The Defensive Line Is Complete

The Cowboys have managed to piece together their defensive line at a relative bargain by bringing back Marcus Spears and Jason Hatcher and signing Kenyon Coleman. Marcus Spears is a proven run stopper and Jason Hatcher has been a solid backup who get pressure the quarterback for the last few years. Adding Kenyon Coleman for depth makes sense because he has worked with Rob Ryan for the last two years in Cleveland.

I was thrilled when I heard the Cowboys had resigned Marcus Spears a few days ago. While Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher have been solid contributors at defensive end there has always been a noticeable difference when Spears is out of the game. My only concern about Spears is the fact that he has really battled injuries over the last couple of seasons. But when Spears is healthy it is very difficult to run to his side of the field.

I love the fact that the Cowboys brought Kenyon Coleman over from the Browns. His knowledge of the new defense will be invaluable. The defensive players have been talking about how many new defenses and schemes they have to learn in a very short period of time. Since Coleman is so familiar with the Rob Ryan defense he can essentially serve as an extra coach on the field to help the rest of the team learn the defense. And he started 14 games for the Browns last season so it isn't like he is some no name bench warmer coming to the team to ride the pine. He'll be part of the regular rotation in the defensive line.

The Cowboys have still not addressed the safety position in free agency but that has to be the next move to expect. Abram Elam has been talking with the Cowboys and would be very valuable in the same way that Kenyon Coleman is because Elam has played for Rob Ryan for the last 2 years as well. Not only would he be a huge upgrade over Alan Ball last season but he also will be able to help keep the secondary organized in their new complex scheme. I'm hoping this is the next piece of the puzzle to fall into place heading into the start of preseason games.

Training Camp Preview - Part 7 - Defensive Line

The Cowboys appear strong on the defensive line heading into training camp. At least in terms of starters. Depth is another story, but there are some players with experience providing some depth. Marcus Spears, Igor Olshansky and Jay Ratliff will definitely be the starters. Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher should provide veteran depth at defensive end but there is concern about the depth at tackle. Here is a quick look at each position heading into camp.

Defensive End - Igor Olshansky was brought in to replace Chris Canty and I think the transition to Olshansky will be seamless. I am interested to get a good look at Olshansky at training camp because I haven't seen him play very much. I know he is big but I want to see his strength and quickness. Marcus Spears had a very good season last year but most people don't notice because they try to judge him based on statistics. In Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme the defensive end needs to be a run stopper and Spears is starting to excel at that job. I want to see that he is still motivated to prove that he was worth a first round pick several years ago. Jason Hatcher was drafted as a project several years ago and has shown flashes of dominant play when given an opportunity. I hope to see him making plays in camp that force the coaches to give him more playing time during the season. Stephen Bowen is solid and should continue to provide depth but he will have to fight for a roster spot with Marcus Dixon. Dixon is a sleeper to steal a roster spot after getting a year to develop on the practice squad. I'll be watching him closely during camp to find out if he looks ready for the big time.

Defensive Tackle - Jay Ratliff is a pro bowler and is extremely active against the pass. He is primed for another stellar season. There is no concern about his preparation for the season from me, but I am concerned about the depth behind him. It appears the coaches are pegging Junior Siavii to fill the backup role. Siavii has the size but very little NFL experience. If he can eat up blockers with his big frame then he will probably win the job, but Tim Anderson from Ohio State will be trying to take the backup role from him during training camp.

Defensive line really looks like a position of strength for the defense. I think the Cowboys will be improved against the run this season partly due to the defensive line. The only worry I have about the line is the depth, but it looks like the Cowboys have plenty of players with the ability to fill in when needed.