Cowboys final 53-man roster prediction after preseason

Defensive Line (9):

DeMarcus Lawrence
Osa Odighizuwa
Johnathan Hankins
Dante Fowler, Jr.
Dorance Armstrong
Sam Williams
Mazi Smith
Viliami Fehoko
Chauncey Golston

Dan Quinn likes to get after the opposing quarterback in waves. He will utilize several defensive linemen throughout the game and that's why they go deep here. The starters on this depth chart include DeMarcus Lawrence and Dante Fowler, Jr. on the edge but Fowler and Dorance Armstrong will be interchangeable — and Micah Parsons, who is listed as a linebacker — will also play on the edge often.

At defensive tackle, the starters are expected to be Osa Odighizuwa at the 3-tech and Johnathan Hankins at the nose. Hankins was added in a trade with the Raiders last year and the entire defense improved with his ability to stop the run. Mazi Smith, their first-round pick this season, will begin the year behind Hankins. Some will think this is a bad sign but it's really a testament to Hankins' skill and could truly help Smith develop.

Viliami Fehoko and Chauncey Golston both can play the 3-tech as well as defensive end. Their versatility helps them edge out Neville Gallimore, who never developed into the player they hoped he would be.

Sam Williams is on the roster now but could be facing a suspension after a recent arrest. If so, they might bring someone in to replace him for those games but overall, his job is in no jeopardy.