The Dallas Cowboys have spent most of the offseason trying to find a solution for a unit that has struggled mightily in 2016.
The team has spent a ton of time on defense in the first two weeks of the season, and in the end, it wasn’t enough to fix the defense.
Dallas still has issues along the defensive line, as the team is still not able to use all its starters on the front seven.
But the Cowboys have a chance to add another piece to their defensive line in the draft this week, as there are three NFL draft prospects that have interest in the Cowboys: Vanderbilt’s Jarrad Davis, Clemson’s Jordan Phillips, and Florida’s Malik McDowell.
With all of that talent, Dallas should be able to add more players to its defense this week.
Davis is an outside linebacker with excellent athleticism, quickness, and strength, and he could be a great addition to the Cowboys’ front seven this season.
Davis has been playing at a high level since he transferred to Vanderbilt last season, registering 23 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Davis could also be a good fit at cornerback for Dallas.
Davis spent last season on the team’s practice squad and was inactive for the first five games of the 2016 season due to a broken right wrist.
Davis showed some flashes at safety last season as well, recording seven tackles for a loss, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and one interception.
Davis should have a good shot at playing on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad this season, as he is an outstanding athlete.
He’s also a player who plays with a lot of poise and effort, and the Cowboys should be happy to add some depth along the defense in Davis.
Phillips has been the Cowboys third-string inside linebacker this season for most of 2017.
Phillips is a 6-foot-3, 250-pound inside linebacker with the ability to rush the passer, and his athleticism and tackling ability could be good fit on Dallas’ defense.
Phillips had a solid rookie season, recording 13 tackles for the year, and adding another two sacks.
Phillips also had three interceptions and five pass breakups.
Phillips could be able of playing on Dallas’s practice roster this season and be able help the Cowboys in the future.
Phillips spent 2016 with the Miami Dolphins and made the Pro Bowl in his first season in the NFL.
He also had two interceptions in 2016 and added a fumble recovery.
Phillips might be able fit in nicely on the Cowboys defensive line as well as help Dallas improve its defense in 2017.
McDowell spent 2016 on the Dolphins practice squad before being waived and signed with the Houston Texans.
McDowell is a strong athlete with a solid understanding of the defense and could play in the defensive backfield, or he could play safety in the Dallas’ base defense.
The Cowboys will need to find some depth in their front seven as well.
If they can get a player like Davis or Phillips in the second round of the draft, they could find themselves in good shape for 2017.
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