Why do the Cowboys always seem to build teams from “outside-in” vs. “inside-out”? Defensive tackles and middle linebackers are always needed. There will always be a good group of receivers, but no inside rushing attack. – Robert Brantley/Atlanta, Georgia
Nick Eatman: To be honest, I don't think that's accurate. If you look at the past three first-round picks, they've all been what you would call “inside.” Last year, the team drafted Madge Smith, the first defensive tackle selected in the first round in more than 30 years. Whether it worked or not, it's not like they weren't trying to strengthen themselves internally. The year before that, they took Tyler Smith in the first round, first playing guard and eventually tackle. Let's see if he moves to tackle. But this was also an inside move, as he was drafted in 2021 alongside Micah Parsons as a player who could play linebacker and potentially midfield. It was the second week of the season when they decided to move him to the outside, and they found something special. That's only three first-round picks, but from a construction standpoint, I think the Cowboys always thought it was important to strengthen their O-line and D-line. It doesn't always work the way you want it to, or the way they want it to. But let me just say this: The Cowboys need to keep going to the well. I would go back to the O-line and D-line in the draft.
patrick: I have to argue a bit on this question, but I understand where the question is going (I think). It's true that before the McCarthy/Quinn era, the Cowboys were severely lacking on the inside of their defensive line. But they still spent a lot of effort fixing their linebacker problems — first-round picks for Leighton Vander Esch, second-day picks for Jabrill Cox and Damone Clark, for example. And then there's the appointment of Demarvion Overshawn. , etc. — but that still doesn't work in the long run. They also always have good receivers unless they are drawn to an aging Tavon Austin or Allen Hurns or a dynamic talent like the unproven Deonte Thompson or the inconsistent Bryce Butler. I would also like to say that this is not the case. However, ahead of the 2023 season, they had a solid inside rushing attack with DeMarco Murray and Ezekiel Elliott, but they parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott last season. I can honestly say that the only issues I have with linebackers are the ones caused by injuries. My issue with the run game is that, in my opinion, Elliott should still be in the building in 2023 (but let's move on from that for now). And looking at the progress Osa Odighizuwa and three other technicians have made, the defensive tackle dilemma has been lessened than most. The “bigger” issue is the nose tackle situation behind Jonathan Hankins, who will be a free agent this March.
