In a 16-3 defeat, the Dallas Cowboys began their Hall of Fame preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although most of the starters didn’t play, the Cowboys rookies took meaningful snaps on offense and defense.
The team managed only three points in four quarters. However, at least one player stood out. He showed glimpses of his running ability.
Rookie defensive tackleOsa OdighizuwaHe was always in the backfield in both running and passing situations. Odighizuwa’s weight is 280, which is a bit undersized for his position but he plays as if he’s 300.
Odighizuwa played the most snaps (51) of any defensive player for Dallas and recorded two pressures, two hurries, and a tackle for loss on 25 pass-rush plays showing how disruptive he can be.
Odighizuwa was drafted by the Cowboys with the first of three draft picks in the 75th round. This is to help Dan Quinn, the new defensive coordinator, build a defense. Odighizuwa, second-year defensive tackle Neville Gallimore now established himself as the starter, and he can move on to the backup and rotation if they continue to make plays in the three remaining preseason games.
Defensive tackle is the player at the bottom of the depth charts or on the roster Trysten HillHe is still recovering from an ACL tear. Hill has lost his sponsor, as Rod Marinelli was no longer the team’s defensive coordinator.
Nice rep from Cowboys rookie Osa Odighizuwa (75). pic.twitter.com/wSAYkrgRvZ
— Josh Cohen (@JCohen_NFL) August 6, 2021
The more time Hill misses gives players such as Odighizuwa and backup tackle Carlos Watkins better chances to make the roster.
Hill’s recovery has been quiet at the moment. The coaching staff is not talking about Hill’s place on the roster. After the August 17th start, we will have to wait for the team to decide on roster cuts.
Odighizuwa will make the roster unless he struggles to produce over the next few games but so far the lights do not seem to be too bright for the rookie.
We have three more preseason games where we can see how this all plays out at the defensive tackle position. Hill’s status remains uncertain for now. However, Quinn and his coaches hope that he will be able to get back on the field in time to demonstrate to Quinn and his staff that he can make a positive contribution to defense when Odighizuwa knocks on the door.