The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line comes in at No. 4 in our position groups rankings. They’re this high for one reason—Micah Parsons. He’s arguably the best defender in the league, and as long as he’s healthy, this unit is a problem.
But it’s not just one guy. With veteran additions like Dante Fowler Jr. and Solomon Thomas, plus rookies Donovan Ezeiruaku and Jay Toia, there’s real depth here. The question is still the run defense. If Dallas gets bullied up front again, opponents will expose them.
New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus needs this front to set the tone. The talent is there, but so are the question marks.
Parsons sets the tone for this position group. He isn’t just the best player on the team; he might be the most dangerous player in the NFL. His ability to collapse the edge, walk down over guards, and force offenses to account for him on every snap makes this entire unit better. He’ll anchor the front four in Eberflus’ defense, and that alone gives this group one of the highest ceilings in the league. Dallas also brought back Fowler Jr., a reliable veteran who can still provide some juice opposite Parsons. But it’s the development of younger players that will determine how productive this pass rush group will be.
Sam Williams enters a make-or-break fourth season. He’s shown flashes as a pass-rusher, but consistency has lagged. Now returning from knee surgery, his performance in training camp will be under a microscope. The same goes for Marshawn Kneeland, a second-year player who flashed against the run but had his rookie year cut short by injury. Ezeiruaku brings a polished pass-rushing skill set, and he’ll be expected to contribute this year.
This group fits what Eberflus wants—motor and multiplicity—with the ability to pressure the quarterback from wide or reduced alignments. But Dallas needs more from its non-Parsons rushers against the run, especially after getting exposed last season. If the young guys make a leap and this group stays healthy, this rotation could be formidable.
Sacks from the edge are sexy, but the interior defensive line might be where the Cowboys’ season is won or lost. This group is deeper than it’s been in recent years, and bolstering it was clearly a priority this offseason. But it’s still missing a true difference-maker. Osa Odighizuwa remains the most reliable inside piece—quick off the ball and a disruptive interior pass-rusher. He also got paid this offseason, locking him in as a core piece. The addition of Thomas, a steady veteran with experience in multiple schemes, brings stability but not star power. Both players should rotate at the three-tech and will be leaned on heavily in passing situations.
The bigger question is at nose tackle. Mazi Smith enters Year 3 under serious pressure. He’s struggled to control gaps and anchor against the run, and his status as a continued starter is tenuous. If he doesn’t take a leap, Dallas could be looking for his replacement this offseason. If they haven’t already found him. Rookie Jay Toia has the frame, toughness, and attitude to push for real snaps right away. Fellow rookies Tommy Akingbesote, Denzel Daxon, and Perrion Winfrey round out this group.
The Cowboys have added bodies to rotate and stay fresh legs, but that won’t fix a soft middle. This team got mauled in the run game last year, and that starts in the trenches. If Smith can finally deliver on his potential and the veterans stay healthy, this group could stabilize the middle of the defense. But if they get pushed around again, it won’t matter how many sacks the edges rack up.
The Dallas Cowboys defensive line has the pieces to be a strength, but it’s far from a sure thing. Parsons gives it star power, and he’s the rising tide that raises the other boats around him. There’s also a solid mix of veterans and young talent across both the edge and the interior. This group is built for movement, effort, and attacking gaps, but the players still have to execute Eberflus’ scheme.
Between Williams, Kneeland, and Smith, the Cowboys have three former high draft picks that they’re expecting to produce. All have flashed, but none have delivered consistently or proven they can stay on the field. Rookies Toia and Ezeiruaku will be thrown into the mix early, but they’ll have to adjust quickly to NFL speed.
The ceiling for this group is high, especially if the interior plays with more physicality. But the floor is lower than than fans might expect. If the young guys don’t take a step forward and the run defense doesn’t improve, this group will be exposed again. The margin for error isn’t as wide as it looks on paper.
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