While the Dallas Cowboys possess the NFL's top pass rush, they still struggle in a key area on defense in stopping the run.

The defense allows 4.3 yards per carry, including 20 yards per game to opposing QBs. Currently 11th worst in the league.

With the health of Quinton Bohanna and Neville Gallimore being issues this season, as well as the release of John Ridgeway, the Cowboys defense still lacks that big, run-stuffing nose tackle who can constantly clog holes in the A-gap. Helping to stuff the run.

Or at least, they didn't…

For the first time since acquiring Michael Bennett from Seattle in 2019, Dallas has made a trade. Gaining 6'3" 340-pound nose tackle Johnathan Hankins from Las Vegas.

Source: The #Raiders are trading DT Johnathan Hankins to the #Cowboys in exchange for draft pick compensation. Some key defensive depth up front.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 25, 2022

Hankins, along with a 2024 seventh rounder, will come to Dallas in exchange for a 2023 sixth round pick.

This move comes a week away from the trade deadline. The 30-year-old NT has played the last five seasons with the Raiders, playing as their primary run defender in the middle of the defensive line.

While the Dallas Cowboys run defense hasn't been bad statistically, teams like the Eagles, Lions and Buccaneers have all shown the defense is still susceptible to the running game once in a grove.

It's uncertain yet if Hankins will play this Sunday for the Cowboys against the Bears but he comes at just the right time.

A week away from the bye week, and just before the mid-way point of the season.

This is likely a one-year rental as Hankins will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. It's possible the front office believes enough in this team to make a much necessary move, just in time.

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports