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Cowboys Senior Bowl Draft Prospect: Can DT Help Stop the Run?

Originally posted on FanNation Cowboy Maven
By Mike D'Abate | Last updated 2/3/24

Despite another premature exit from the playoffs in 2023, the Dallas Cowboys remain well-positioned to remain among the few, yet formidable contenders for the NFC crown in 2024.

With their eyes fixed on the immediate as opposed to the distant future, the Cowboys appear content to re-Los their roster with veteran players capable of supporting their “all in” run back to prominence. As such, Dallas is likely looking to the NFL Draft to build for the future.

With nearly 130 prospects showcasing their talents at this year’s Senior Bowl, the Cowboys have been doing their due diligence in scouting potential draftees. In fact, Dallas’ contingent would undoubtedly love to find at least one candidate who not only would be a solid investment for the future, but could also help to fill an immediate need on their roster.

Accordingly, Duke defensive tackle DeWayne Carter may be a name to monitor for the Cowboys in the week’s leading up to April’s Draft.

Known for his prowess in defending the run, Carter projects as a 3-tech defensive tackle. During his four years with the Blue Devils, he totaled 87 tackles — 21.5 of which were for a loss — and 11 sacks. At his best, Carter is a tough player, with the size (6-3, 305) to sustain the double team. As a fifth year senior, he logged a total of 548 snaps in 12 games for the Blue Devils in 2023. Carter earned 19 tackles, 10 assists, and 15 stops. As a pass rusher, he tallied 22 total pressures, which included 17 quarterback hurries, 3 quarterback hits, and two sacks on the season.

Though help at linebacker has been purported as a prominent area of need for the Cowboys, adding talent to their interior defensive line would be the smarter move. Despite finishing the season ranked No. 5 in overall defense, as well as pass defense, the Cowboys were No. 16 when defending the run. While he is still a developmental project in pass defense, Carter could see the field as a run defender in a reserve role for the Cowboys, if selected.

Throughout the week of practices, the ACC product routinely won his one-on-one matchups, including a Thursday morning bull rush, which took an opposing offensive lineman off his feet. A player with Carter’s size and instincts would not only act as an inherent run deterrent, but would also help to clear the way for linebackers and edge rushers to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.

Perhaps adding a bit of Dallas’ silver to his established comfort in blue and white threads may be just what DeWayne Carter needs to kickstart a productive pro career.

This article first appeared on FanNation Cowboy Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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