Ranking the Dallas Cowboys’ 2017 Draft Needs

9. Defensive Tackle CURRENT: Maliek Collins, Tyrone Crawford, Stephen Paea, Cedric Thornton After signing Paea in free agency to replace Terrell McClain, Dallas seems well stock at the interior defensive line. Last year’s 3rd-round pick, Collins, …

Maliek Collins, Redskins
DT Maliek Collins (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

9. Defensive Tackle

CURRENT: Maliek Collins, Tyrone Crawford, Stephen Paea, Cedric Thornton

After signing Paea in free agency to replace Terrell McClain, Dallas seems well stock at the interior defensive line. Last year’s 3rd-round pick, Collins, will be hard to take off the field if he keeps developing from a strong rookie season. Dallas also has David Irving and DeMarcus Lawrence who can take snaps from the DT spot when needed.

However, another talented DT can always be used in Rod Marinelli’s rotation-heavy scheme. It also might help Dallas prepare for the future if they want to shed Tyrone Crawford or Cedric Thornton’s contracts next year.

It’s not a “need” given the current roster talent, but if a superior DT talent falls to Dallas then they have current and future ways to make use of that player.