The Dallas Cowboys boast a ton of intriguing young talent, including a potential hidden gem in the defensive trenches: former Virginia Tech defensive lineman Kelvin Gilliam. The UDFA joins the roster after an impactful senior campaign with the Hokies, racking up 34 tackles (seven solo), three tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Given Gilliam’s size, his optimal role in this defense would be as a rotational 3-tech (even front) and 4i (odd front). behind Quinnen Williams. He faces competition from rookie LT Overton, and International Player Pathway (IPP) Adedayo Odeleye, and will need to demonstrate versatility up and down the line, not just as a primary pass rusher for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. His best chance will likely be an attempt to make the practice squad to refine his skills and add some mass. Here’s what he’s initially bringing to the table.
Kelvin Gilliam Jr. Pro day measurements
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 296 pounds
Arm Length: 32″
40-yard dash: 4.76 seconds
Bench: 34 reps
Vertical Jump: 32″
20-yard split: 2.71 seconds
10-yard split: 1.59 seconds
Shuttle: 4.52 seconds
Broad Jump: 90’9″
Games Watched: vs South Carolina, vs Miami (FL)
Strengths
Gilliam leverages a naturally low center of gravity and excellent sudden power out of his stance to gain instant leverage on interior blockers. He pairs this explosive initial step with highly active, violent hand usage to swim and slip past interior offensive linemen before they can anchor. This high-intensity penetration style was visually evident in his tape against South Carolina, where his processing speed and lateral fluidity gave him a distinct advantage over single blocks. For a sub-300-pound defensive tackle, this combination of leverage and quickness makes him a highly disruptive force on standard drives.
Weaknesses
Despite Gilliam’s competitive urgency and aggressive play style, his lighter frame exposes him to structural issues against traditional, power-heavy run schemes. Because he lacks standard defensive tackle mass, he can be vulnerable to getting washed out of plays when standard single blocks turn into heavy vertical double-teams. When interior offensive linemen can land their hands inside and anchor, their raw power can be neutralized.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys UDFA tackle hopes to capitalize on training camp opportunity
Reporting by Kenneth Ball, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kenneth Ball, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
