Do the Dallas Cowboys already have their 3-technique?

The Dallas Cowboys need to find an answer at the 3-technique defensive tackle, but could they already have the player they need on their roster?

Ever since it became apparent David Irving wasn’t the answer as the 3-technique defensive tackle, there has been speculation about what the Dallas Cowboys need to do to solve the position going forward. The team does understand it’s a problem and they’ve even visited with several players ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft who could fill the void.

However, without a first round pick and some needs at other positions, there’s no guarantee the Cowboys will land one of the players they covet in the draft. There are also dwindling options on the free agency market.

But what if it didn’t matter? There’s a chance that the Cowboys already have their answer at the 3-technique in Tyrone Crawford — and the addition of Robert Quinn could be key in getting Crawford to take over that spot full time.

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A former third-round pick out of Boise State, the 29-year old Crawford has been bounced all over the Dallas defensive line. He started out as a 3-4 defensive end before moving inside to tackle. He then bounced back and forth between end and tackle out of necessity, including 15 games as the right end in 2018.

Crawford played well in this role, recording 34 tackles and 5.5 sacks. However, with Quinn taking this spot, Crawford could line up next to him and once again take on the tackle position.

Listed at 6-4 and 290 pounds, Crawford has the build to hold up on the interior. He also possesses the kind of quickness that could give guards and centers fits as they try and block him.

Whatever the team decides to do with Crawford, it would behoove him and the club to keep him in one position for a whole season. He can handle anything, but it could be argued his effectiveness is limited with the bouncing around.

Dallas also wouldn’t be handcuffed by placing him at the 3-tech. Crawford could play the spot, while also serving in the mentor role in 2019 even if they land a player they want in the draft.