The position classification chain takes each set of positions for Dallas Cowboys Consider the players, their rankings, their contract numbers, and predict the next season for each player.
This version looks at the defensive ends of Dallas, so let’s jump straight to it.
DE1
Micah Parsons #11
Age: 24
Experience: 3 years
College: Penn State Nittany Lions
2022 Statistics:
Snaps: 1,062
Interventions: 65
Pressures: 106
Pouches: 13
TFL: 13
Defensive stops: 42
Penalties: 5
2023 decade:
Maximum cost- $4,658,125 (% total maximum)
Dead Cap – $10,092,604
Base salary- $2,212,708
Signing Bonus- $2,445,417
Drop 2023:
Tom – See, Dan Quinn might insist that Parsons is more of a defensive end, but the truth is DE, or LEO like Ourlads The one he has identified, is where he will spend the most time and have the most influence. This is a huge impact. When Parsons is on the field, teams have to account for him, likely looking for doubles or an assist. This makes life better for everyone else on defense as well as the big plays Parsons will still fight and make.
Mike – This is a no brainer. Parsons was the key ingredient that helped turn this defense into the beast it has become over the past couple of years. Although we included him in the defensive end position group, playing Parsons in a range of situations such as inside rushing, running around the rim, or handing down the three-point position makes it difficult for offensive coordinators to play. His plan and this becomes strength. The question isn’t if he can replicate his production, the question is can he play high enough to be named Defensive Player of the Year, something he’s been in the mix for since his rookie year.
DE2
DeMarcus Lawrence #90
Age: 31
Experience: 10 years
college: Boise State Broncos
2022 Statistics:
Settles: 696
Interventions: 65
Pressures: 55
Bags: 6
TFL: 9
Defensive stops: 44
Penalties: 2
2023 decade:
Maximum cost- $17,110,000 (7.4% of total maximum)
Dead Cap- $38,000,000
Base salary- $1,665,000
Signing Bonus- $8,000,000
Drop 2023:
Tom – Lawrence doesn’t get as much attention from the media and fans as he should, because he doesn’t have a ton of sacks. The reason for this is that he gets a lot of attention on the field, and his contributions exceed the number of sacks he gets. He’s one of the most sloppy pass catchers in the league, and a direct contributor to Parsons’ effectiveness, because they can’t get both of them out of play. If the Cowboys have the best team, the team will be in great shape. With both of them, they have the best assists in the league. And there are more riches to consider.
Mike – It’s funny when everyone talks about how important stopping runs is, but the only thing people care about at the end of the season with defensive ends is their sack totals. Last year among edge defenders, Lawrence ranked second in tackles (54), second in defensive stops (49), and fourth in forced fumbles (3). He’s been on a defense that uses a heavy rotation system, meaning he had fewer shutouts last year than most rookies, but he nonetheless ranked first in stopping runs. Since he’s not flashy by having all the pressures and sacks, many people regularly overlook Tank and what he does on defense. But perhaps his most important quality that no statistical newspaper can account for is his leadership and mentorship of young players. His importance to the team and players is something that is mentioned every year by new players and must be taken into account with Lawrence. Given his age, we should see a lot more of what he was like last year when he got rotational work, but it helps with his health.
DE3
Dorrance Armstrong #92
Age: 26
Experience: 6 years
college: Kansas Jayhawks
2022 Statistics:
Snaps: 618
Interventions: 33
Pressures: 43
bags: 8.5
TFL: 10
Defensive stops: 25
Penalties: 2
2023 decade:
Maximum cost – $7,250,000 (3.1% total maximum)
Dead Cap- $3,000,000
Base salary- $5,000,000
Signing Bonus- $1,500,000
Drop 2023:
Tom – Armstrong is that quiet guy that no one really thinks about but gets the job done. A blue-collar miller who can be counted on to fill a rotational role, yet had more sacks than anyone other than Micah last year. He may have been at the peak of his career.
Mike – Every year I have my hopes up with Armstrong when he starts blinking in training camp and every year when the regular season comes around he’s gone. Last season, my feelings weren’t that different from him and suddenly he burst onto the scene. Not only was he a devil doing special team assignments, he made plays on defense and looked tough doing it. With it being a contract year for Armstrong, expect his efforts to double and perhaps we’ll see his pressure totals go up.
DE4
Dante Fowler #56
Age: 28
Experience: 9 years
college: Florida Gators
2022 Statistics:
Snaps: 347
Interventions: 27
Pressures: 36
Bags: 6
TFL: 7
Defensive stops: 15
Penalties: 5
2023 decade:
Maximum cost – $3,000,000 (1.3% of total maximum)
Dead Cap- $1,000,000
Base salary- $1,500,000
Signing Bonus- $1,000,000
Drop 2023:
Tom – Well, I have a bit of a difference of opinion with Mike’s way of stacking things up. In a recent podcast and article, I identified Fowler as a player who might be left off the roster because of the numbers. He’s still good, but he’s approaching middle age in his NFL years. I expect him to play this year – not necessarily to wear the star.
Mike – I had Dee Fowler as a secret weapon in the Cowboys defense last year and he was totally fine in his role. His time with Dan Quinn in Atlanta has clearly made an impression since he soon found himself with his old coach in Dallas. Being a dedicated passer who can create pressure by getting into his leg, he is fascinating to watch. But I also agree with Tom that this could very well be the last year we see Fowler here unless he has a huge season that makes it very difficult for the front office to transition from.
DE5
Sam Williams #54
Age: 24
Experience: two years
college: Ole Miss Rebels
2022 Statistics:
Snaps: 518
Defensive shots: 274
Interventions: 22
Pressures: 22
Bags: 4
TFL: 10
Defensive stops: 15
Penalties: 4
2023 decade:
Maximum cost- $1,490,226 (% total maximum)
Dead Cap – $2,494,836
Base salary- $987,921
Signing Bonus- $502,305
Drop 2023:
Tom – I think Williams is ahead of Fowler on the depth chart, and he could be ahead of Armstrong in the latter part of this season. His only problem by the latter part of 2022 was a lack of delegates. When you look at his production compared to his time on the court, you realize that the sophomore player is just beginning to flex his muscles. Moreover, when you look at this group as a whole, top to bottom might be the best group of edge rushers in the NFL.
Mike – This is the best player of the year. I interviewed Sam Williams last week and he told me how having a son has changed the way he thinks, his outlook on life and how he approaches football. He looks set to take on the role of the main defensive end in the future. And if Armstrong and Fowler find a new team next year, it will be up to Williams to be the main man behind Parsons. Given how effective he was last year with a limited number of upsets, there should be no doubt that with more chances, he will get more production. Exciting times for Williams.
Additional signals:
Ben Banogo #95
wheat pictures No. 91
William Fihoko No. 93
Dorel Johnson No. 51
Mike – I think the team will give Tyrus Wheat a year of development and he could be the guy we talk about next year to push the final roster. Fehoko will need to quickly make himself known during training camp, and he has the talent and skills to do so. All he needs to do now is put it all together.
Tom – The team is looking to find a way to keep Fehoko on the roster, which is another reason why Fowler is in a bit of a precarious position. The rest are very long shots.