In today's Cowboys news update, the Dallas Cowboys may have unearthed a hidden gem in defensive tackle Terrell McClain during OTAs the past couple weeks.
McClain hasn't started an NFL game in three years, and is on his fourth team since being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, "the Cowboys liked him coming out of South Florida. They like what he’s flashed on tape. He was signed to see if that flash can become a consistent performance."
From what head coach Jason Garrett has seen so far, McClain definitely has that potential.
“He’s one of those guys who doesn’t say anything to anybody,’’ Garrett said, via Moore's article posted on Wednesday. “He’s just quiet and goes to work every day."
"But he’s absolutely one of the guys who is showing up the most in these first eight OTA practices. He has great intensity in all that he does. He flashes some ability. We really like how he goes about his business," Garrett added.
McClain hasn't played as a nose tackle since his time in Houston's 3-4 scheme. He will most likely challenge Nick Hayden for a starting spot as the one-technique tackle in the Cowboys' 4-3. Yet, he has shown amazing versatility working as a three-technique at defensive tackle in Henry Melton's absence during OTAs.
“He’s not the typical zero nose tackle in a 3-4 defense where he just sits over the center and two-gaps,’’ Garrett explained. “That hasn’t been his mode since he’s been playing. He’s always been a guy who has been on an edge, being able to play up field a little bit."
“We’re definitely seeing some of that through these OTAs.’’
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