The NFL Draft is finally upon us. Before the first round gets underway on April 24, let's recap what the Cowboys have done so far this offseason.
Whether it was re-signing their own players, adding new ones in free agency or making a few trades, the Cowboys were rather active in reshaping the roster under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
So let's take a closer look at what each position currently looks like, continuing with defensive ends.
What Happened: The biggest change at the position saw the exit of DeMarcus Lawrence, who certainly made some headlines with comments as he departed for Seattle. D-Law was one of the team's best run-stoppers but he missed most of the season last year due to injury.
The Cowboys added some help at end with a couple of former first-round picks in Payton Turner and Dante Fowler, who was with the Cowboys for two years (2022-23) in Dan Quinn's scheme. Fowler left for Washington this past year and 10.5 sacks with the Commanders, but is now back in Dallas, where he had 10.0 total sacks in two years with the Cowboys.
Turner, a first-round pick of the Saints in 2021, has been injury-plagued his entire career, playing in just 15 games his first three years. Last season, he was finally healthy and played in 16 games, recording just two sacks.
What's Up: If there was a section for "What Didn't Happen" that's where Micah Parsons and his contract situation might fall. Parsons and the Cowboys are still negotiating a new contract but nothing materialized so far this year, something Micah suggested he wanted to occur to help the Cowboys in free agency. But there is no deal right now and the Cowboys could always put the franchise tag on Parsons at the end of the year if a deal isn't made before next year's free agency.
Parsons, however, is entering his fifth year and remains the most important cog not only on the D-line but the entire defense, which is now being run by DC Matt Eberflus.
Let's not forget the expected return of Sam Williams, who had an ACL injury in training camp last summer and missed the entire season.
What's Next: With the Cowboys, never rule out a pass-rusher to be drafted, even if it would be the first pick. Now, aside from Penn State's Abdul Carter, who is expected to go in the Top 3 picks, there doesn't seem to be an edge rusher that makes sense at No. 12. But if the Cowboys were to slide down in the draft and add more picks, then a pass-rusher would once again be in play.
Georgia's Mykel Williams, Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart, Marshall's Mike Green and James Pearce from Tennessee are all solid first-round options to rush the passer. Players like Landon Jackson (Arkansas) and Nic Scourton (Texas A&M) could be second-round options for the Cowboys at No. 44.
The Cowboys are always looking to add pass-rushing talent, especially considering Parsons, Sam Williams and Fowler are all entering the final years of their respective contracts.
