How Can the Dallas Cowboys Turn Their Defense Around?

Key Players to the New Look Defense

Dallas officially has all the pieces of the puzzle to put together a strong defense once again. The Cowboys invested heavily in free agency by signing versatile safety Jalen Thompson, who can play deep in coverage while also stepping into the box to help stop the run.  

They also have three quality cornerbacks capable of playing both on the outside and in the slot, with Daron Bland and Shavon Revel leading the group. Free agent addition Cobie Durant adds even more depth to the secondary, giving Dallas another quick, ball-hawking cornerback. 

The biggest improvements, however, came in the front seven. The Cowboys are getting green-dot linebacker Overshown back from injury after he proved he can do it all at the position. They also traded for San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dee Winters, who has worked with the first-team defense throughout OTAs and minicamp. 

Along with strengthening the linebacker corps, Dallas added even more firepower to the defensive line by trading for run-stopping edge rusher Rashan Gary. Entering his eighth NFL season, Gary has proven time and time again that he can be a productive veteran while also mentoring young edge rushers like Donovan Ezeiruaku, who showed flashes of his potential last season. 

Cowboys Rookies Should Make an Impact

While the Cowboys added proven veterans throughout the offseason who can contribute immediately, they also invested in their future through the draft. Dallas’ rookie class has the potential to make an immediate impact, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where the Cowboys spent nearly every draft pick on.

Almost all of Dallas’ rookies are projected to contribute right away, with first-round pick standout Caleb Downs already making headlines. Downs is an elite do-it-all safety who possesses outstanding coverage skills, footwork and the ability to play downhill, making him one of the best safety prospects seen in years. 

That reputation has already followed him to Dallas, as defensive coordinator Parker called Downs “as advertised” and “a natural football player” during minicamp. 

The Cowboys didn’t stop there. They also selected Malachi Lawrence, a raw but athletic edge rusher who displays elite bend around the corner. They followed that by drafting Jaishawn Barham. He’s a physical downhill linebacker with elite speed and physicality, which allows him to play sideline to sideline. 

Later in the draft, Dallas added cornerback Devin Moore. Moore is a quick and twitchy defensive back. Lastly, they selected LT Overton, a strong, physically gifted run-stopping edge defender. 

By combining experienced veterans, key contributors returning from injury, and a promising rookie class, the Cowboys’ defense now has talent and depth. If rookies develop as expected and the unit stays healthy, the Cowboys will once again have one of the NFL’s top defenses.