The Dallas Cowboys used their final pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on a defensive lineman.
On Saturday night, Dallas selected Auburn defensive tackle Justin Rodgers with the 244th overall pick. Rodgers spent his final college season at Auburn after transferring from Kentucky, where he played in the East-West Shrine Bowl at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.
Rodgers said he spoke with the Cowboys prior to the draft at the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. He added that he brings a physical approach to the middle of the defensive line.
“He's the kind of guy who gets violent in the middle,” Rodgers said. “He's a hard worker and someone who's ready to work every day.”
Rodgers (6-3, 346 pounds) finished his final college season with 17 total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. His collegiate resume includes 94 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks.
Rodgers was Dallas' fourth defensive pick in the draft, joining defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, linebacker Marist Liufau and defensive back Kaelen Carson.
Asked how he feels about displaying his talents in the trenches, Rodgers revealed that he feels comfortable dominating opponents.
“I like to showcase my talent against both of them,” Rodgers said.
Will McRae commented:
“We want to be big,” said the Cowboys' vice president of player personnel. “We want to be physical.
“Justin Rodgers is a big troublemaker out of Auburn and has some length that can play the big inside nose tackle position.”
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Read more Cowboys coverage from the Dallas Morning News here.
