Cowboys 'Prioritizing' Johnathan Hankins Return - Source

Hankins was brought in to anchor down the middle of the Dallas defensive line at nose tackle, and that's what he did, which is why the Cowboys are looking for him to re-sign - maybe as the next guy, a source tells us, during this Monday flood of second-tier moves.

No, bringing back Hankins isn't the top-shelf investment from the Cowboys that fans hope for at nose tackle, but it is another smart move by the front office in an offseason where they've made a lot of those.

The Cowboys certainly have the cap space to keep Hankins and can even sign versatile vet Carlos Watkins. 

Hankins locks down the middle of the Cowboys' defensive line, playing as a nose tackle in that 0 or 1-technique position, who will could be paired with a number of defensive tackles. Osa Odighizuwa and Chauncey Golston both saw increased snaps at defensive tackle late in the season and will vie for the starting role this season.

Even with the potentially returning Hankins, the Cowboys could still use bodies upfront. So are there any other options? Through the NFL Draft, of course. And a tier down in free agency still? Sure. 

Calais Campbell stands out as an option after being released from the Baltimore Ravens. But the 36-year-old is set for a visit with the Atlanta Falcons. ... While another ex-Rams' interior defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson visited with the New York Giants on Monday. 

The Cowboys are looking to bring back the known commodity, Hankins, before venturing for outside help.