How Dan Quinn and the Cowboys front office can fix the defense

Defensive Line

The Cowboys have a simple fix to this defensive line but it always seems to be abandoned at the last minute. The Cowboys can probably get away with what they have on the outside with DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory but it is the interior of the defensive line that I am worried about.

The Cowboys have had good luck with regards to getting their three-technique figured out. For those of you who don’t understand, the three is usually a smaller quicker defensive tackle that is asked to generate penetration and try and destroy the play before it begins. Trysten Hill is a man I believe is capable of doing that.

Neville Gallimore is also a person who fits that role but he is more like the NBA’s combo-guard who can support both roles. I also think that the team will attempt to bring back Gerald McCoy who can definitely do that but he has already seen his best days.

The one technique is the big space-occupying bodies the Dallas Cowboys desperately need. Antwaun Woods is good at this because he has a relentless motor but would benefit from having a true nose guard to follow.

The Dallas Cowboys have sat out the first wave of free agency lately but they could make a splash by poaching one of their rivals’ two free-agent defensive tackles. I believe that New York Giants one technique Dalvin Tomlinson could be the big body the Cowboys currently lack.

Tomlinson doesn’t give you much in the pass-rush department but is an above-average run defender that would allow the linebackers to move freely and make tackles. Definitely not a sexy signee but one that would pay immediate dividends.

The Giant’s other tackle is non-other than Leonard Williams who is longer and thinner than most interior lineman but has an equally impressive run defense resume but provides a lot more pass-rushing ability than Tomlinson. Dealers choice if you ask me.

New Orleans Saints often injured but impressive defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins fits the bill as well as Denver Broncos run-stuffer, Shelby Harris. Both will dent the salary cap a bit but when this team has zero issues paying Tyrone Crawford $9 million this past year, addressing the need with money is a no-brainer.

I dismissed the defensive end category a bit earlier but a defensive end that is not currently on the roster that feels like a great fit is Washington’s defensive end, Ryan Kerrigan. Kerrigan is a lunch pail player that would form a dangerous rotation amongst the current group.

The theme is quite obvious by hurting a divisional rival while upgrading your own team.