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Dallas Cowboys: Could Jordan Phillips improve the defense?

By Stephen Forsha

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The Dallas Cowboys have the opportunity to improve their defensive line through the NFL Draft – the same exact process they utilized when they revamped their offensive line the last few seasons.

This spring, the Cowboys (who went 12-4 in the regular season) are slated to draft 27th overall in the first round, leaving them a realistic opportunity to draft a Top 5 defensive tackle. One of those premier players at the position who could still be on the board at No. 27 is Oklahoma red-shirt sophomore Jordan Phillips.

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) recovers a fumble after sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) late in the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas defeated Detroit 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the NFC East champion Cowboys drafted Demarcus Lawrence, a defensive end, in the second round, so it makes sense for the Cowboys to add a solid defensive tackle to the mix in the first round.

Lawrence missed most of 2014 due to injury, totaling just nine tackles in the regular season, but he did make somewhat of an impression in the playoffs. And he should be much-improved if he’s healthy in ’15. But does need help around him to show how good he can be? He was the player drafted to take the spot of potential Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware, whom the Cowboys cut last season.

Enter the possibility of drafting Phillips in the first round to improve a Cowboys pass rush which lacked what it needed in the latter stages of the regular season and the playoffs.

With the Cowboys not picking up the option on defensive tackle Henry Melton, there is an opening on the interior of the defensive front which the Cowboys could use a lot of help at.

Feb 22, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Jordan Phillips and Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Darius Philon perform a stretching exercise during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Phillips (6-5, 329) received a 6.2 grade following the NFL Scouting Combine last week, including a 5.17 second 40-yard dash, a 30-inch vertical jump and a 4.68 20-yard shuttle. The defender also did 28 reps on the bench press and posted a 105.0-inch broad jump.

On his NFL.com draft page, it says of Phillips:

"“He has the body type and length to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 front, but there is no reason to move him from the nose. If he gets that motor going, he could be a dominant pro.”"

The fact he’s athletic and can play either front is a good sign for the Cowboys. However, there is a potential issue when it comes to Phillips playing up to his talents.

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Phillips is a quality player who Fox Sports NFL writer Joel Klatt has ranked 41st overall on his NFL Draft Big Board. In his most recent version released Monday. Klatt wrote of Phillips:

"“One of the most intriguing players in the draft because his size and ability level don’t match up with his production level. For his size he is one of the most agile and athletic people I have seen, however he has a history of back issues which caused him to opt for season ending back surgery in October of 2013.”"

Sep 6, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA;Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Quinton Alston (52) and defensive lineman Carl Davis (71) celebrate a fourth quarter stop against the Ball State Cardinals at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa defeated Ball State 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Even Mel Kiper Jr. has Phillips mentioned in his second mock draft, saying he could see the Cowboys drafting the Oklahoma Sooner at No. 27 (although he projects Carl Davis of Iowa to be the Cowboys selection at that spot). Kiper has Phillips going at No. 30 to the Green Bay Packers.

In his final season as a Sooner, Phillips finished with 39 tackles, including six in his final collegiate game in the Russell Athletic Bowl against Clemson. Of those 39 tackles in ’14, 20 were solo and seven of his tackles went for a loss. Phillips also had two sacks this past season for the Sooners.

For his collegiate career, Phillips finished with 58 total tackles (28 solo) and 3.5 sacks.

Phillips will make any NFL defense better, and though there are questions surrounding his back and work ethic, drafting a DT with the size and speed of Phillips is tough to pass on. This could be a selection that would make the Cowboys look very smart on Day 1 of the draft.

What are your thoughts on who the Cowboys should select with their first-round choice?

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