Dallas Cowboys: Charles Tapper much-needed on defensive line
Missing the entire 2016 season with a back injury, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Charles Tapper will make his debut in 2017 and is sorely needed up front.
Saying he’s “full-throttle and full-go,” Dallas Cowboys defensive end Charles Tapper had better hope he’s correct in that assessment. Because he’s going to be needed heavily and often during the 2017 season, especially the first four games.
Jon Machota of SportsDay Dallas News quoted the defensive end Tapper about his heath and how he’s performed during mini camps thus far:
"“I’m at full-throttle, full-go … I’m out there going 110 [miles per hour] and they’re like, ‘Tap, you might want to slow it down and just go 100. Don’t be on the ground, diving and everything.’ I’m trying to tone it down a little bit now.”"
Kevin Casas of the Star-Telegram quoted Tapper on playing the five-technique this season as well:
"“You can only control the things you can control, and I feel like I’m good enough as an athlete to compete … That’s why we’re all here, and we came here for a reason and that’s competing against the best offensive line in the world. Around here, they say if you’re quicker than everybody, show us.”"
Fans have to love the excitement and energy shown by Tapper thus far through OTAs and with training camp looming. Moreover, with the four-game suspension of Irving being official on Wednesday, Tapper needs to stay healthy and motivated for the Cowboys.
Tapper was selected in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. So even though this is technically his second season in the NFL, it will be basically a rookie year on the field.
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As unfortunate as it is to have Irving on the suspension list, this could be a big moment for Tapper to get more reps in training camp and preseason. If that is a success, he could have a role play in the regular season. With Irving out, the Cowboys are losing a player at the start of the season who had 17 tackles, four forced fumbles, four sacks and one fumble recovery. He also had five stuffs last season in a total of 15 games played.
At 6-2, 270 pounds, Tapper is still just 24 years old. And being he’s not played a down in the NFL, it will take some time for him to become accustomed to the NFL game.
The last time Tapper played meaningful football in the regular season was at Oklahoma in 2015. That senior season for Tapper, he totaled 50 tackles with seven sacks and three forced fumbles. In his final three collegiate seasons, Tapper totaled 15.5 sacks.
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Tapper very much is able to provide the Cowboys with the depth they need this season, and if he’s able to stay on the field, maybe he could be this year’s Irving and become and stay a name Cowboys fans know for the upcoming season.