Dallas Cowboys: Here is the most important player from each unit

Defense – DeMarcus Lawrence, DE

This was a much simpler task when it came to deciding who and what this player or position would be. It became much easier though after considering the principles of any good defense, and especially those that have a dominant defensive end such as Lawrence can be.

This could have easily gone to one of the safeties, who probably thought that they would either be moved, replaced, or relegated to second unit roles. They weren’t however, although the Cowboys did bring in competition to challenge them in veteran George Iloka and rookie Donovan Wilson out of Texas A&M. The decision was what it is for a few reasons.

One, Lawrence is fresh off signing a new deal with the Cowboys to a tune of $105 million total with $65 million of it guaranteed, and it would be nice to continue to validate the huge contract. Secondly, Tank will be returning from shoulder surgery whenever he does return, and it is important to show that it worked as far as current performance and future longevity.

Lastly and according to common NFL theory, if the pass rush is getting to the opposing quarterback it makes everyone else’s job that much easier because said quarterback is more concerned with the rush than he is making plays, and that is why he is the most important player on the defensive unit.