[tps_title]3T DT DeMarcus Walker, Florida State[/tps_title]
The Dallas Cowboys defensive line has many needs that should and likely will be addressed in this draft, but 3T defensive tackle is actually not one of these pressing needs. Rookie starter Maliek Collins has given Dallas an exciting piece at the most important position in their defensive scheme, while Tyrone Crawford remains on the roster as a DT that was forced to fill the void at DE in 2016.
David Irving’s best rushes at the quarterback have also come from the DT position, making the interior of this front relatively crowded. A firm believer in the draft philosophy of, “if you feel that you are good enough at a position, add yet another quality starter there,” I would be prepared for the Cowboys to at least show interest in Florida State’s DeMarcus Walker.
An incredibly productive member of the FSU defense throughout his career, Walker has NFL traits but may not have a true professional position. Sliding down some boards while being tagged as a 3T DT (and a liability on running downs in this spot), Walker wouldn’t have to be “the guy” with the Cowboys here.
Instead, Dallas can ensure that there best pass rush continues to come into the quarterback’s face, targeting an athletic player like Walker who is capable of holding up in Dallas at LDE.
As these players, and many more rise and fall through the process of the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, be sure to check out Slant Sports for updated draft analysis and scouting reports – as we continue to also target the prospects that will put the Dallas Cowboys over the top in the 2017 Draft right here at Inside The Star.
Zay Jones will be a Day-2 pick in the draft. I won’t make it out of the 3rd round.
Thank you for reading, Kevin. I’m happy to be wrong about Jones, seeing a lot of analysts really like him, but I just don’t see a player set up to succeed in the NFL. Caught everything at ECU though, tough pro evaluation.
Small school players are always the hardest to gauge. Out of all the positions on the field though, it seems WR succeeds the most from the small schools. If the skills are there, they seem to thrive. Other positions are littered with failed experiments. Still, no guarantee either way, but with certain teams always in love with small school prospects, I can’t see Jones make it to day 3.