The player that the Dallas Cowboys signed is not the one that the public anticipated. More players were required after two defensive players had injuries, although the individual who was signed is an unknown quantity.
Most Dallas Cowboys supporters are aware that DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons will be sidelined for several weeks due to injury. Due to a right foot injury, DeMarcus Lawrence was placed on injured reserve, meaning he will be out for at least four weeks. Parsons could miss two to four weeks due to a high ankle sprain.
The already poor defense is made worse by the injuries sustained by these players.
The Signed Player Might Be a Valuable Find
The front desk thinks the newest addition will revive the pass rush because they enjoy discovering hidden gems. Supporters are also aware that when the front office moves for relatively unknown players, they shouldn’t hold their breath.
K.J. Henry, who was on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad, is the player who is comparatively unknown. He agreed to a two-year contract with the Cowboys to come here and assist.
Carl Lawson, Chauncey Golston, and Marshawn Kneeland now make up the rotation; at worst, K.J. Henry can enter and provide a warm body.
QBs shouldn’t be alarmed by this defensive end rotation, but it might be adequate, and K.J. Henry might offer some untested abilities.
In 2023, Henry was chosen from Clemson by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round. He received training from Jeff Zgonina, the defensive line coach for Dallas, during his rookie season.
Henry believes Dallas may benefit from his experience with Zgonina because he is aware of the coach’s expectations for his team.
Henry finished his time in Washington with 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He tried his best, but he was never selected for the final cut and wound up in Cincinnati.
While attending Clemson, K.J. Henry performed admirably but fell short of expectations. He recorded 13.5 sacks and 123 tackles. Throughout his career, he knocked away 11 balls, six of which were in his area of expertise, swiping down passes near the line of scrimmage senior year.
K.J. Henry’s 2023 Draft Profile Is Potential
K.J. Henry has the makings of a decent player, and his draft profile from 2023 indicates that he possesses a few qualities that this defense can use.
At the NFL Combine, Henry, who is 6’4″ and 255 pounds, ran a 4.63 forty-yard dash. After two seasons in the NFL, he ought to be stronger and quicker.
He has a strong get-off, is a decent run defender who gets tough when attacking, and his arm length and extension help him get off blockers, according to his draft profile.
The drawbacks have to be greater than the benefits if he only serves as a practice squad member for other teams.
Thus, these are the drawbacks.
There are several things that could be done better. He finds it difficult to get beneath blockers and is ineffective at closing gaps in run defense. Though he allows free rushing lanes inside, he relies on physicality.
His hands are active but unreliable as he rushes the passer, and he finds it hard to overcome blockers with them, which hinders his ability to rush passes. In addition, he doesn’t have a reliable go-to move for pass rushing in the NFL and lacks the strength and power to succeed as a bull rusher.
Coach Greg Ellis could help with the rushing methods and hand placement; he is well-known for having excellent technique when rushing quarterbacks in the NFL.
The Cowboys might have a weapon if Greg Ellis can teach this kid some moves—and that’s a huge if. However, the vast list of faults associated with K.J. Henry could indicate to another player not worth a roster place.
At this stage of the season, K.J. Henry’s addition may be as simple as someone covering for an injured player. Perhaps the front staff looked closely at this player and saw something that could be beneficial down the road.
A squad can never have too many pass rushers, and having a pool of talented young players to rely on Getting your ears back could be beneficial.
With any luck, Will McClay and K.J. Henry can pull a rabbit out of a hat, and the thread of discovering diamonds in the rough will continue.
The fans need something to cheer about, and the Dallas Cowboys defense needs all the assistance it can get. Let’s stay positive, see the Cowboys bench multiple players, and support the young men who are given the opportunity to establish their legitimacy.
The franchise’s fortunes might be drastically altered if they don’t belong because a big draft pick is on the way. Or, at the absolute least, increase Jerry’s wealth.
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