Dallas Cowboys sign a run-stuffing defensive tackle
The Dallas Cowboys take another flier on a one-technique defensive tackle, signing former Tennessee Titan Antwaun Woods on Wednesday.
One area of real concern for the Dallas Cowboys right now is defensive tackle. Last year’s starters, Maliek Collins and David Irving are currently missing from OTA’s.
Collins is recovering from a broken foot, his third lower leg injury in as many years in Dallas. He is not expected to return until sometime during training camp. As for Irving, he apparently arrived at OTA’s out of shape, which is surprising for a player on a one-year deal looking for a long-term extension.
Beyond Collins and Irving, the Cowboys have used a shotgun blast approach to the position, adding a bunch of unknown names to the roster hoping someone special emerges. Dallas notoriously devalues the defensive tackle position, especially at the one-technique. The team simply feels impactful players at that position can be found anywhere.
The current depth chart at defensive tackle in Dallas is peppered with long-shots, draft busts and fliers. Kind of like that movie The Replacements.
Players like Jihad Ward, Brian Price, Datone Jones, Daniel Ross, Lewis Neal and Richard Ash all seem to blur together as a group that outside of Ward, struggled to gain any traction last season.
In fact, the Cowboys were lackluster against the run when Pro Bowl linebacker Sean Lee wasn’t on the field. That’s a direct result of not having consistent play at defensive tackle position. And this interior group (not including the starters) wasn’t very effective as pass rushers either, as only Jones and Ross managed to record sacks last season (one a piece).
Despite a lack of depth at the position, Dallas refused to draft a single defensive tackle this year despite owning 10 picks. Instead, they continue to fish for hidden gems in a sea of free agent prospects.
On Wednesday, the Cowboys reeled in their latest catch, signing former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Antwaun Woods. Undrafted out of USC in 2016, the 6-1, 318 pound Woods is an undersized one-technique best described as a quick, high-motored refrigerator with arms.
During his senior year with the Trojans, Woods recorded 41 total tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks earning himself First Team All-Pac 12 honors. The now 25-year old has appeared in only one regular season game during his NFL career, recording three tackles in that contest.
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Antwaun Woods is just the latest in a long-line of long-shots the Dallas Cowboys have thrown at their defensive tackle needs, hoping someone sticks. At some point, you have to think they’ll find the right fit at some point. Until then, the Cowboys seems more than satisfied to keep on fishing.