With The First Pick
Fansided

Dallas Cowboys: Five options for first round of 2018 NFL Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Da'Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Da'Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys plan to either re-sign or franchise tag defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence reportedly wants Olivier Vernon money, but that wouldn’t cost Dallas much more per season than the one-year franchise tag would.

If the Cowboys decide to re-sign or franchise tag Lawrence, they would have a void to fill at defensive tackle—one that Da’Ron Payne could immediately plug.

If the Cowboys were to re-sign or franchise tag Lawrence, that would likely mean it would be losing defensive tackle David Irving. Irving is a restricted free agent, meaning Dallas has the right to match any contract offer he receives.

Irving has developed into a high-level player, and if Dallas inevitably lets him walk, then Payne could fill a significant void up the gut.

Thankfully, Payne is a run-stuffing lineman who combines strength and athleticism in a downright startling manner. He has potential as a pass-rusher, as well, but the reason for intrigue is that he’s a 308-pound Goliath with deceptive quickness off the line and the hands to shed blockers.

There are other options besides defensive tackle, but if re-signing Lawrence means losing Irving, then landing Payne could provide an instant fix.

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