Under Will McClay’s stewardship, the Dallas Cowboys have been excellent at listening to their coaches for what they need in draft prospects to fit the scheme they want to run. Rod Marinelli wanted penetrating defensive tackles that could play the run on the way to the quarterback and large, lengthy defensive ends. It didn’t always work out, but the team drafted players like Demarcus Lawrence, Taco Charlton, and Trysten Hill.
Kris Richard was a co-defensive coordinator for Dallas in 2018 and 2019, and the Cowboys adapted to his belief in corners above 6-foot and 200 pounds. Dan Quinn was able to bring in versatile defensive prospects. Cornerbacks that could play safety, safeties that could be hybrid linebackers, linebackers who could pass rush, and defensive ends that could move inside to defensive tackle. Dallas drafted guys like Micah Parsons, Israel Mukuamu, Chauncey Golston, DeMarvion Overshown, and Viliami Fehoko Jr., and their undrafted free agents included Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas and Tyrus Wheat as well.
Now Mike Zimmer is the new DC, and he has his likes and dislikes. Cornerbacks who are good in man coverage, can play press and tackle, linebackers who can blitz and cover, defensive tackles who clog up the run lanes, and safeties who are bright on the back end but can also bring pressure when necessary. The NFL draft is just over two months away and here’s a look at three prospects who fit the mold.