Dallas Cowboys: 5 midseason breakout candidates
Maliek Collins, Defensive Tackle
A third-round selection in the now famous Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft, which included the likes of running back Ezekiel Elliott, linebacker Jaylon Smith, quarterback Dak Prescott; defensive tackle Maliek Collins emerged as a surprise impact player his rookie season.
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Collins was second on the team with 5.0 sacks in 2016 and touted as one of the fastest defensive tackles, snap to sack, via Next Gen Stats.
There were high expectations for the Cowboys interior defender his second season, but Collins struggled as a 16-game starter. He was forced to play out of position at the one-technique/nose tackle due to injuries, a sudden retirement and the suspension of fellow defensive tackle David Irving.
In his second season, Collins would record 22 total tackles and only 2.5 sacks. In January, the 23-year old had surgery on his left foot. Collins ended up breaking that very same foot during OTA’s in May, forcing him to miss most of training camp and the entire preseason.
Collins returned Week One and recorded his first sack of the season in a loss to the Carolina Panthers. But a knee injury forced him to the sidelines once again. Upon his return in Week Six, Collins racked up his second sack of the season.
As long as he can remain healthy, Maliek Collins is once again becoming the disruptive force we witnessed during his rookie season in Dallas. Look for his play to improve as his health improves.