Nick

Hayden

Peerman was active 15 times last season, but played primarily on special teams. He carried the ball just three times for 15 yards. He’s unlikely to be a part of the Bengals’ plan to replace Cedric Benson.

Hayden started 10 games for the Panthers last season, ending up with 31 tackles and one sack. He’ll fill the roster spot vacated by Pat Sims (injured reserve, ankle).

A sixth-round pick of the Panthers in 2008, Hayden has made 13 career starts and profiles as offseason depth for a Dallas team transitioning from a 3-4 to 4-3 defensive scheme. In the 4-3, Hayden is a defensive tackle.

It speaks to the Cowboys’ (typical) lack of depth. A 2008 sixth-round pick of the Panthers, Hayden has made just two appearances since 2010. He was out of the league last season.

30-year-old Hayden adds depth following the loss of Desmond Bryant. He was a starter for Dallas the last three seasons, but played a major role in their run defense struggles. Hayden’s 53-man spot isn’t guaranteed.

Melton will start at three-technique, while Hayden, Terrell McClain, Tyrone Crawford, and Ken Bishop compete for snaps next to him. Hayden started all 16 games last season, playing 843 snaps, but received extremely poor marks both as a run defender and pass rusher at PFF, grading out as their 68th defensive tackle out of 69 qualifiers. McClain will be given every opportunity to win the job.

Hayden started all 16 games last season, but was among the league’s least-effective defensive tackles. He graded out dead last in Pro Football Focus’ ratings, getting whipped by the run while generating zero pass rush. Hayden’s spot on the 53-man roster won’t be assured.

Hayden will get a $310K salary if he makes the 53-man roster. A smallish try-hard prospect, Hayden projects as only a long-term situational reserve.

The size drop-off (Kemoeatu is 6'5/345 to Hayden’s 6'4/292) is spectacular. Coordinator Ron Meeks admits that the Panthers will have to change their scheme to atone for Kemo’s loss. They’re going to field a poor run defense.

The Panthers are awfully thin at this spot on defense. It’s been hard to find a replacement within for injured Ma’ake Kemoeatu. Hayden struggled against New York on Monday and they feel Favorite will better help against the run.