Maliek Collins will be key for the Dallas Cowboys in 2017
The Dallas Cowboys are going to need a number of young players to step up in 2017, and Maliek Collins could be a critical piece to their success…
After suffering a number of pretty big losses on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are a tough team to project for 2017. One of the best teams in the entire NFL in 2016, it seems like — at least on paper — that the Cowboys could take a step back because of their losses defensively. If they are going to take a step in the right direction, they are going to need a big year from second year defensive tackle Maliek Collins.
Collins was a third round pick in the Cowboys’ 2016 draft class, which as of right now is legendary.
First rounder Ezekiel Elliott may have immediately become the best running back in the NFL. Fourth rounder Dak Prescott emerged as a franchise quarterback and made Tony Romo expendable.
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There’s also some expectation that second rounder Jaylon Smith — who would have otherwise been a top 10 selection — will return from injury at some point this year.
And then there’s Collins, a three-technique and sort of undersized defensive tackle who quietly started 14 of 16 games this past season. He also racked up five sacks, all of which came in wins for the Cowboys.
Collins’ continued improvement will be critical for the immediate future of the Cowboys’ defense. He’s going to be the key piece on the interior of the defense that will open up opportunities for everyone else.
The best asset Collins has in his arsenal is his quickness off the snap, and his disruption from the interior defensive line will be a catalyst for Rod Marinelli’s crew. It will be interesting to see the Cowboys using Collins at the three technique (shading the guard) and 2017 first round pick Taco Charlton coming off the edge.
Dallas isn’t without talent on the defensive side of the football, but they need a lot of young players to step up and step into bigger roles in 2017. Collins has star potential as an interior rusher, and he could be this team’s best chance at repeating their success of a year ago.