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Machota: A free agent possibility for the Cowboys to improve the defensive line
By Jon Machota
Staff writer Jon Machota recently held a chat about all things Cowboys. Here are some highlights.
How much trouble are Cowboys asking for with the holes in the pass rush as currently constructed?
Machota: "There's definitely reason for concern. There aren't many proven pieces along that defensive line. The Cowboys are hoping that Rod Marinelli can help develop some of the young talent. If that doesn't look like it's happening during training camp, perhaps the Cowboys could look to a veteran free agent. Dwight Freeney is the name most talk about. He's 36, but he did have 8 sacks in 11 games last year for Arizona. And then there are former Cowboys like Jeremy Mincey and George Selvie who are also still free agents. None of these names are going to blow you away, but there are some options if needed."
Any throw-a-dart guesses for a breakout performer on the DL at training camp?
Machota: "I think Benson Mayowa has a chance to surprise some people. His snaps were limited in Oakland. This will be an opportunity for him to get significant playing time. If he's back to 100 percent (he had a knee scope in mid-June), he'll have a chance to start the first four games of the season with Lawrence and Gregory suspended. If Mayowa isn't all the way back, David Irving would probably be next on my list. He's 6-7 and only 22 years old. A lot of upside with someone that big and that athletic."
By Jon Machota
Staff writer Jon Machota recently held a chat about all things Cowboys. Here are some highlights.
How much trouble are Cowboys asking for with the holes in the pass rush as currently constructed?
Machota: "There's definitely reason for concern. There aren't many proven pieces along that defensive line. The Cowboys are hoping that Rod Marinelli can help develop some of the young talent. If that doesn't look like it's happening during training camp, perhaps the Cowboys could look to a veteran free agent. Dwight Freeney is the name most talk about. He's 36, but he did have 8 sacks in 11 games last year for Arizona. And then there are former Cowboys like Jeremy Mincey and George Selvie who are also still free agents. None of these names are going to blow you away, but there are some options if needed."
Any throw-a-dart guesses for a breakout performer on the DL at training camp?
Machota: "I think Benson Mayowa has a chance to surprise some people. His snaps were limited in Oakland. This will be an opportunity for him to get significant playing time. If he's back to 100 percent (he had a knee scope in mid-June), he'll have a chance to start the first four games of the season with Lawrence and Gregory suspended. If Mayowa isn't all the way back, David Irving would probably be next on my list. He's 6-7 and only 22 years old. A lot of upside with someone that big and that athletic."
