At the NFL Combine, the Texas A&M Aggies’ defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper are targets for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dallas Cowboys are holding formal interviews with two former Texas A&M players, defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, during this week’s 2024 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Compared to the informal meetings when most players were present, these official interviews are more significant since they demonstrate the team’s sincere desire.
The Cowboys’ defensive needs are met by both Jackson and Cooper, particularly in light of the lackluster 2023 campaigns of their respective position groups.
The team’s nose tackle, Jonathan Hankins, failed to live up to the hype and is now free agent, which could open a spot on the roster. Mazi Smith, a first-round choice in 2023, did not live up to the lofty expectations of former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. In general, the defensive line is thin and has shown weakness at key times, most notably in losses and playoff exits over the previous three seasons.
Originally, Dallas’s defensive plan called for two linebackers, mostly in dime formations with six defensive backs. Nevertheless, Demarvion Overshown and Leighton Vander Esch’s injuries necessitated changes, which led to the installation of safeties in the box.
With a rush defense rating of 76.0 and 14 pressures as a pass rusher in 2023, Jackson was a standout nose tackle in the SEC. His injury kept him out of the 2022 season for the first half, but he returned to play well and finished second on the team in tackles for loss (seven). In eight games, he also recorded two sacks and 37 tackles.
Cooper was a vital member of the Aggies’ defense, helping them finish eighth among Power 5 teams in total defense with 295 yards per game. His repeated first-team All-American awards and commendation from the SEC coaches came from leading the team in tackles for loss (17.0), ranking sixth in total tackles (84) and fourth in sacks (8.0) in the SEC.
McKinnley Jackson and Edgerrin Cooper have drawn the attention of the Dallas Cowboys with their outstanding performances and awards from Texas A&M. They have the ability to improve the Cowboys defense with their talent and skills, but as former Aggies, they can also play football in their home state of Texas.