In just a few days, the Dallas Cowboys will start their OTA program, marking the first set of organized practices this offseason.
Recently, Dallas had voluntary workouts in which rookies integrated with veterans for the first time, but OTAs mark the first true opportunity for coaches to evaluate the full roster in a structured practice setting.
On the heels of an offseason that accomplished its primary objectives, the Cowboys will have competition up and down the roster. The defensive line is no exception, even though Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Rashan Gary will headline the starting unit.
The Cowboys clearly sought to improve their defensive line depth, which leaves second-year nose tackle Jay Toia on shaky footing.
Cowboys' 2025 draft pick Jay Toia on shaky ground after Dallas' offseason
The Cowboys were praised for drafting Toia in the seventh round last year. Dane Brugler of The Athletic said that Toia "easily could have been drafted in the fourth round," underscoring the value Dallas got by nabbing him at pick No. 217.
Toia made the 53-man roster, but that was before Dallas acquired Kenny Clark in the Micah Parsons trade last August and gave up a haul for Quinnen Williams in November.
Even though Mazi Smith was included in the Williams trade and Perrion Winfrey missed most of the season with an injury, Toia still struggled for playing time, appearing in just five games.
The Cowboys traded away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas this offseason, but they replenished their depth by signing veterans Otito Ogbonnia and Jonathan Bullard, and drafting Alabama's LT Overton in the fourth round.
Just like in Year 1, Toia once again finds himself buried on the depth chart. Even if he's on equal ground with Bullard, he's no higher than fifth.
- Quinnen WilliamsÂ
- Kenny Clark
- LT Overton Â
- Otito OgbonniaÂ
- Jonathan BullardÂ
- Jay ToiaÂ
The Cowboys typically keep five interior defenders. Barring injury, the top four will play most of the snaps, leaving Toia to duke it out with Bullard for the (potential) final spot.
What's troubling for Toia's outlook is that he's a limited player in a scheme that values versatility. While he can occupy blockers and hold up against the run, he offers next to nothing as a pass rusher. Both Overton and Ogbonnia can play the big DE or 4i in base and rotate in other gaps on nickel downs.
If Kenny Clark goes back to playing as a true nose, Dallas will need a backup. That's where Toia can earn his keep, but the additions of Ogbonnia, Overton, and Bullard have left him pushing a boulder uphill entering Year 2.
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