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Dallas Cowboys: Ranking NFC East defenses by position

By Brad Austin

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by defensive end Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys, defensive tackle Maliek Collins #96 and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by defensive end Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys, defensive tackle Maliek Collins #96 and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by defensive end Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys, defensive tackle Maliek Collins #96 and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by defensive end Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys, defensive tackle Maliek Collins #96 and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Cowboys were not especially active adding new defensive players. Have new faces influenced NFC East defensive rankings?

Last week, I broke down the Dallas Cowboys offensive rankings inside the NFC East division. This edition will focus on Dallas’ pecking order among the defensive groups.

The loss of versatile linebacker Anthony Hitchens in free agency may leave a mark. Kyle Wilber departs the same position group without anyone in Dallas losing sleep.

Corner Orlando Scandrick‘s departure to division rival Washington is a good thing. Here’s hoping they’re bold enough to leave Scandrick over Cole Beasley in the slot.

While Dallas only used three of ten draft picks on defense, they also added three new faces to the front seven through free agency and a trade.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the NFC East defensive rankings by position.

4-3 TACKLES / 3-4 NOSE & ENDS

  1. Philadelphia (Fletcher Cox, Timmy Jernigan, Haloti Ngata)
  2. Dallas (David Irving, Maliek Collins, Jihad Ward)
  3. New York (Damon Harrison, Dalvin Tomlinson, B.J. Hill)
  4. Washington (Ziggy Hood, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen)

Analysis: The Eagles top ranked run defense was fueled by a stout interior. Cox made the last three Pro Bowls and 340 pound space eater Ngata was signed to help clog the middle.

As long as Irving is playing, Dallas has an interior pocket rusher like few others. Collins’ injury issues will open a window for new addition Ward. Talk about an odd sight…6’5, 295 and 6’7, 290 lined up together inside.

Snacks Harrison keeps the Giants interior a force to reckon with. Rookie B.J. Hill may make some noise. A pair of Alabama stars could lift Washington’s last place rush defense.

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