Dallas Cowboys: 2018 NFL Draft key to taking back the NFC East

Add a player to the interior defensive line

The Cowboys finished ranked eighth in the NFL against the run, giving up just 1,664 yards on the ground. However, teams were able to average just over four yards per carry, which placed them at No. 18 — but the latter isn’t a huge issue considering they only gave up seven touchdowns. Right now, the Cowboys have Maliek Collins, who does a solid job hitting the gaps as the three-technique. Other than Collins, however, there’s no one on the roster who does anything noteworthy. Since Rod Marinelli’s scheme relies on heavy rotation, they need a tackle with versatility. And there are a couple of guys in this draft who can provide that. 

Alabama’s Da’Ron Payne is a freak athlete who can play the nose or line up as the three. At 6-2, 311 pounds Payne reminds NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein of Ndamukong Suh because of his play strength and quickness. Payne would give Marinelli the versatility needed to play in his defense and a guy who has experience playing in a pro-style defense throughout his college career. Payne could come in right away and jump off the screen with his ability and help against the run and the pass. His play will give a much-needed jolt to the Cowboys defensive interior.

Stanford’s Harrison Phillips is an underrated prospect who does a fantastic job anchoring the inside which could give some much-needed freedom for Collins to get upfield. Virginia Tech’s Tim Settle is a considered a nose, but he’s much more than that. The 6-3, 329-pounder is a big body with fantastic strength, but what’s underrated is his quickness and ability to play in the backfield.

Another player with similar traits is Florida State’s Derrick Nnadi, who is more of a later-round pick, but could be very effective. Michigan’s Maurice Hurst could be a steal for the Cowboys should he falls a bit to them after a heart condition discovered at the Combine raised some concerns.