Dallas Cowboys best case scenarios: Defensive end edition

The Dallas Cowboys have a star in defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. But what does the team have behind him on the depth chart in 2018?

The Dallas Cowboys enter 2018 with one of the deepest and most talented defensive line groups in years. It’s been some time since fans could have confidence in a Cowboys defense. With cornerback, linebacker, and defensive end all having the potential to be special units; the teams ceiling on defense is sky-high.

Continuing the best case scenario series, I will be focusing on the talented defensive end unit. This group is ripe with talent and top 100 selections.

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli enjoys sending pass rushers in waves and has even nicknamed his units ‘The Rushmen’ in previous seasons. And while DeMarcus Lawrence led the team with 14.5 sacks, nobody other than lineman David Irving could be relied on for consistent pressure.

This units starters in Lawrence and Tyrone Crawford are both stout run defenders, with Gregory being a good run defender in his past as well. This part will be taken care of once again in 2018. It’s in the pressure department we are likely to see a significant jump from the unit as a whole.

2018’s group will spread out the sack numbers considerably. I believe the defense can potentially generate 250 to 255 pressures and 45 to 50 sacks, this would put the unit in the top five.

With that in mind, I still expect Lawrence to be somewhere around 12 sacks as he will probably incur less double teams to offset the dispersed production. He will continue his Pro-Bowl form and solidify his spot on the team for the foreseeable future.

Crawford seems to be penciled in for the RDE position opposite Lawrence. Crawford is a tough and relentless player. He is a glue guy who is a leader on and off the field. He is an average starter though, which is why fans and management alike hope Taco Charlton or Randy Gregory can become the future at the position soon. I believe he will have 4.5 sacks and will be used primarily as a run down defensive end.

Taco Charlton struggled early in 2017 but started to get comfortable towards the end of the season. His struggles came as a result of play strength and experience. Charlton added almost 15-pounds of muscle to his frame in the offseason and should improve through training camp and the season enough to double his 2017 sack total. I believe Taco will be a key cog in the rotation and amass six sacks while spelling Lawrence when needed.

Randy Gregory has amazingly completed his journey back to the NFL. But now he must start his upfield climb back into playing shape. I believe that through training camp and preseason, Gregory will do enough to show fans and coaches that he still can play this game at an elite level.

Gregory is a special talent, and it is only a matter of time and commitment until he is back to being able to play like himself. I expect him to have five and a half sacks and push for a starting role by the end of the season.

Two of the last four fourth-round picks have been spent on defensive ends. Charles Tapper and Dorance Armstrong are two-speed rushers who are vying to play a specialty pass-rushing role in this rotation.

Marinelli will have no issues going to his fifth string end because he believes in having pass rushers at every spot in the depth chart. Expect whoever wins this role to be used only in passing situations. These two guys both have huge upside and potential, I foresee three sacks and a bright future for the winner of this roster spot.

Dallas has invested in pass rushers for years with slow returns on their investments. 2018 could finally be the year they all pay off. If these ends can live up to their hype, the Cowboys will be living in opposing backfields all 2018 season.