has been about the defensive tackle position on this team. Last year, a platoon of unknowns like Brian Price, Richard Ash and Daniel Ross were all part of this roster in an attempt to add some quality depth at this position.

Still, the Cowboys don’t appear to have themselves a true difference maker at the one technique position. And with the foot injury recently suffered by third-year defensive tackle Maliek Collins, the fact starter David Irving played just eight games last season (injury, suspension) and the recent rejection by former free agent defender Terrell McClain; Dallas seems stuck in the unfavorable position of likely having a sequel of last season in the middle of their defensive line.

The Cowboys were terrible against the run without linebacker Sean Lee on the field. That is in part due to the team lacking an effective run-stopper within the interior of their D-line. But the truth is, Dallas has devalued the position of a true one-tech for years.

Whether that is due to the fact the Cowboys believe they can find adequate play on the cheap and/or they overvalue position flexibility (i.e. an over-tackle with under-tackle traits), Dallas seems lackadaisical to address the need.

For now it appears the Cowboys are more than satisfied to keep throwing fringe players at the position, hoping someone sticks.