Cowboys Sign DE Ken Boatright To Two-Year Deal

After DeMarcus Lawrence fractured his foot, leaving him out of action for 8-12 weeks, it was pretty much inevitable the Cowboys would look for some defensive line help. They inked that help today, bringing in defensive end Ken Boatright, who spent some time lat year with the Seahawks.

In need of defensive line depth after losing second-round pick DeMarcus Lawrence to a fractured foot this week, the Dallas Cowboys signed defensive end Ken Boatright to a two-year contract Friday, his agent, Brett Tessler, said on Twitter.

The Seattle Seahawks signed Boatright (6-4, 253) last year as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Illinois. Boatright, 24, was released by Seattle in early August last year but was re-signed by the Seahawks only to be cut again in June. The Cowboys worked Boatright out on Friday in Oxnard, along with two other defensive ends: Cory Henry (undrafted rookie free agent out of Florida Atlantic) and Adewale Ojomo, who spent time with the New York Giants in 2012 and 2013.

What kind of player is Boatright? Here is a scouting report for him before last year's draft.

Bio: Junior-college transfer awarded all-America and all-Conference honors as a senior after totals of 62 tackles/13.5 tackles for loss/5.5 sacks. Broke into the starting lineup as a junior and posted 51/13.5/6.5.

Positive: Undersized college defensive end who consistently makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. Plays with leverage and quickly gets off the snap with an explosive first step. Fluid changing direction, immediately alters his angle of attack, and crashes down the line of scrimmage to make plays. Mobile, agile and keeps his feet moving on contact. Shows ability pursuing the action laterally and makes plays outside the numbers.

Negative: Gets lazy with his hands and must be more effective using them to protect himself. More quick than fast and possesses just a short area burst of speed. Lacks bulk for defensive end.

Analysis: Boatright made a major impact the two years he played at Southern Illinois but lacks the size/speed numbers to be anything other than a pass-rush specialist/special teams player in the NFL.

Enjoy this highlight video of the newest Cowboy.