OXNARD, Calif. – Before the Cowboys’ first padded practice, the team’s defensive unit hit the accelerator on Tuesday.
All three levels were relentless in their pursuit of the football and showcased physicality. Here are some keys from Tuesday’s no-padded session in Oxnard:
The Cowboys officially signed safety Malik Hooker, completing the 90-man roster. Following a scheduled workout on Tuesday after completing the mandated five-day COVID protocol period, Dallas acquired his services. He will add position flexibility in the secondary, having played both free and strong safety. In order to make room for the roster spot, the Cowboys’ moved offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt from the physically unable to perform list (PUP) to the Reserve/Injured list. Hooker met with the team back in March, but a deal never materialized. The club reportedly wanted to see further rehab since the Achilles tear in 2020 that prematurely ended his season. Hooker’s recent physical check-up evidently presented no cause for concern and Dallas snagged another free agent defensive back. The former Colts’ first-round pick notched 124 tackles, seven interceptions, 11 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries during his three-year tenure in Indianapolis. He will add competition to the Cowboys’ secondary wearing No. 28.
During situational team drills, Damontae Kazee, Trevon Diggs, and Maurice Canady all recorded interceptions against Dak Prescott. On Kazee’s, he effortlessly tracked the football and broke up a pass over the middle of the field intended for Malik Turner. For Diggs, he grabbed a pass placed in the corner of the end zone. Prescott targeted Noah Brown along the sideline, but Diggs intervened. Canady had himself a day as well. He made a diving acrobatic interception and undercut a pass intended for Michael Gallup on a crossing route. All displayed the coveted “ballhawk” skills and shifted the momentum.
Bolstering the defensive line through offseason acquisitions has already paid off. The size and length of both rookie Quinton Bohanna and veteran Brent Urban translated to success. Both broke up multiple passes at the line of scrimmage and actively pursued the football. With Bohanna’s initial quickness and ability to eat up ball carriers, paired with Urban’s ability to stay square and lock out opponents in one-on-one matchups, they set the tone on Tuesday in Oxnard.
