7 Position Battles to Watch on Cowboys Defense

Defensive Tackle – 1 Tech This position was held by Nick Hayden last season. He showed flashes of being a good player but was never consistent enough so the team looked to upgrade the position …

Defensive Tackle – 1 Tech

This position was held by Nick Hayden last season. He showed flashes of being a good player but was never consistent enough so the team looked to upgrade the position by signing free agent Terrell McClain. McClain came over from the Texans where he played over-center in the Texans 3-4 scheme, but didn’t show enough to be resigned after the season ended. So far, the ‘Boys are glad he wasn’t resigned in Houston.

McClain has been one of the brighter standouts during OTA’s and mini-camp and has received praise from head coach Jason Garrett, and Rod Marinelli. He might be just another example of a player needing to be in the right scheme to truly reach his full potential. Like Lawrence, I’m waiting for the pads to come on in camp before I put him down as the starter at the one tech.

The McClain signing could be exactly what Nick Hayden needed. I feel Hayden would be better coming off the bench instead of trying to play 50 to 60 snaps a game. Now I know that would lessen the chances of us getting to see Hayden’s awesome air guitar, but you have to give a little to get a little.

Name to watch: Ken Bishop

Bishop was drafted with hopes of becoming a road block in the middle of the defense, and so far he hasn’t disappointed. What Bishop has going for him is leverage. Coming in at 6 ft. and just over 300 pounds, he’s gonna be tough to move at the point of attack and that is exactly what he was known for in college, to go along with his flashes of explosiveness. Bishop will get plenty of playing time in preseason games, so keep an eye on #66.