Ranking the Dallas Cowboys top 5 current players
By Nathan Jones
3. DeMarcus Lawrence
The “Hot Boyz” are led by the defensive end, DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence played on the franchise tag and recorded double-digit sacks for the second year in a row (10.5).
These numbers are not the same eye shocking totals as 2017, but Lawrence definitely showed improvement in other areas. The one thing that separates Lawrence from almost every other edge rusher in the league is that he also is great against the run.
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Lawrence, at the very least, is one of the most well-rounded defensive linemen in the league. Among edge defenders with at least 200 snaps, Lawrence had the second best run-stopping percentage (12.3 percent), per PFF.
Perhaps the greatest part of what Lawrence brings to the table is what cannot be measured. Lawrence is the leader of the defense and has the right attitude and mentality needed to play in the trenches.
His leadership ability and his physical skills put the rest of the defensive line in better positions to make plays. Though he likes to talk about “grabbing the bag” and getting the money he deserves, he is not just a “me guy”. Lawrence is a team-centered player that any franchise would be lucky to build around.
His tenure in the NFL has had some ups and downs, but Lawrence is officially in the prime of his career. The Cowboys are still trying to workout a deal with Lawrence. If for some reason they fail to do so, Lawrence’s absence will be notable in this upcoming season.