DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys finally made it to the podium after 57 selections were in the books. The front office felt that the defensive line needed the most help with the pick of DT Trysten Hill out of UCF.
It's perhaps not so surprising that the Cowboys felt this way as they had a void left by David Irving's departure and their game against the Los Angeles Rams in their playoff defeat showed that the team needed to beef up the middle of their defensive line. Hill should be able to help accomplish that as he stands 6’3” and weighs in at 308 pounds.
Hill very much looks the part for what you need in the middle of your defense and the Cowboys will likely pencil him in as a big body to help stop the run immediately.
The big question surrounding Hill has to do with how outspoken he can be, and it was well known that he wasn’t happy at UCF with his coaching staff.
If there are any coaches who can handle this type of personality it would be Kris Richard and Rod Marinelli. Marinelli in particular has to be excited by the opportunity since Hill brings a lot of energy and has a high motor which is the kind of guy the Dallas defensive coordinator loves. On the field, Hill can be a difference maker by clogging the middle of the field and that is exactly what will be asked of him.
With the players Dallas already has among the DL, Hill allows them to have flexibility with how they play Antwaun Woods and Maliek Collins in the middle of the line. The Cowboys brought in Hill for a visit so it should come as no shock that he was the first pick for the Dallas Cowboys in this year’s draft.
Overall, the reason Dallas made Trysten Hill the latest Cowboys is he is very quick off the line which is something that Marinelli really wants out of the big guys up front. He will put pressure on guards and the center across from him and absorb block which will allow guys like DeMarcus Lawrence more space to work with as well.
Hill is very active with his hands and will cause problems with his ability to create penetration and be a disruptive force. He isn’t necessarily a sexy pick but it was time that the Cowboys put some premium draft capital into a position that has relied on the scouting staff to find diamonds in the rough.
The Cowboys next pick will come in the third round at number 90.
How do you feel about the Cowboys picking Trysten Hill and what do you think they will need to do to fill out the rest of their draft class? Share your thoughts on the pick with Patrick on Twitter @DraftCowboys.
