Cowboys 2022 second-round pick hurts chance of making roster with latest arrest

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams' roster spot could be in jeopardy following his weekend arrest on weapons and controlled substance charges.

Williams was drafted in the second round (56th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft after three seasons at Ole Miss. He had four sacks, nine quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss last season as he finished fifth in the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

As good as he was, his off-the-field issues might be too much to overlook. This isn't the first time he's been in trouble with the law. 

A warrant was issued for his arrest in January on a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving stemming from an accident the previous month. In July 2020 while at Ole Miss, he was arrested for sexual battery. Charges in that case were later dropped. 

While it's never great to cut a second-round pick after one season, that might be the best move for the Cowboys.

It helps that Dallas has arguably the best edge-rusher in football (Micah Parsons) as well as other productive rushers including Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr. and DeMarcus Lawrence. 

Former Colts second-round pick Ben Banogu; 2023 fourth-round pick Viliami Fehoko Jr.; and undrafted rookies Durrell Johnson, Isaiah Land and Tyrus Wheat are also competing for roster spots. Land has been the standout of that bunch with eight pressures and one sack during the preseason.

Any of them could have a better opportunity at landing on the 53-man roster because of Williams' struggle to make the most of his.