The Dallas Cowboys defensive line has undergone quite the transformation from last year. Not only is there a new defensive coordinator in the building (Mike Nolan), but they have also replaced Rod Marinelli with Jim Tomsula as the defensive line coach. Along with the coaching changes, there will be a change in philosophy and some personnel changes as well. That will hopefully bring the 2020 Dallas Cowboys offensive line to new heights after disappointing results last season.
There was quite a bit of turnover in personnel on the Dallas Cowboys defensive line starting with 2019 sack leader Robert Quinn. Defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Michael Bennett also parted ways with team. The Cowboys brought in Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy at defensive tackle but cut McCoy after losing him for the season with a quad injury. They also recently signed former Minnesota Vikings standout Everson Griffen and they brought in former All-Pro Aldon Smith. Smith is making a miraculous comeback after a 5 year absence from the NFL. In the 2020 NFL draft they also added defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and defensive end Bradley Anae to their existing group.
Despite losing McCoy for the season, the defensive tackle position looks to be an area that will be improved upon from last year. Dontari Poe should help out in the run game if he stays healthy and returning nose tackle Antwaun Woods was a very disruptive force for Dallas the past two seasons. Rookie Neville Gallimore likely won’t make an immediate impact but second year man Trysten Hill is poised to change his fortunes from perceived bust to breakout player of the year on defense. Hill has been mentioned early and often during training camp as a guy that has looked good thus far. I wouldn’t rule out the Cowboys adding some more depth in the interior defensive line if the timing and price is right. Damon Harrison is still available and although he is not a three tech like Gerald McCoy, he would still be a valuable addition to this team. Veteran Justin Hamilton rounds out the remaining depth at the position currently.
At defensive end there is going to be a fierce competition to make this team. DeMarcus Lawrence remains one of the better defenders on the team and will hope to have a bounce back season (in terms of sacks anyway) after a disappointing year in 2019. He remains a solid player both as a pass rusher and run defender. Adding Everson Griffen on the opposite side is another elite run and pass defender which will be benefit the linebacking corps. It is unknown how Aldon Smith will respond after a 5 year absence from the sport but he has apparently looked really good in practice so far. His natural talent as a pass rusher will be invaluable even in a limited role. Another talented natural pass rusher who unlike Smith is yet to be reinstated to the NFL is Randy Gregory. It is unknown what the status on his reinstatement is but he has communicated that he is anxious to play and could contribute in a similar role as Aldon Smith. Tyrone Crawford will also return to the fold and will contribute at both defensive end and defensive tackle. Additionally, returning players Dorance Armstrong and Joe Jackson will also compete for roster spots but it will be an uphill climb for both of those players. Fifth round rookie Bradley Anae is also in the mix and has already made some plays in training camp so he does have a shot to make the team. Undrafted rookie Ron’Dell Carter is another name to keep an eye as he was signed to a lucrative deal which means the team must be rather fond of him.
The level of excitement surrounding the Dallas Cowboys defensive line is the highest it has been in years. The Cowboys have a solid rotation and excellent depth even without Gerald McCoy. The new coaching staff aims to be more aggressive and to create turnovers. They will look to show multiple different fronts, disguise their coverage more, and blitz more often. A far cry from the bend but don’t break, predictable scheme employed by the previous coaching staff. Expect more big plays given up but also more big plays created by the defense. This years unit should be a better compliment to the now high flying offense that replaced the ball control, run heavy scheme of previous years.
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