The Dallas Cowboys have been busy reshaping their defensive line lately. The latest buzz? They’re eyeing explosive college football champion Ray Benny.
The Cowboys have already brought in three major defensive tackles over the past year. That includes Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark via trade, plus free agent Otito Ogbonnia.
Now, it looks like they’ve set their sights on Benny, a promising talent out of Michigan. Let’s take a look at the Cowboys’ recent moves, Benny’s fit, and a couple of other prospects from Michigan’s Pro Day that turned heads.
Dallas Cowboys’ Defensive Line Overhaul
Over the past year, Dallas has made some serious moves to beef up their defensive line. Adding Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark by trade already gave their front a big boost.
This offseason, they doubled down by signing free agent nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia. The Cowboys clearly want to build a wall up front, and their interest in Ray Benny really drives that home.
Ray Benny’s Performance and Potential
Ray Benny, a defensive lineman from Michigan, has been turning heads with his explosive drills. According to Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, Benny even met with the Cowboys before Michigan’s Pro Day.
Pauline was pretty impressed, pointing out Benny’s explosiveness during drills run by the Atlanta Falcons. That kind of feedback is hard to ignore.
- Measured at the NFL Combine: 6-foot-3, 298 pounds
- 2025 Stats: 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks
- Helped Michigan win a title following the 2023 season
Despite his stats and those flashes of power, Benny’s NFL fit isn’t exactly straightforward. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein calls him a 3-technique with good length and consistency in block battles.
Still, Zierlein thinks Benny doesn’t quite have the width or suddenness to be a true disruptor. That’s a bit of a red flag for teams wanting a game-changer in the middle.
Challenges and Versatility
Benny’s evaluation is tricky because of his size and style. He’s solid as a two-gapper—he finds the ball-carrier and sheds blocks fast.
But he does have trouble anchoring against those tough, downhill double teams. That could limit what he’s asked to do in the NFL.
Zierlein figures Benny could fight for a backup role as an early down interior lineman. He can play in both one- and two-gapping fronts, which is something, right?
Cowboys’ Defensive Schemes
The Cowboys might see Benny as a flexible piece who can step in at defensive end in their 3-4 front. He could also play the 3-tech if they switch to four-man lines.
That kind of versatility could make Benny a handy addition, giving Dallas more ways to mix things up up front.
Other Notable Prospects from Michigan’s Pro Day
Benny wasn’t the only name buzzing at Michigan’s Pro Day. Another guy the Cowboys kept an eye on was Derrick Moore.
Like Benny, Moore was described as explosive by Tony Pauline. His performance during position drills stood out, especially since he didn’t even get an invite to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Moore’s big day could really boost his draft stock. He’s another potential target for Dallas as they keep tweaking their defensive lineup.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys seem pretty serious about shoring up their defensive line lately. Bringing in guys like Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Otito Ogbonnia says a lot—they’re not messing around.
Ray Benny stands out here. His versatility is intriguing, and honestly, being able to fill different roles? That’s the kind of thing coaches love, even if it makes evaluating him a bit tricky.
There’s a lot of buzz about how Benny—or maybe even someone like Derrick Moore—might slot into the Cowboys’ plans. If you’re following their roster moves, it’s tough not to wonder how these new faces will shake things up this season.
If you’re curious for more, there’s a full breakdown of the Cowboys’ interest in Benny and other prospects over at Sports Illustrated.
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