Dallas Cowboys: 5 players that must step up in 2021
Trysten Hill - DT. 2. player. 123. . .
After being drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, interior lineman Trysten Hill did not get many opportunities. Then defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli gave the rookie only 121 snaps all season. In his defense, Hill was only 21-years-old and a raw player.
Last season was supposed to be the year for him to step up and become a starter for the Dallas Cowboys. Nolan gave the sophomore more responsibilities every week. Hill finally got the opportunity to play and prove he was worth being a second-round pick.
Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in Week 5. That derailed his season early after averaging just over two tackles and one pressure per game.
Dallas needs a defensive lineman to step up this season. They have yet to add another interior lineman to takeover starting snaps through free agency. Drafting another lineman is likely, but they probably won’t be ready to be an immediate starter.
Dallas needs help in their secondary and could use their first and second-round picks to do that. The possibility of tight end Kyle Pitts’ availability at tenth overall is also a tempting route. That means the Cowboys may end up drafting an interior lineman with one of their two third-round picks.
In 2020 third-round pick Neville Gallimore, Dallas has a high-motor run-stuffer. His rookie season was solid, but more is needed, especially as a pass-rusher.
Hill is the go-to guy for the Dallas Cowboys right now. That is unless owner Jerry Jones decides to draft an interior lineman tenth overall and shock everyone.
Even if that is the case, Trysten Hill needs to take a step up to solidify the interior defensive line. For too long, the Cowboys failed to prevent opposing teams from running down the middle.
Their linebackers saved them in previous seasons, but last seasons’ atrociousness exposed a critical issue on the team. Hill’s improved play will help settle the longtime problem.