Big Boys: 4 prospects who could help Cowboys at nose tackle

The Cowboys’ struggles in stopping the run were well documented, ranking below league average in multiple statistics for 2022. This vulnerability was yet again a result of a lack of dedication to stocking up on high-level interior defensive lineman. For many teams, this specialized player typically plays the 1-technique in an even front or 0-technique in an odd front.

1-techs line up on the either shoulder of the center while 0-techs face the center head on; the former responsible for one A-gap while the latter is responsible for both A-gaps. They often face double teams, creating one-on-one matchups for their teammates. Because of these duties and alignment, both are typically bigger and stronger than their counterparts which allows them to battle in the trenches.

Veteran Johnathan Hankins was picked up in a trade midseason, is aging and out of contract leaving Quinton Bohanna as the only primary run stopper on roster. The former sixth rounder has yet to impress on a consistent basis, leaving Dallas in the market for a dancing bear to plug into their interior defensive line. Here are five draft targets who can help bolster the Dallas run defense.

1: Siaki Ika, 6-foot-4, 358 pounds, Baylor

Ika initially started his career at LSU before transferring to Baylor. Standing at a staggering 6-foot-4 and a healthy 350 pounds, Ika fits the bill of a prototypical nose tackle. Baylor used him in a multitude of ways but Ika shined when given A-gap responsibilities.

Ika is stocky with lots of power in his lower half. His strong legs allow for a sturdy anchor, able to use his natural leverage to force offensive linemen back into the pocket and hold his own against double teams. He also has some surprising burst for someone of his size. He combines this special athleticism with an elite motor, never stopping until the play is blown dead.

While he is a dominant run stopper, Ika leaves a bit to be desired in pass rush. He has shown flurries of potential but has yet to do so consistently. He also lacks the ideal length to be a true 0-tech in an odd front but has proved to shine as a 1-tech in even fronts. Given his size, power and athleticism combined with consistent run stopping, Ika is the best option for Dallas to plug the whole in their interior defensive line come April.

2: Mazi Smith, 6-foot-3, 326 pounds, Michigan

To call Smith an athletic freak would be an insult to his abilities. He is a physical specimen with rare mobility for someone of his stature. Smith effortlessly shifts his weight laterally, deftly navigating through traffic. His thick, well-built frame has shown to be an issue for collegiate linemen and this translates well to the next level.

Smith has made his name as one of the nation’s top run defenders. His pure power allows him to manhandle offensive linemen, resetting the line of scrimmage and disrupting plays in the backfield. He rarely gets overwhelmed by double teams which leaves teammates with one-on-one matchups. He has shown the occasional, savvy pass rushing move but given his athleticism there is serious untapped potential for a three-down lineman.

With how Dallas lines up, there is reason to believe they fall in love with Smith’s skillset. The positional versatility allowed due to his athleticism while having the chops as a run defender leave a bright future as a Cowboy. He would enter The Star as the team’s best run run stopper should a veteran presence such as Hankins not be on roster in 2023.

3: Keondre Coburn, 6-foot-1, 344 pounds, Texas

With Ika and Smith battling for the spotlight, Coburn is quietly one of the best pure run stoppers in this draft. He is on the shorter, stockier side which allows him to play with good leverage and pad level. He is a bit top heavy which leads to balance issues but his upper body packs a punch.

Coburn is as strong as they come. He consistently drives back guards with his go-to bullrush and holds his own against double teams. He can be a tick late to disengage blocks and lacks a deep repertoire of pass rush moves but has an elite motor and glimpses of a great get off. Coburn is likely a 1-tech only prospect as he lacks the ideal length to play head on with the center as a 0-tech.

Although Coburn is not as refined nor the athlete as some of his peers, the evergreen debate about value in the draft persists. With such a specialist position, Dallas may prefer to go elsewhere in the earlier rounds leaving Coburn as a great value take on Day 2. He would be a plug-and-play, two-down defender who would provide a massive bonus to this front seven.

4: Jerrod Clark, 6-foot-3, 343 pounds, Coastal Carolina

Clark is an incredibly intriguing prospect with a great story. Not only was he a big part of Costal Carolina’s rise to prominence, he was also recruited as a tight end. After missing all of 2018 due to injury, Clark added nearly 100 pounds of mass to make the switch from offense to defense in just over a year. He did so without losing a substantial amount of burst and nimbleness.

The size and athleticism is present but so is the power. Even with an incredible wingspan over 80 inches, he still possesses strength throughout his frame. This length allows for some positional versatility at either the 1- or 0-tech. He is able to stack and shed blockers and although he can play a bit too upright at times, he can occupy gaps and blockers with ease. Clark also has some of the best hands in this class. When he connects, he packs a punch and is accurate with his strikes.

There is a lot to be enticed by with Clark. While there is an injury history to pay attention to, the potential outweighs the concerns. With his size, athleticism and solid hand usage, Clark can become a three-down threat. Clark will need some better pad level, a developed pass rush plan and general consistency but there is reason to believe he can be a steal for Dallas like current iDL Osa Odighizuwa poses to be.

Story originally appeared on Cowboys Wire