NFL’s most underrated: Cowboys DL Tyrone Crawford
The Dallas Cowboys are known as ‘Americas Team’ so it’s hard to make an effort to find someone ‘underrated’ on this team of star players, but defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford fits the bill.
Infamous for a few freak incidents (getting stabbed while at Boise State, having an allergic reaction to shellfish, and tearing his Achilles in 2013) have paved the way for Crawford to be as unheralded as he currently is, but his play in 2014 was anything but.
In fact, on a resurgent Dallas Cowboys defense, Crawford was the man, leading the team with a +18.8 grade, most of which came as a pass rusher (+17.3). While Dallas came into last season with major questions on the defensive side of the ball, it appears as though this season, that unit could be a major area of strength when everyone comes back from suspension.
Crawford got his start in the NFL as a pretty highly regarded prospect coming out of Boise State, ranked as the 8th best defensive end by NFL Draft Scout and a second round player in general. He wound up falling to the 3rd round where the Cowboys plucked him up with the 81st overall pick, one that would not pay dividends until this past season.
Crawford struggled in his rookie season on a bad defense, which wasn’t unpredictable or unforgivable. Then, in 2013, disaster struck as Crawford tore his Achilles and was not able to play a single down.
Looking at Dallas’ defensive grades from the 2013 season, it looks like a party of some of the most average free agents all got together for a pickup game…This list is so sad…
Needless to say, Crawford’s presence was needed in a big way on the defensive line as Dallas moved on from that dreadful 2013 campaign. He provided the groundwork for this team to potentially build around him as a star player, though they might not be able to afford him for much longer.
Crawford enters the 2014 season with pretty big expectations, and while other players serve suspensions and rookies like Byron Jones and Randy Gregory continue to be groomed for the NFL, he’ll be looked upon as a leader on the defensive line, a player that can help carry this Dallas defense.
The winner of the Ed Block Courage award in 2014, Crawford has more than done his part as an NFL player off the field, but we’re just getting started with what he is capable of on it. One of the best pass rushers at his position, he should once again be wreaking havoc for opposing quarterbacks this year.
Last season, Crawford finished with just 33 tackles and three sacks, but he was credited with 37 hurries according to Pro Football Focus, who also credited him with six sacks.
It’ll be a big year forthcoming for Crawford, playing for a new contract, and I fully expect him to have a breakout year.