Cowboys' defensive line named of the NFL's most improved by PFF
The areas that the Dallas Cowboys needed to address that got the most headlines before the NFL Draft were probably tight end and the offensive line, especially in the first round. Dallas did hit the trenches with the 26th overall pick, but it was Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith whose name was called. Instantly, the […]
The areas that the Dallas Cowboys needed to address that got the most headlines before the NFL Draft were probably tight end and the offensive line, especially in the first round.
Dallas did hit the trenches with the 26th overall pick, but it was Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith whose name was called. Instantly, the Cowboys had an impact starter for the 2023 season.
The Cowboys used a few other selections on guys that can get after the quarterback in Texas linebacker/edge DeMarvion Overshown and edge Viliami Fehoko out of San Jose State. These aren't the flashiest names, but Pro Football Focus thinks that they made the defensive line of the Cowboys one of the most improved league-wide.
The Cowboy's needed to find a way to stop the run, and they opted to address that need in the first round with the addition of Michigan's Mazi Smith. Incredibly strong, he immediately gives Dallas a presence in the middle of their defensive line, coming off a season where he posted an 81.3 run-defense grade.
They followed that selection with San Jose State’s Viliami Fehoko, an edge defender with the versatility to kick inside. Fehoko registered a 90.2 pass-rush grade and 87.4 run-defense grade in 2022.
Smith will use his unearthly strength and quick initial punch off of the line of scrimmage to be an effective run-stopper. Also, he's a pocket adjuster with a pretty high ceiling when it comes to developing into a better pass rusher.
Overshown is a jack of all trades having started his career at Texas playing safety but transitioning to linebacker. However, he also played snaps on the defensive line, so defensive Dan Quinn will be looking to find a role for his talents to be utilized.
Fehoko plays like someone just spit in his food, he plays angry. He played all over the defensive line from 1-tech, 3-tech, 4i, and even out to a 9-tech. His high motor made him a fixture in the backfield with 47 tackles for loss and 23 sacks recorded in college.
The Cowboys have a reputation for drafting well over the last decade, especially with how they have nailed first rounders. So, although their 2023 draft picks aren't all household names, history says people will know quite of few of them when it's all said and done.
