[tps_title]Defensive End/Tackle Tyrone Crawford[/tps_title]
Tyrone Crawford has become somewhat of a man without a position for Rod Marinelli’s defense – despite being one of their highest paid players. Signed to a massive extension prior to 2016, the Cowboys’ projected starter at 3T DT was in line to have a big season.
The strength of Dallas’ defensive line was on the interior at tackle, which was supposed to only set up Crawford for more dominance as a pass rusher and run stopper. Instead, this depth at DT phased Crawford away from his natural position, instead seeing him become the new starter at a position of much greater need – defensive end.
Now, I am in no way saying that just because Tyrone Crawford may be a new body at defensive end, the Cowboys do not have to address the position (and pass rush overall) early in the 2017 draft.
If Dallas does view Crawford as a part of the rotation at LDE though, they may look to add to their depth on the interior. The main reason the Cowboys were able to move Crawford to the outside was because of rookie Maliek Collins’ presence inside at 3T, and the sky is truly the limit for a player in Collins that made huge splashes as a rookie despite missing most of training camp.
Collins’ “backup” would likely be David Irving if in fact Crawford is fixated at DE, which gives the Cowboys two really solid DTs along with free-agent-to-be Terrell McClain and Cedric Thornton.
The motto for adding talent to this defensive line for 2017 should be, “you can never have enough of a good thing”, and Tyrone Crawford’s potentially permanent position change leaves a chance to add young talent in the draft at defensive tackle.
I think you nailed it with those variables and who will impact the draft. I think it’s fair to say that Chaz Green has been a disappointment. When you are not available it is disappointing and while he has shown some flashes at tackle it now looks like a position of need. I know there was talk of moving Collins to tackle but losing Leary will most certainly require us to take a tackle. Cooper is a bit of a wild card also as he may gel well with this line and be the guy he was originally drafted to be. And we still have Looney and Cleary. A guy of interest to me in the draft that often shows up in my mocks is Pat Elflein at C from Ohio State. I know he has played guard but wonder if he can play tackle. He is a great team leader and fits that RKG that Garrett likes. Good overview Sean.
Thanks as always for your loyal readership and responses, Randy. Really appreciated. Firm believer that a player’s best trait is availability, since you here it from good scouts all the time, and that is what it really comes down to on Chaz Green. I’ll have to take a look at Elfein. Thanks! Enjoy the Super Bowl.