Dallas Cowboys: Time to start over at defensive tackle

David Irving

David Irving would be the logical choice to lead the defensive tackle room. His on-field performance would command respect by everyone else in the room. On the field and on paper, his production would make him the leader.

Unfortunately, Irving may have sealed his fate in Dallas with all of his off-field antics. In the past calendar year, Irving has been suspended for PEDs, suspended for substances abuse and shown a very poor work ethic. He also had to deal with false domestic violence charges. This past minicamp, Irving was held out of camp due to needing to get himself back into shape. 

All of this is a lot to deal with for a guy who is on a second-round tender. His tender is essentially a one-year prove it deal to the Cowboys. So far, Irving is only proving that he is not committed to playing football at the level needed to succeed. He is heading into serving a four-game suspension for substance abuse mentioned above to start 2018.

Irving is not the leader Dallas needs in the defensive tackle room. He is having a difficult time managing his own life let alone helping others get ready for the season. Fortunately, the Cowboys did well in Iriving’s absence. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins filled in nicely in the three technique position.

Can he help lead in Irving’s absence again?