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) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 27: Defensive End D.J. Reader #98 of the Houston Texans reacts after a tackle in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

3. D.J. Reader

Danny Shelton isn’t the only player on the only big nose tackle on this list that the Cowboys should strongly consider. D.J. Reader was a fifth-round pick of the Houston Texans back in 2016 and has been a great fit for Bill O’Brien‘s 3-4 defense.

Much like Christian Covington, who was with Houston and joined Dallas this offseason, Reader has done a great job on the Texans three-man line but doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

Coming to the Texans in 2016, he was playing behind Vince Wilfork, who was a five-time Pro Bowl selection but playing in his last season at 35-years of age. Reader flashed his talent during that campaign and allowed Houston to feel confident in turning things over to him in 2017.

So far, he has not disappointed. After being graded in the 70s for the first three seasons of his career, Reader is now having his best campaign just before becoming a free agent. Reader is the fifth-best defensive tackle according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) with a rating of 87.6.

Reader is listed at 6-3 and 347 pounds but features more athleticism than expected. A former Clemson Tiger, he played more than one sport and was on the baseball team as well.

Like Shelton, he would be a great option to shut down the run game, but has 6.5 career sacks showing he can make the occasional play against the quarterback.

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