The Dallas Cowboys defensive line better than last season?
Players Added
The Cowboys knew they needed to add weapons along their defensive line, and did so in free agency and the NFL draft. I was very pleased with what they did.
They wanted cheaper options, and that is what they got. I would even say they got quality at a bargain price. Let’s look into them.
The Cowboys brought over teammates from the Carolina Panthers in Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy. In them, Dallas gets a run stuffer and an impact lineman.
Poe has been a great run stuffer in the NFL since being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. While he only has 30+ tackles in two seasons, he is known to stand his ground and prevent running lanes.
He has two Pro Bowls to his name, although they were back in 2013 and 2014. He has played steadily since, and his run-stuffing game is something the Cowboys need.
McCoy is a solid lineman that can stop the run while punishing the opposing quarterback. He has had at least 5.0 sacks in every season since 2012, and at least 30 tackles in six of his nine seasons.
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The former third overall pick is a six-time Pro Bowler (2012-2017) and a one-time first-team All-Pro. While his play has dropped since his 2013 All-Pro season, he has still been a solid contributor. Certainly good enough to make an impact for Dallas.
Owner Jerry Jones was contemplating if he should draft defensive tackle Neville Gallimore in the second round but chose someone else. When he was still available in the third, drafting him was a no-brainer.
He has had a very good college career topping at least 40 tackles twice and at least 5.0 sacks twice. The athletic freak might not be an immediate impact but has the potential to carve out a role by the end of the season or next season.
Another high potential defensive lineman was drafted in Bradlee Anae. He is known for being a workhorse defensive end that is always playing at 150 percent.
The fifth-round pick just finished a great season with the Utah Utes. He totaled 13.0 sacks and 41 tackles, after getting 7.5 sacks and 47 tackles in 2018.
Former first-team All-Pro, Aldon Smith, was signed and reinstated into the NFL after a four-year absence due to suspension. While there is no telling how good he will be after being away for that long, he has shown he can be a star player when on the field.