Dallas Cowboys Position Group Rankings: Defensive Line

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.

A Bolstered Unit With A Lot To Prove

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.