National media outlet names Cowboys' most improved player of 2022
The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of worries ahead of the offseason including wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback. But defensive tackle could also be a position they look at as the team could benefit from a dominant presence in the interior. However, the team might not be in that big of a hurry to address […]
The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of worries ahead of the offseason including wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback.
But defensive tackle could also be a position they look at as the team could benefit from a dominant presence in the interior.
However, the team might not be in that big of a hurry to address the position. After all, they've got some exciting young players that could continue to develop this offseason. That includes a third-year player that got national recognition as one of the most improved players last season.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, analyst Gordon McGuinness lists the most improved players from each NFL team.
For the Cowboys, that's none other than DT Osa Odighizuwa:
"In just his second season in the league, Odighizuwa showed that he has the ability to at least be a solid contributor on the defensive line. And he finished 2022 with a stretch that hinted at something more. He registered 31 tackles resulting in a defensive stop, 12 more than he did as a rookie, and ended the season with three straight games of earning a 75.0-plus PFF grade."
The team bet on Osa taking a big second-year jump last offseason and he surely delivered. He will likely only get better this year.
Still, the Cowboys shouldn't rule out addressing the position in free agency or the NFL Draft. After all, a dominant three-technique can change the way pass protection units account for the opponent's pass rush. Freeing up Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sounds like a scary proposition for offenses around the NFL.
Not to mention, Dallas was witness to how a quality nose tackle can also change the math versus the run. Such was the case with Johnathan Hankins, who was a difference-maker for the team near the trade deadline.
Featured image via Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
