Dallas Cowboys: 4 intriguing storylines from training camp

Defensive tackle situation might be a mystery for a while …

A week ago, many Cowboys fans were still mourning the loss of perennial Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. (I know I was.)

Since then, however, encouraging reports about second year D-tackle Trysten Hill have begun to trickle in. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula said he’s been tickled to death with Trysten and how hard he’s working, mentally and physically.

Tickled to death? That sounds good, right? On the other hand, Tomsula is new to the Cowboys, so we don’t know if he has a propensity for telling tall tales.

Meanwhile, however, we’ve heard next to nothing about rookie third-round-pick D-lineman Neville Gallimore, and we’ve heard more from recently signed nose tackle Dontari Poe about kneeling during the national anthem than about actual, you know, football.

The gigantic (346-pound) lineman’s been on the PUP list. He’s supposed to be due back soon, but hasn’t seen the field yet. And then, there’s Antwaun Woods, the backup nose tackle/one-technique, who’s been pretty good over the last few years, but held out for most of the offseason.

Finally, if all that wasn’t enough, Tyrone Crawford could end up starting at the three-technique spot, because apparently, the man can play any position on the defensive line. He’s returning from season-ending multiple hip injuries in 2019, so no one knows how well he’ll play.

All of this adds up to quite a bit of uncertainty. The defensive tackle group might be fine. In fact, they could surprise us all and be better than average. Both Gallimore and Hill were excellent in college and high draft choices. Plus, Poe is a former Pro Bowler, and Woods was dubbed the human log a few years ago. That sounds good, right?

But still, it would be nice to see something. Alas, we won’t for a while. So really, all we can do is wonder, and think good thoughts.