Dallas Cowboys: DT Akiem Hicks Is a Late-Round Steal for Rob Ryan's Defense

Defensive Tackle Akiem Hicks is a late-round steal that the Dallas Cowboys should target. The Regina product has the versatility and physical attributes to be an immediate contributor in Rob Ryan's defense.

Hicks saw time at both end and tackle at the collegiate level. He has elite pro size at 6'5" and 318 pounds. He displays above-average initial burst and off-the-snap quickness. He also possesses rare mobility for a player of size. He should appeal to the Cowboys as a five-technique lineman, with the ability to make more plays behind the line than most 3-4 defensive ends.

Hicks has the natural leverage and powerful frame to stand up blockers at the point of attack and ensure clear lanes of pursuit for the talented Dallas linebacking corps.

However, it is his varied hands technique and range of movement that should most intrigue the Cowboys. In particular, Hicks has the lateral agility to quickly work down the line of scrimmage. This is an asset for the many line slants that 3-4 teams run up front, especially against the running game.

He uses his hands extremely well and has the length to engage, along with the technique to quickly shed and fill the gaps. One of the best aspects of Hicks' game is a powerful swim-and-rip move that could help increase the pass rush generated by the Dallas' front three. Hicks should be able to use this move in tandem with his quick takeoff to regularly pinch inside and split the tackle-guard gap in order to threaten the pocket. This would yield particularly positive results if Hicks aligned on the same side as DeMarcus Ware.

Playing his collegiate football in Canada seems to have raised the most concerns about Hicks as he enters the draft. Questions persist about the level of competition he was exposed to at first Sacramento City College and then later at Regina. However, Hicks posted good numbers at this level, and he is the kind of raw prospect who could quickly find a home in Ryan's schemes. He could shift inside and form a devastating combination next to Jay Ratliff in the nickel front.

Hicks also has the leverage to play over the center as the focal point of a 46 front, and he has the first-step quickness and athleticism to even act as a stand-up rusher in Ryan's "amoeba" packages.

The Cowboys are certainly no strangers to giving chances to late-round linemen. Ratliff was a seventh-round pick in 2005. Not to mention, Ryan has developed many raw and unheralded linemen into credible pro talents, including Cleveland Browns stalwart Antyba Rubin.

Marcus Spears has never quite become the intimidating force that the Cowboys expected when they used a 2005 first-round pick on him. Hicks offers a greater deal of versatility for Ryan's schemes and is a true sleeper who could push for a starting job right away.