Dallas Cowboys: Final 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft
By Randy Gurzi
Round 3, Pick 90: L.J. Collier, DT, TCU
A lot was discussed recently in regards to the Cowboys defensive tackle position thanks to David Irving deciding to walk away from the game. It won’t really affect them on the field, given that he appeared in just two games total last year, but it made headlines as Irving made some harsh accusations against head coach Jason Garrett as he decided to smoke marijuana rather than stay clean and play in the NFL.
Dallas did add a D-tackle in Christian Covington, which could be an underrated move. Covington played well in a rotational role for the Houston Texans the past four seasons and even registered 3.5 sacks as a defensive end in their three-man line, all while starting just two of 12 games played.
Covington isn’t the answer, however, so Dallas does address the interior of their line here as they take TCU’s L.J. Collier. Listed at 6-2 and 283 pounds, Collier is slightly undersized but projects as a three-technique in the Dallas defense. Concerns do arise considering his lack of experience, as Collier only had one full season as a starter for the Horned Frogs, although he did play very well in that campaign.
Collier ended his final season with 42 tackles and six sacks, with a total of 11.5 tackles for a loss. He also had a great showing at the Senior Bowl and could be a great value pick at this point.