IRVING, Texas – There is no doubt the Dallas Cowboys need to upgrade their defensive line through the draft or free agency, whether or not they keep DeMarcus Ware and/or Jason Hatcher.

So far Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been the apple of many eyes when it comes to the draft, but could Dallas defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s past help the Cowboys land another defensive tackle in free agency?

Free agent-to-be Henry Melton thrived under Marinelli with the Chicago Bears. Melton had 15.5 sacks from 2010 to '12 with Marinelli as coach and went to the Pro Bowl after a six-sack season in 2012.

There is a "but" here -- Melton’s health. He is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the third game of last season.

“Henry’s from Dallas, he played for [Marinelli], obviously there would be interest from Henry’s side -- but who knows at this point?” Melton’s agent, Jordan Woy, said.

Woy said Melton’s recovery is coming along.

“He’s back to running and doing really well,” Woy said. “He’s sprinting and stuff, so he’s kind of at the same time frame as [Anthony Spencer, roughly training camp for a return] or maybe a little earlier.”

Woy also represents Hatcher and Spencer, so he will know how much the Cowboys will be looking to spend in free agency rather quickly.