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Predicting the Cowboys’ defensive end depth chart for 2022

By Brandon Martinez

Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and outside linebacker Micah Parsons (11) in action during the NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and outside linebacker Micah Parsons (11) in action during the NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chauncey Golston (59) reacts after a play against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chauncey Golston (59) reacts after a play against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Rotational DEs: Dante Fowler Jr., Sam Williams, Chauncey Golston, Tarell Basham

Arguably the most impressive part of this group is the depth. The Cowboys not only added talent through free agency in Fowler and the draft in Williams, but they also bring back Golston, a potential producer, and Basham, a platoon player.

Fowler was signed in March, and he is expected to come in primarily on passing downs. The former third overall pick has had an up-and-down career thus far, recording mixed results with three different teams. His best season came in 2019 with the Rams where he finished with 11.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.

One of the highest potential additions made this offseason was drafting Sam Williams in the second round. The Ole Miss star enjoyed an excellent senior season, finishing with 12.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. The 56th overall pick is expected to be another passing down option who can really blossom if his game becomes more refined in camp.

An overlooked member of this group is Golston. Last year’s third-round pick had a decent first year in the league. He finished with 32 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery as a rookie in 2021. According to Golston, he has actually added on 20 pounds over the offseason and may become a bigger presence as a pass rusher on the inside.

https://twitter.com/PFF_Colts/status/1532814377522429952

The final piece of the rotation will involve Basham. The former Colt and Jet was brought in last season as a depth piece and had a solid season. He was primarily used on run-downs, as he was one of the team’s best run stoppers last season. There’s not a whole lot of upside with Basham, but he gives you a solid floor, and you almost always know what you’re going to get with him.

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