Dallas Cowboys: The future of the three technique

If Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman David Irving’s suspension all but officially ends his tenure with the team, how will the franchise replace him?

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman David Irving was coming into this offseason looking to solidify his position as a pillar of the defense. With a second-round tender acting as a one-year prove-it deal, it was up to Irving to seize the moment and follow through on an opportunity of a lifetime.

However, an offseason of sporadic training, false domestic violence accusations, custody battles, missed substance abuse tests and a subsequent four-game suspension have all but squandered that opportunity. While Irving should have 12 games or more to change the Cowboys coaching staff’s collective mind, it seems unlikely he will do so.

So what does that say about the future of the three-technique position?

I believe the team was already very skeptical of Irving’s drive and focus, and was already half-ready to part ways with him. The unfortunate events of this offseason seem to seal the deal. Because of this, it seems like the team has guys on the roster it believes can not only fill the void, but display the level of commitment and reliability head coach Jason Garrett preaches about.

Going into this season, the team looked to have a four-man rotation of Irving, Jihad Ward, Maliek Collins, and Brian Price. With three of those guys being natural three’s, one would either be forced into an unnatural role or relegated to less playing time. With Irving gone, the rotation becomes a little more clear.

Collins was a 2016 third round pick out of Nebraska. He came on in his rookie year with five sacks and showed nice burst and explosion from the three-technique position. Going into 2017, many believed Collins would take the next step and maybe even have a Pro Bowl caliber campaign.

But a season spent playing out of position as the one technique after lineman Stephen Paea‘s exit and with foot injuries stifling his growth, 2017 did not go as expected. Collins showed how impactful he could be at the three, it seems as though its time he gets the starting role there in the future.

Though Price is more of a traditional one technique, his presence will have a real impact on how the rest of the interior tackles play. In 2017, Price came over from the Green Bay Packers practice squad and did a good job in the games he played. He played well enough for the team to sign him to a two-year deal. His presence gives the Cowboys the type of one technique they want and frees up the responsibility from others.

With him manning the one technique on a consistent two-down basis, this frees up either Ward or Collins to man more three-technique responsibilities. Assuming Collins wins the starting job, it will be him and Price as the two tackles on first and second down. So where does Jihad Ward factor in?

Ward is an Irving clone physically at 6-foot-6, 295 pounds. He has the quick burst and length to be the gap penetrator the team is looking for.

On passing situations where the team is using four down lineman, Price would exit the game and Collins would slide in as the one technique with Ward entering as a dangerous pass rush option at the three. In passing situations where the defense employs three down lineman, both Price and Collins would be out of the game with Ward manning the sole inside position usually meant for Irving.

With hybrid guys like defensive linemen Datone Jones and Taco Charlton playing some pass rush reps at the three as well, and Ward getting reps as a lateral movement one technique; the interior defensive rotation has some talent to it.

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Assuming these players play to their potential, this rotation has the chance to be quick and disruptive. Though they lack an immovable centerpiece, the team has repeatedly said they are not interested in a classic two-down tackle. Even though Price plays the role, he has the quickness and instincts to play the three as well.

If this rotation proves to be productive without David Irving, it will be the cherry on top of a disappointing 2018 for the struggling defender.