The Dallas Cowboys made it a focus to improve the defense during the offseason. With Christian Parker leading the way on the sideline, the Cowboys have made a flurry of additions.
One of those guys was linebacker Malachi Lawrence, who was snagged with the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Meanwhile, linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku is entering his sophomore campaign. If Dallas wants their defense to take that leap, it'll need both of these guys to make an impact in 2026.
Getting after the quarterback was an area where Dallas struggled last year. They finished with 35 team sacks, which was tied for 28th in the NFL. Jadeveon Clowney, who's currently a free agent, led the team with 8.5 sacks. Not a bad number, but Clowney didn't get much help.
Malachi Lawrence exceeding expectations would go a long way for the Cowboys
That's where guys like Lawrence and Ezeiruaku need to be difference-makers. Todd Archer released his training camp preview at ESPN, and had the following to say about Lawrence:
"Downs has received most of the attention as the Cowboys' first of two first-round picks (No. 11), but Lawrence, selected at No. 22, is as imperative to the defense's success as Downs. He has to be a factor in the pass-rush department for the defense to succeed," Archer wrote about Lawrence.
And asking for Lawrence to make an impact shouldn't be too much. He can be twitchy when he gets off the snap and uses his long arms to cause problems for offensive linemen. Lawrence can win with a "variety of swats, clubs and push-pull moves," per The Athletic's Dane Brugler. In his college career, Lawrence finished with 72 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks.
With the pads coming on shortly, he will have the chance to show what he can do on the field to his coaching staff.
As for Ezeiruaku, Dallas needs him to take a step in his progression. He underwent hip surgery this offseason and was limited in the spring. He should be back fully for camp, and that's a nice sign. And he was also mentioned by Archer.
The Cowboys need Donovan Ezeiruaku to break out in Year 2
"Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku's return from offseason hip surgery. Last year's second-round pick is being counted on to be a big fixture along the Cowboys' front. He was limited in his offseason work but will be ready for camp. Can he hit the ground running? He had only two sacks last season but showed he can be an all-around player. If he can make a jump similar to the one DeMarcus Lawrence made after his rookie season in 2014, then the Cowboys would be pleased."
Regardless, the Boston College product showed he can be an all-around defender. Despite logging just two sacks, he amassed 40 total tackles, 12 QB hits, 36 pressures, and 22 hurries. According to PFF, he finished with a 73.1 overall grade (38th among 115 graded edge defenders) and a 66.8 pass-rush grade (51st among 115 graded edge defenders).
Dallas needs him to create more havoc and secure more sacks. And they hope Lawrence can hit the ground running. Without these two being productive as pass rushers, the Cowboys' edge room will have some massive question marks.
That would put more pressure on Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark to be producers along the interior, while leaning on other depth pieces off the edge. For Dallas to be a serious contender, that can't be the recipe for success.
They need Ezeiruaku and Lawrence to stand out in 2026. If they fail to do so, the defense won't be able to hit its ceiling.
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