Cowboys

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Cowboys beef up defense with a Star

Dallas and a Star. Get it? This big man also makes a lot of sense for the new defense.

By Kenneth Arthur@KennethArthuRS Mar 20, 2013, 5:19pm CDT

If you have been following the NFL draft and the Dallas Cowboys this season, then you are about to read some simple truths, and those truths come together to form a conclusion. What are they and what is the conclusion?

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Truth: The Cowboys fired Rob Ryan and are moving from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense under Monte Kiffin. This will require more defensive tackles.

Truth: The Cowboys pick 18th overall in the draft. It's a significantly deep draft for defensive tackles.

Truth: Star Lotulelei was once considered to be the best defensive tackle in the draft. He was considered for the first overall pick.

Truth: Lotulelei has a heart condition and it is sliding his stock down.

When it all comes together, the total of these truths is that Lotulelei and Dallas could be a match with the 18th pick. He fills their need and he also could be an amazing value at the 18th pick. So Rob Rang of CBS Sports projects Lotulelei to Dallas in his latest mock:

For Kiffin's famous Tampa-2 scheme to work the team will need to add a penetrating three-technique defensive tackle. Lotulelei flashes the talent to warrant top five consideration but his draft stock is on shaky ground after it was discovered during medical testing at the combine that his heart isn't functioning efficiently. At this point in the draft, however, the gambler in Jerry Jones might find Star too talented to pass by.

Will Dallas get a second Star? (You've got to love relevant puns!)