Key Takeaways:
– The Dallas Cowboys are projected to draft Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat to strengthen their run defense.
– Sweat is praised for his strength and run-stopping capabilities, giving him an edge in double-blocking situations.
– Dallas aims to replenish its defensive lineup, following the exit of several players in free agency.
In a strategic move designed to fortify their run defense, the Dallas Cowboys are predicted to focus on Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat in the forthcoming NFL draft. His addition would revitalize their dwindling defensive lineup, notably impacted by free agency.
Boosting the Run Defense
Following the addition of Saquon Barkley by the Philadelphia Eagles and Austin Ekeler by the Washington Commanders via free agency, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves needing to build a robust defensive strategy. ESPN’s Steve Muench suggests that the team needs to improve its run defense, citing the 4.2 yards per carry conceded last season.
Sweat, with a commanding height of 6-4 and weighing in at 366 pounds is a “plugger” at the nose tackle position. In the previous season, he accumulated an impressive record, making eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, and four pass breakups. This was alongside his record-setting 45 total tackles, underscoring Sweat’s potential to be a sturdy addition to the team’s defensive squad.
Transitioning to Sweat: The New Defensive Coordinator’s Plan
Should Sweat join the Cowboys, he would be welcomed with open arms. The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2023 campaign with a middling 16th place ranking against the run. The rival teams posing a threat in the NFC East – the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders – have strengthened their offensive capabilities during the offseason.
Adding Sweat to their ranks could lend the Dallas boys a competitive edge. Sweat’s performance in the last season positioned him as a notable figure in the Longhorns’ defensive line. An AFC area scout noted the difficulty of single-blocking Sweat, implying the necessity for opponents to account for him in their inside running game tactics.
Sweat’s Scouting Report: What to Expect
Though Sweat played under the shadow of the Seattle Seahawks first-round pick Byron Murphy II, he carved out his place as an impactful disruptor in the middle of the Longhorns’ defensive line. Not only did his 2023 season see a strong run-stop win rate of 12.8 and a pass-rush win rate of 15.3, but he also registered a commendable 26 quarterback pressures on his account.
His formidable upper-body strength aids him in winning control of the block while checking offensive linemen, thus proving his worth as a potential 2-gapping nose tackle for the NFL. Sweat also shows remarkable resilience against double-teams and combo blocks while maintaining a steady ground beyond the line of scrimmage.
Draft Fallout and Predictions
In the wake of the departure of Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler, Neville Gallimore, and Johnathan Hankins through free agency, the Cowboys are now keener to inject young, dynamic talent into their defensive line. Their set of draft picks give them ample opportunities to do so, starting with the overall 56th pick in the second round.
Should their focus on Sweat come to fruition, it will not only boost their dwindling defensive lineup but also create a much-needed shield against the intensified running game assault expected from their key opponents in the NFC East. Only time will tell if this draft decision yields fruitful results for the Dallas Cowboys in the upcoming NFL season.