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DJ Withers faces uphill battle to crack loaded Cowboys interior D-line
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- DJ Withers faces uphill battle to crack loaded Cowboys interior D-line
The Dallas Cowboys are just weeks away from heading to Oxnard, California, for training camp, where intense competition awaits at multiple positions on both sides of the ball. One under-the-radar player to keep your eye on is defensive lineman DJ Withers, former Kansas Jayhawk and college teammate of fellow UDFA Tommy Dunn Jr. Coming off a strong final season at Kansas, Withers recorded 16 total tackles (11 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, bringing a steady interior presence and high-energy motor to Oxnard as he fights for a spot in a crowded defensive line rotation.
DJ Withers Pro Day Measurements
Height: 6-foot-4
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Weight: 294 pounds
Arm Length: 33"
40-yard dash: 4.73 seconds
Vertical Jump: 30.5"
20-yard shuttle: 2.65 seconds
10-yard split: 1.48 seconds
3-cone drill: 7.68 seconds
Games Watched: vs Wagner, vs Iowa State
Strengths
Watching Withers' tape, he displays excellent bend and a quick burst out of his stance. He showcases impressive point-of-attack power when he gets his hands inside, possessing the functional strength to shock blockers, push the pocket, and hold his ground in 1-on-1 matchups. That interior power was front and center against Wagner, where his leverage and initial push directly resulted in two tackles for loss. His suddenness allows him to penetrate the backfield quickly, blowing up plays before interior offensive linemen can set their anchor.
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Weaknesses
Withers exhibits exceptional athletic abilities and explosive speed, yet his transition to the NFL presents several distinct developmental challenges. Having played defensive end in high school, he is still honing the subtleties of interior line play, particularly in his ability to anchor against powerful double-teams. Moreover, although his agility enables him to disrupt the pocket, Withers must broaden his pass-rushing techniques beyond mere quickness and sheer effort. Incorporating refined hand-fighting skills and additional counters will be crucial to enhancing his skill set.
How does he fit on the Cowboys ?
Withers possesses the traits and potential to become a solid rotational pass rusher, but finding an opportunity on this year's 53-man roster will be an uphill battle. With heavyweights like All-Pro Quinnen Williams , Kenny Clark , veteran signee Jonathan Bullard , nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia , and fourth-round pick LT Overton on board, there is likely only one spot left in this defensive line room. Withers cannot just be a gap-shooting disruptor; he must prove he can make an impact in the run game as well. Defensive coordinator Christian Parker demands versatility in his scheme, so Withers' best path onto this roster is to earn a practice squad spot, continue refining his technique, and make enough noise in training camp and preseason games to command the coaching staff's attention.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: DJ Withers faces uphill battle to crack loaded Cowboys interior D-line
