Projected defensive front runners to make Cowboys final 53
By Angel Torres
Defensive end. 4. player. 123. . .
I am going light here on the defensive end position and you will see why shortly. After the two primary pass rushers you think of when talking about the Dallas Cowboys, the backup defensive lineman are sort of the same players.
Demarcus Lawrence had a down-year statistically but is still the unquestioned star on the defensive side of the ball. The hope this year is centered around the health and availability of edge rusher Randy Gregory.
Those two guys get my starting nod. I also think free-agent acquisition Tarell Basham gets the third spot and is going to be the primary sub behind the starters. Even if he isn’t the primary, I figure him to have a decent role in the rotation.
Dallas drafted a few guys that aren’t traditional 4-3 defensive ends but are more like 3-4 defensive linemen. The Cowboys figure to employ that front from time to time so I have those guys under the defensive tackle section.
That makes rushing the passer as a traditional defensive end of high importance. Dorance Armstrong was a favorite of the last coaching staff and received much more playing time than he has been accustomed to.
Unfortunately, his performance was underwhelming. The coaching staff and front office talked him up and I have to now wonder if it was a ruse to try and drive his value up.
I am still intrigued by Bradlee Anae and I think he will surprise a few people. There were whispers that he was a selection made by the scouts and the coaching staff was against bringing him on. Now that there is a new defensive coordinator, my hope is that we see Anae on the field able to prove himself.
Anae is a high effort guy and I would have to imagine he has a few fans in the building. Effort guys usually turn into fan favorites so I am going to give the final defensive end spot to the unknown and see if I can get anything for Armstrong before placing him on waivers.
Defensive Ends (4) (47)
- DeMarcus Lawrence (RDE1)
- Randy Gregory (LDE1)
- Tarell Basham (LDE2)
- Bradlee Anae (RDE2)