The Dallas Cowboys selected the Auburn defensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is how Justin Rogers got into the league. Which defensive tackles did Rogers use as a model to develop into a professional?
Rogers stated on Sunday, “I like to watch Quinnen Williams.” “It’s all about how he knocks the guard and the tackles back after he gets off the ball.” And his hand-power, something like that. Additionally, I enjoy watching Raekwon Davis, who was a player for the Miami Dolphins.
One amusing thing about Williams and Davis is that they were players on the opposing side of Rogers’ Iron Bowl rivalry. With the New York Jets for the last two seasons, Williams has been a Pro Bowl player. Davis signed a free agent contract this offseason and joined the Indianapolis Colts after four seasons with the Dolphins.
In terms of rushing defense, Dallas was 16th out of the 32 teams in the NFL in 2023.
The vice president of player personnel for the Cowboys, Will McClay, stated, “We want to get big.” “We desire to be in the flesh. Additionally, Justin Rogers is a big, nasty player from Auburn who can play the big inside nose-tackle position. He is also somewhat lengthy.
Rogers wants to please Dallas.
“They brought me in here because that’s what I do best—stop the run, especially clogging the middle up,” Rogers remarked. “You simply need to adopt that mentality and flip that switch.” You have to watch out that no one is running through the middle when you’re out on the field. I really do fit right into the plan. I can understand the playbook and everything pretty easily.
Rogers was selected ahead of 243 players in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it is not a given that the defensive tackle will end up on the practice squad.
In 2023, five interior defensive linemen for the Cowboys saw at least 25% of the team’s snaps. Returning are Osa Odighizuwa and
Attending rookie minicamp this past weekend, Rogers anticipated joining the Cowboys’ veteran group and offseason program on Monday.
It’s a high bar, according to Rogers. “I would say that since they have been here for a while, I just had to come out here and match that same energy.”
