The Dallas Cowboys have a really good defensive line. It’s weird to say because this has been so far from the truth for years. Oh, they’ll have DeMarcus Ware here and Jay Ratliff there, but overall the depth is sprinkled with a few scrubs. The quarterback was run by players like Nick Hayden and Justin Hamilton, who were great at times, but were a burden to most others. And even the good ones weren’t all that good. George Selvey, Jeremy Mincy, and Benson Mayowa all led the Cowboys rushing team in sacks for a season.
Things are much different now. The team has star power at the top and is so packed that it will be difficult to find time to play for everyone. But that’s a good problem and it’s also a fun exercise as today we’re going to build the Cowboys depth chart by dropping the defensive line snap percentage 2023.
In the latest episode of The Star Seminar on The Boys blogging network, Rabblerousr and I discussed the lineup of defensive line positions and debated which players will earn the most playing time for the upcoming season, so be sure to check that out! Also, be sure to subscribe to our network so you don’t miss out on any of our offers! Apple devices can sign up here And Spotify users can sign up here.
The Cowboys typically hold about 10 defensive linemen, so we’ll limit ourselves to 10 total points with five edge runners, two 3-techs, two nose tackles, and one DL since the Cowboys have two hybrid players. Before we get started, take a look at who had the most playtime last year (left side of the graph below, snap% has been rounded for simplicity) and who the favorites are this year (right side).
the edge
We’ll start things off with the main starters along the edge. This should come as no surprise as far as he is made up of his young star and top defensive team captain.
Micah Parsons
The Cowboys have one of the best players in the league and they know he belongs at quarterback rushing. Parsons played 919 shots last year and 80% of them were on edge. Was that too much? Did they abort him? maybe. Parsons is a dynamic player and they will continue to use him in a number of ways. They have the depth to tone down his outstanding reps a bit to keep him healthy in the long run, but he’s still the Cowboys’ best pass breaker.
Edge snap prediction: 60%
DeMarcus Law
While Parsons is all crazy, Lawrence has been quietly stealing souls from ball carriers for years. He is a great running guard and his appreciation for play is top notch. He’ll drop balls, chase running backs, and frequently offend unwanted tackles. Tank is the kind of player you would love to have on your soccer team.
Snap expectation: 60%
We turn to the players at the top of the list to take turns.
Dante Fowler
The Cowboys did a great job finding former first-round contestants for a great price. Guys like Robert Quinn and Aldon Smith did well during their year in Dallas. Fowler was that guy last year. He only played 30% of the snaps last year which was by far the lowest in his seven years in the league, but he still managed the third most sacks of his career. He seemed to have served his purpose and was a great bridge player, most expected him to sign elsewhere this off season, but the team liked what they saw and brought him back for another season. He’s still adept at passing, so don’t expect him to veer sideways. He will see the field.
Anticipation of a snap: 40%
Sam Williams
The only thing we didn’t like about Sam Williams’ second-round pick last year was that he didn’t play more. 17 players scored more defensive shots than Williams last season, which seems criminal considering how well he has done. He saw a lot of action on special teams because he was one of only six players to have played for at least 50% of special teams. His focus on exaggeration will pave the way for more playing time on defense as the youngster could have a breakout season.
Anticipation of a snap: 40%
Dorance Armstrong
Last year, Armstrong recorded the third most rushing shots behind only Edge Parsons and Lawrence. He played in all 17 games and had career highs in picks and sacks. And he was his typical strength on special teams blocking a kick for the second straight season. Most of Armstrong’s goodness came early in the year as it faded as the year went on. This season, he’ll still see action on special teams, but don’t be surprised if rising star Williams carves out his playing time.
Surprise expectation: 30%
flex
Chauncey Goulston
Goulston is the guy who doesn’t seem to have a set position in Iowa and hasn’t changed much in Dallas spending some time abroad and some time indoors. His playing time is down slightly from 41% in his rookie season to 23% last year. Part of that is due to his rare edge rush reps, but fortunately his ability to attack from anywhere still gives him value. Dan Quinn likes to recruit players from all over the place, Golston finished strong last season and should get some chances this season.
Surprise expectation: 20%
3-Tech
Osa Odigizwa
The Cowboys have tried to get three-tech defensive tackles to the playmaking industry over the years with some third round picks in Maliek Collins and Neville Gallimore. Odighizuwa is their last attempt and this one may continue. He’s played exactly 616 defensive snaps each of the past two seasons, but you can see growth in him last year. His sacks doubled, his TFL increased by 33% and he had his first career fumble. He’s a long-playing machine gun waiting to happen and he’s the best defensive tackle on this team.
Surprise expectation: 50%
Beginner technology
Similar to Golston, Fehoko is a bit of a tweener because he was a defensive end at San Jose State but is unlikely to find work there in Dallas because of the players in front of him. Instead, they can ask this high-powered, high-powered pistol to swell and attack from within. He battled penalties in college and will need to toughen up his mental performance before he sees any significant time, but his gritty energy should win over the coaching staff.
Surprise expectation: 30%
the nose
Mazie Smith
The Cowboys invested their best resources in defensive tackle from Michigan to add some strength in the quarterback. The range of results here is high as we could see something of a two-tier player with enough growing pains to limit his reps to a young dominant power taking the bull by the horns. Given that the Cowboys have a knack for nailing first-day picks, we’re betting on the latter. First round picks do not sit out.
Anticipation of a snap: 40%
Jonathan Hankins
Hankins’ trade last year was a great thing because it addressed a huge need for defense and came at such a low cost. It was easy to notice the effect in the run defense when he was on the field and he wasn’t. The veteran is good enough to be a starter here and could start the season in that role well, but if all goes as planned, he should take a backseat to the rookie as the season progresses.
Surprise expectation: 30%
not cut
The depth of the Cowboys’ defensive line means some will be left out in the cold. It’s weird to think that Neville Gallimore was their best defensive tackle at some point, but several new inside linebackers have joined the team since he was drafted. Same goes for Quinton Bohanna who the team thought could be the answer when tackling the nose, but where does Smith and Hankins now fit on the roster?
It’s even more difficult to make the team more aggressive because it’s hard to see which unaccompanied players steal any reps from the more talented and proven players mentioned above. That group was so deep last year that they released Tarell Basham who went on to play five games with Tennessee Titans last year. Tyrus Wheat and Durrell Johnson could shine enough at camp to earn a spot on the practice squad, but it could be the end of the streak for offensive lineman turned defensive lineman Isaac Alarcón, as the Cowboys tried everything they could to give him a chance.