What It Means:

With starter Rolando McClain suspended for the first 10 games of the season and not guaranteed to return once the ban is over, the Cowboys need to find a reliable starter in the middle. Starting strong-side linebacker Anthony Hitchens and journeyman reserve Andrew Gachkar should get the first crack, but 2015 seventh-rounder Nzeocha will get reps as well. If all three fail to secure the spot, the Cowboys could look to bring in a veteran free agent.

Nzeocha was active for two games in 2015, but accrued no statistics. Prior to his suspension, our algorithms projected McClain for 102.67 tackles, 2.13 sacks, and 2.96 passes defensed. Hitchens should pick that projection up, while Gachkar or Nzeocha receive or split his projected 80.17 tackles, 1.92 sacks, and 2.44 passes defensed.