The Dallas Cowboys entered the offseason with a dire need for help at the defensive tackle position. It’s an issue that has been on repeat for several years, even the ones where they believed they made inroads to long-term solutions. One of the last bastions of organizational overlook, the team has habitually led the talent-acquisition periods come and go, and the same was true in 2025.
Dallas didn’t sign any big-bodied tackles during free agency, only adding hybrid defensive lineman Solomon Thomas to play both on the edge and as a backup for Osa Odighizuwa. Day 1 of the draft passed, as did Day 2 and the first three rounds of Day 3 before they addressed the spot, double dipping with UCLA’s Jay Toia and Maryland’s Tommy Akingbesote. While Toia has a clear intent to be a run-stuffing addition, Akingbesote’s role is a bit unclear, as he’ll look to make an impact in training camp and latch on with the club against longer odds.
RunDown
Position: Defensive Tackle
Age: 22
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 316 pounds
Hometown: District Heights, MD
High School: Flowers High School
College: Maryland (Film Study Video)
Draft: 2025 Seventh-round pick (No. 247 overall)
Acquired: 2025 Draft
Contract: Four-year extension (2025), $4.3 million
2025 Base Salary: $840,000
Profile
Akingbesote will enter training camp with the momentum of being drafted behind him, but already challenged for his role. The club signed the UFL’s Perion Winfrey, who has pro experience in his favor and is the primary competition to be DT5 behind Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, Thomas and Toia. Also looking to impress his way onto the roster or practice squad will be Denzel Daxon, who has an IPP exemption, and Earnest Brown IV.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys hope long-shot rookie can buck odds, turn 7th-round status into glory
Reporting by K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
