We are almost a year removed from the Cowboys drafting Defensive Tackle, Mazi Smith in the first round of the 2023 Draft.
It is one year later, and Dallas should draft the same position in the first round in this draft.
Despite the big investment in the position with Smith, it is safe to say there was not much return on that investment.
In 17 games, Smith started just three games.
He collected just nine solo tackles one sack, and three tackles for loss in this lackluster rookie season.
This lack of production hurt the Cowboys’ defense when it mattered most.
In crucial losses against the Bills, Cardinals, 49ers, and Packers, the Dallas run defense allowed 200 rushing yards on average, which is nearly 60 yards worse than Arizona, who ranked last in rushing yards per game with 143.
The Bills have 147 rushing yards in the first half alone against the Cowboys.
Worst games for the Cowboys’ run defense this season:
1.) 222 by the Cardinals, L
2.) 170 by the 49ers, L
3.) Today vs. Bills, down 21-3— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 17, 2023
On the other side, can you name the last Cowboys defensive tackle with more than five sacks in a season?
Me neither, and that is a problem.
The only way to fix that problem is to keep hammering away at it.
They also lost DT’s Jonathon Hankins and Neville Gallimore to free agency, which puts a further hole in the position.
If Dallas walks away from defensive tackle because Smith had a bad rookie year, they could be in trouble.
Prioritizing defense in the 2024 Draft may be smart for Dallas, but especially at DT.
Lucky for them, there are two-star defensive tackles in this class who can save the interior of the defensive line.
This leads me back to the original point.
The Cowboys drafting a defensive tackle in the first round is a must, if these two guys are available.
Illinois DT, Johnny Newton
If you haven’t heard much about former Illinois Defensive Tackle, Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, you are missing out.
Newton is one of my favorite players in this draft class, as I have him ranked 6th amongst all players in the draft.
It also seems the Cowboys may have a similar interest.
The team watched him closely during Illinois’s pro day, and his draft stock is right in the range of their first pick.
Newton was the Big-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, tallying 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.
Illinois DT Johnny Newton, a projected 1st-round pick, just wrapped up an impressive Pro Day — showcasing elite explosion and power after a Jones fracture that he’s fully healed from.
I’m told the following teams were in attendance, among others:
Bills
Cowboys
49ers
Jets… pic.twitter.com/ggMIiIBkub— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 16, 2024
He is the kind of defensive tackle the Cowboys have not had in years.
When it comes to explosiveness, disruption, and pure power from the hands, it is hard to find a college player better than Newton.
There is potential for an elite pass-rusher and run defender from the inside here.
Because of this pass-rush ability, drafting Newton could also help ease some pressure on Smith, as he could focus on being the run-stuffer he was drafted to become while letting Newton be the pocket pusher on the inside.
Simply put, the Cowboys’ defense may never reach the next level without a true star DT.
Newton could fill that role and then some, just like the next guy I want to talk about.
Texas DT, Byron Murphy II
Now, being as though he was a Longhorns star, you likely know more about Byron Murphy II than you do about Newton.
This could also be because Murphy is being rumored as a potential top-15 pick.
His talent is through the roof, and the Cowboys have noticed.
Murphy was a top-30 visit for Dallas, which is an exclusive and very important list to be on.
Dallas is one of many teams who take their top 30 visits very seriously, as they usually lean on it pretty heavily when making their draft-day decisions.
It also indicates that with Murphy, they don’t think he’s too far out of reach.
Would it be surprising if he made it down to 24? Probably, but it is not at all out of the question, especially with how many quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive linemen will go early.
The Cowboys drafting Murphy would give them the 2023 Big-12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and a disruptive force for years to come.
Byron Murphy II: 90.9 Pass Rush Grade Since 2022
🤘 1st among all Defensive Tackles pic.twitter.com/IVulpeL8js
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 17, 2024
He is a bit undersized for the position, but he uses that to his advantage with quickness and unsuspecting, dangerous power at the point of attack.
Similarly to Newton, bringing Murphy in gives them a DT with sack ability (5.0 in 2023).
This again eases the pressure on Smith, but also the true pass rushers like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Dallas has major holes to fill in this draft, but if they don’t fill defensive tackle, the season may be doomed to fail with major weaknesses in the interior line.
Either Newton or Murphy would be perfect antidotes.
