3 Cowboys who could potentially make their first Pro Bowl in 2022

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 27: Osa Odighizuwa #97 of the Dallas Cowboys goes to sack Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at AT&T Stadium on September 27, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

2. Osa Odhighizuwa, DT

Osa Odhighizuwa is only a rookie, but already proved himself to have plenty of potential in his first year with the Cowboys. A third-round pick out of UCLA, Odhighizuwa had to start in 12 games of this season due to several injuries and members of the defense on the COVID-19 list.

In 12 games started, he had two sacks, 36 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 11 QB hits. Keep in mind that the return of Trysten Hill and Nevile Gallimore after their injuries significantly reduced his snap count. His two sacks were more than any other DT on the team, giving him more sacks than Leighton Vander Esch, Keanu Neal, Gallimore, and Carlos Watkins. The UCLA product even made the NFL Media’s All-Rookie Team.

With several defensive players set to hit free agency, Odhighizuwa could earn a spot as a starter and have a breakout second year. Vander Esch, Watkins, Randy Gregory, Dorance Armstrong, and Brent Urban are all potentially not returning. This could give the rookie a chance to shine next year.

Here is every tackle for a loss + QB hit by #Cowboys DT Osa Odighizuwa in 2021: pic.twitter.com/zGrBKNneIt
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 26, 2022

At only 23 years old, Odighizuwa has the capability to be a force in the run defense, but he can also help with the pass rush. He already earned Pro Bowl votes this year but didn’t end up making the final roster. Could next year be his year?

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