The Landry Hat
Fansided

Dallas Cowboys: 5 trades we’d love to see America’s Team make

By Steven Mullenax

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets is seen during the second half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 30, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets is seen during the second half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 30, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

Damon Harrison, DT – Detroit Lions

Speaking of a position the Cowboys traditionally undervalue, let’s talk about defensive tackle. Specifically, the one-technique or the nose tackle position. The player most responsible for stopping the run along the defensive line.

You’ll undoubtedly see the Cowboys and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli spend endless resources trying to find a perfect three-technique or under tackle for Dallas’ defensive scheme.

According to Marinelli, that position is the engine that makes his Tampa-2 defensive scheme run. Hence, you’ll have the Cowboys sign several pass-rushing defensive tackles or drafting players like UCF’s Trysten Hill with the team’s top selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.

But you’ll see far less love for the one-tech, nose tackle. It’s one of the reasons why an undrafted rookie from 2016 who was signed by the Cowboys last offseason, Antwaun Woods, currently has the starting role. It might just be the last position of concern for this coaching staff along the entire defense. (Although safety seems to be a close second)

The truth is the Cowboys have adopted the attitude that just about any player off the street can play the one-technique defensive tackle position in this defense. Of course, when Woods went out with a knee injury for three games this season, Dallas struggled to stop the run allowing a total of 309 rushing yards.

The Cowboys know all about Damon “Snacks” Harrison from his time with their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants. The Giants traded Harrison to the Detroit Lions last offseason and it turned the Motor City’s defense around. The 30-year old held out during OTAs and minicamp in an attempt to get a contract extension despite still having two years left on his current deal.

Harrison ended up getting his wish as the Lions agree to give him a one-year, $11 million extension prior to the start of the regular season. And although the 6-foot-3, 350-pound defensive tackle has struggled early this year, there is still not a more feared run-stopper in the entire NFL.

Detroit is currently in the basement of the NFC North with a 3-3-1 record. And they recently traded away starting safety Quandre Diggs to the Seattle Seahawks for next to nothing. If the team is in sell mode, the Cowboys should try to buy Harrison.

But again, we’re not sure Dallas cares enough about the position to trade for someone like Harrison. Yet, Snacks is a player we’d still love to see with the Star on the side of his massive helmet.

Home/Cowboys News