Dallas Cowboys: 3 Offseason storylines to watch for 2019

2. Who will be in play for the 3-technique spot?

2018 was a great season for the Dallas defense. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli and secondary coach Kris Richard worked incredibly well together and got more out of their unit than anyone expected. Their best performance was their huge Thursday Night Football victory over the New Orleans Saints which was a dominant performance by the entire defense.

Dallas was strong at defensive end with DeMarcus Lawrence and had two of the best linebackers in the game with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. They also had great secondary play from Byron Jones as players such as Chidobe Awuzie and Xavier Woods took steps forward in their progression.

What they didn’t have was a dominant three-technique which has been a staple of Marinelli’s defense for years. Looking to find that disruptive player for him this season, the Cowboys drafted Trysten Hill at No. 58. The former UCF defensive tackle has proven to be a force in the past but ended his collegiate career on a sour note. Still, there’s a lot to like about his game and Marinelli believes he can coach him up and get the most out of him.

What will be interesting is seeing how long it takes for him to become a regular starter — or if he can even do so as a rookie. Not only that, but who else will be in play. Tyrone Crawford has the ability to slide inside, but they like him at end. Maliek Collins has played there as well, however, they have used him as a nose tackle as well.

Whatever happens, this is a position to keep an eye on during offseason work and the upcoming training camp.