Dallas Cowboys: 7 Early free agency targets at defensive tackle in 2020

By Randy Gurzi | Dec 23, 2019

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to avoid a tackle by Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. Pittsburgh won 23-17. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

4 of 9

CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 15: Andrew Billings #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals waits for the snap during the second half against the New England Patriots at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

6. Andrew Billings

Andrew Billings was a monster at Baylor and there was a lot of hype surrounding him coming into the 2016 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-1 and 311-pounds, he was a space-eating nose tackle that had the power you would expect but more speed than normal for a big tackle.

That’s what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says as he saw a young player with great potential.

"“With elite power and unusual closing speed for a big man, Billings has a chance to become something we rarely see – a playmaking nose tackle with the ability to dominate at the point of attack. Teams will decide through research and interviews whether Billings can handle the NFL life at such a young age, but if he can, he has all-pro potential.” — Zierlein, NFL.com"

He ended up sliding to the fourth round despite his talent and the main reason for that was that he’s still considered a two-down player due to his lack of pass-rushing moves.

A true nose tackle such as Billings has been devalued in today’s NFL, but the Cowboys know how important it can be — as they have struggled to fill this role.

Billings would be able to help them in this regard and should be a player they kick the tires on. Bringing him back home to Texas wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.

Home/Dallas Cowboys