The Landry Hat
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Six Dallas Cowboys who have the most to prove this season

By Steven Mullenax

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 1: Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 1, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 1: Tyrone Crawford #98 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 1, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 25: Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the Seattle Seahawks during the preseason game at CenturyLink Field on August 25, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 25: Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the Seattle Seahawks during the preseason game at CenturyLink Field on August 25, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

3. player. 123. . Defensive End. Dallas Cowboys. DeMarcus Lawrence

Following the loss of DeMarcus Ware in March of 2014, the Dallas Cowboys were looking for a War Daddy to replace the legendary pass rusher. So, two months later, the Cowboys traded up in the second round of the draft (34th overall) to select Boise State defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. Essentially, they traded one DeMarcus for another.

But Dallas seemingly traded a luxury car in Ware for a bit of a lemon. Lawrence spent half of his rookie season sidelined due to a foot injury. After doing little upon his return, the younger DeMarcus showed flashes of potential recording 2.0 sacks in the playoffs and he forced a game-sealing fumble and recovery against the Detroit Lions.

After switching from right defensive end to left the following season, Lawrence led the team with 8.0 sacks and appear to be on his way to becoming the Cowboys new War Daddy.

But last year, Lawrence received a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Combine that slow start with a nagging back injury, and the 25-year old all but disappeared last season starting in just three games, recording 11 total tackles and just one sack.

Scheduled to become a free agent next season, Lawrence is in the final year of his rookie deal. Due to his up and down career in Dallas, re-signing D-Law this offseason is not a guarantee. The young rusher needs to have a productive year, if not for the team, for his own pocketbook.

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