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Dallas Cowboys draft Tyrone Crawford in the third round; where does Crawford fit in Big D?

By Kevan Lee
Feb 27, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boise State defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford participates in an interception drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
Feb 27, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Boise State defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford participates in an interception drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The Dallas Cowboys took the first Boise State Bronco on Day Two, picking defensive end Tyrone Crawford in the third round. Crawford will join Orlando Scandrick, a fellow former Bronco (a fact Scandrick will deny), in Dallas.

Crawford will make an excellent fit in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's aggressive 3-4 scheme, playing the big-bodied, strong defensive end spot that 3-4 defenses demand. With Dallas' trade up yesterday for LSU corner Morris Claiborne and offseason signings of CB Brandon Carr and LB Dan Connor, Crawford joins a vastly improved defensive unit for Dallas in 2012.

When might he see the field and who will he compete against? The Cowboys have star-studded Demarcus Ware at outside linebacker and Pro Bowler Jay Ratliff at nose tackle, but their defensive end play is fairly wide open. Here is how the depth chart shakes out now:

  • Kenyon Coleman (projected starter)
  • Jason Hatcher (projected starter)
  • Marcus Spears
  • Sean Lissemore
  • Clifton Geathers

Crawford will have every opportunity to make an impact right away in Dallas.

Your turn

What do you think of Crawford joining the Cowboys? Think he has a chance to start? Share your thoughts in the comments.