Cowboys surprisingly add to crowded DE room, sign former failed Colts project
By Jerry Trotta
If there's one Dallas Cowboys position group that doesn't need any reinforcements it's probably defensive end. One could argue it's the strongest and deepest position on the roster -- right up there with safety and cornerback.
That speaks to the talent Dan Quinn has to work with, but the Cowboys are flush with capable edge rushers.
Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are established stars in the league, while many believe 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams will eventually succeed the aging Lawrence. In addition, the returning Dante Fowler had his best season since 2019 and Dorance Armstrong quietly posted 8.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits.
Barring any surprises, these five players will make up the pass rush rotation. Always looking to acquire more talent, though, the Cowboys took a pleasantly surprising flier on former Colts second-round pick Ben Bangou on Wednesday.
The signing is official, bringing the offseason roster to 89 players.
Cowboys are expected to sign DE Ben Banogu, two people familiar with discussions said. Former TCU standout was a Colts second-round pick in 2019. He grew up in North Texas, graduating from Prosper High. https://t.co/fdk3CeF4SF
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 7, 2023
Cowboys sign former Colts DE Ben Banogu in savvy move
Yes, the Cowboys' DE room is crowded, but you won't find us complaining about signing another athletic edge rusher.
Banogu posted an elite 9.71 relative athletic score coming out of TCU three years ago. He would've scored higher if not for his size, but he logged some impressive agility and explosion numbers for an edge, including a 40-inch vertical, 4.62 40-yard dash (!) and a 2.68 20-yard split.
For whatever reason, it didn't work for Banogu in Indianapolis. Why not see if the league's best defensive coordinator can coach him up some? Though entering his fifth season, Banogu turned 27 in January, so he's far from a finished product.
Throw in the fact that Banogu graduated from Prosper High School and attended TCU, which is a short 40 miles from The Star is Frisco and there's really not much to dislike about the move.
With the 49th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the #Colts select Ben Banogu, DE, Texas Christian.
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2019
Ben Banogu posted a Elite #RAS with Poor size, Elite speed, Elite explosiveness, Great agility at the DE position. pic.twitter.com/c2akdvRjSZ
In the worse-case scenario, Banogu shows nothing and the Cowboys cut ties before training camp even starts. In the best-case scenario, he sticks throughout camp and even sneaks onto the practice squad or 53-man roster for added depth along the defensive line and on special teams, where he has vast experience.
This could be a worthwhile reclamation project for Quinn and the Cowboys.
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