The Dallas Cowboys had several things to get done this offseason, and one of them was beefing up the interior of their defensive line. This meant bringing back Johnathan Hankins, a 330-pound behemoth who can anchor the unit.

Dallas has had trouble stopping the run for a while, but after Hankins was acquired mid-season in 2022, it took a significant step in the right direction and contained guys like Dalvin Cook (who was recently released by the Minnesota Vikings) and Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts. 

With Hankins in the middle to play alongside players such as Osa Odighizuwa and Quinton Bohanna, and All-Pro Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence on the edge, the Cowboys are set to wreak havoc on the line of scrimmage defensively.

"That D-line room is nasty," said Hankins, via the team's website. "Every time I talk about it, I'm just so excited and not just to talk about it, but to be a part of it. We're working hard, getting each other better and we're some bad (MFers). That's just the way we do things, and that's what our motto is."

Toss in other head hunters like Sam Williams, Dorrance Armstrong, Dante Fowler, and Chauncey Golston, the Cowboys are more loaded than a baked potato with what they can throw at opposing offenses up front. However, there's a new shiny toy that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has at his disposal as well.

The Cowboys decided that Hankins was enough as far as what they needed on the interior. Dallas used their first-round pick on defensive tackle Mazi Smith, another 300-pounder who can take on double teams and stuff the run, and he also has upside as a pass rusher. 

Hankins has taken on the big brother role and is focused on getting the youngster ready for battle, much like a lioness does her cubs in the Serengeti. 

"It's nice to see a Michigan guy get drafted in the first round, even though I'm a Buckeye," Hankins said. "Dude is probably one of the strongest guys on the team. I'm definitely honored to be able to mentor him, show him the way and try to help him develop."

Hankins wasn't present during OTAs. However, once he hit mandatory minicamp, the Cowboys worked on a goal line package that features himself, Smith, and Bohanna. Now that's more meat than Arby's. 

The potential for where the Cowboys' defensive line can go has no limits with the talent they have, and that could lead to a lot of wins. That's something Hankns has been searching for throughout his career. 

"Every guy in that room — it doesn't matter who gets the shine," said Hankins. "We feed off of one another. It just feels good. It's nice to be around a team like this, that's orchestrated well and you don't get that many opportunities; especially for me, I'm in my 11th season and I've only been to the playoffs twice.

"This team, for years to come, is gonna be something. I see this defense getting even scarier for offensive guys."

Any team that plans to run the ball consistently against the Cowboys in 2023, may the force be with you.

Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports