Breaking down Dallas Cowboys 2019 defensive tackle depth chart

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is sacked by Maliek Collins #96 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Entering his contract year: Maliek Collins

Antwaun Woods isn’t the only starting defensive lineman entering a contract year as the same goes for Maliek Collins. A third-round pick in the team’s historic 2016 draft — which also included Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, Jaylon Smith and Anthony Brown — Collins came to Dallas after a good career with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Collins was a collegiate teammate of Randy Gregory and came in with some impressive tape. He was able to start 14 of his 16 games played as a rookie which was impressive considering he broke his foot during OTAs.

Even with the missed time in the offseason, Collins showed great burst as a three-technique and had 23 tackles and five sacks. In his second season, Collins was played out of position as he was used often as the one-technique tackle. He still managed similar numbers in terms of tackles but didn’t offer much at all in the pass rush department.

With Woods taking that role in 2018, he returned to his natural position and started nine of 13 games. Again, he came into the year missing much of the offseason work as he underwent surgery on his fifth metatarsal. He finished with just 19 tackles and three sacks.

So far, he has been healthy this year which is a great sign for him. Collins is looking to earn a new contract in 2020 and being healthy is going to play a huge part in how much he’s able to earn. He also has a bit of a challenge as the Cowboys added some talent in the draft, taking Trysten Hill with their second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

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