4 run-stuffing defensive tackles the Cowboys should consider drafting on day two

The Cowboys really need to add a one-technique.

The Dallas Cowboys have talked a lot about being tougher, more disciplined, and stronger in the trenches this offseason. Their actions in free agency only somewhat matched the talk we heard earlier in the offseason. After adding Dante Fowler, Solomon Thomas, and Payton Turner in free agency to the defensive line, the Cowboys looked to boost their pass rush, but they did not have many additions to boost their ability to stop the run.

With Mazi Smith being the only 1-technique on the roster with NFL time under his belt, the Cowboys will need to add someone in the 2025 NFL draft that can compete with Smith for starting reps and provide quality depth. Today we will look at four names that should be available on day two that can be upgrades for the Cowboys struggling run defense.

Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State

Outside of drafting Mazi Smith in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, the Cowboys have made very little investment in the 1-tech position over the last decade. It has been a slow development for Smith so far heading into year three and the Cowboys could look to add competition early in this draft.

Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams is projected to go early in round two and would be excellent value if available at 44. Williams has the size (6-foot-3, 334-pounds), power, and anchor to be an immediate upgrade on the Cowboys defensive front. Despite his lack of length, Williams plays with consistent pad-level to hold his ground in the run game, while showcasing an explosive first step to win as a rusher. Williams will not be drafted inside the top 50 for what he will bring as a pass rusher, but his power and athleticism allows him to shine in that area on occasion.

Alfred Collins, DL, Texas

One of the better run defenders in the draft is Texas’ Alfred Collins. Listed at 6-foot-6, 332-pounds, Collins is an absolute giant on the defensive line with a lot of power at the point of attack. To match his impressive frame, Collins has extremely long arms that allows him to keep his chest free of blocks to hold his ground against the run.

Collins brings very little to the table as a pass rusher, but he gives defensive coaches something to dream on with his frame and natural power package. Given his physical traits, Collins is another candidate that would be considered with the 44th overall pick.

Jamaree Caldwell, DL, Oregon

One of my favorite players in the 2025 NFL draft is Oregon’s Jamaree Caldwell. Despite his lack of sack production in his college career, Caldwell is the total package that can develop into a quality three-down player in the NFL. Caldwell’s lack of length will likely hurt his draft stock, but he uses his shorter, stout frame to his advantage to win with leverage along the interior.

While Caldwell will be an immediate upgrade to the Cowboys run defense, there is more in the tank as a pass rusher. Caldwell has some of the more impressive tape in this class and he would be an excellent option if the Cowboys address other positions with their first and second-round picks in April.

CJ West, DL, Indiana

C.J. West is an option that should be being talked about in the third round to address the Cowboys run defense concerns. Despite size concerns for West, his quickness, explosiveness, and technique allow him to play much bigger than his 6-foot-1, 316-pound size would suggest. West split time playing the 1- and 3-technique in his one year at Indiana and that versatility translates well to his role in the NFL. West may not be as hot a name as some of the other guys in this class, but his tape shows a player that will have no problem carving out a valuable role in the NFL.