Cowboys 3–4 Defensive Depth Chart Prediction

Now that the offense is finished, we will take a look at what I think the defensive depth chart will look like at the start of the 2026 season.

I’m building this around a base 3–4 defense, and that change will affect how I look at the entire depth chart. This will be about figuring out where the players fit the scheme, who gives Dallas some position flex and helps this defense progress.

In a 3–4, the Cowboys will need size up front, athleticism at linebacker, and defensive backs who can move around. Some players fit cleaner than others, and a few roster decisions are going to be tougher than people think.

Again, players that are bold and blue are projected for my 53-man roster on the defensive side.

Cowboys Defensive End Depth Chart

1. Quinnen Williams
2. Kenny Clark
3. Jonathan Bullard
4. LT Overton
5. Tommy Dunn Jr.
6. Kelvin Gilliam Jr.
7. DJ Withers

In a base 3–4, I want size, power, and versatility up front.

Quinnen Williams and Keny Clark give Dallas strength and pass rush at the end position. They can also move up and down the line much like the rest of the defensive end depth chart and take pressure off the linebackers.

Jonathan Bullard makes the roster because I like having a veteran body who can handle different jobs across the front. LT Overton is the kind of young defensive lineman I want to keep around because he has the size and upside to grow into a big role.

Kelvin Gilliam Jr., DJ Withers, and Tommy Dunn Jr. are not on the 53, but they are all players I would consider for the practice squad. Out of that group, I would really try to keep Dunn in the building as a developmental lineman.

Cowboys Nose Tackle Depth Chart

1. Otito Ogbonnia
2. Jay Toia

This is where the 3–4 defense really matters.

If Dallas is going to build the front correctly, I want a real nose tackle body on the roster and that is why Otito Ogbonnia makes the 53. He had his best season as a nose tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.

Jay Toia does not make my final roster, but I do like him as a practice squad player. He still fits the scheme as a developmental nose tackle, he just doesn’t beat out Ogbonnia.

Cowboys Outside Linebacker Depth Chart

1. Rashan Gary
2. Donovan Ezeiruaku
3. Malachi Lawrence
4. Sam Williams
5. James Houston
6. Marist Liufau
7. Tyrus Wheat
8. Isiah Land
9. Adedayo Odeleye

This is where the pass rush lives.

In this 3-4 front, Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, Sam Williams, and James Houston all fit as outside linebackers. This gives Dallas a strong group of edge players who can rush, rotate, and keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Marist Liufau is listed here because Christian Parker stated he was going to put Liufau at outside linebacker, so I’m building the depth chart that way. I like the fit because it gives Dallas another athletic front-seven player who can play in space and attack the edge.

Cowboys Inside Linebacker Depth Chart

1. DeMarvion Overshown
2. Dee Winters
3. Shemar James
4. Jaishawn Barham
5. Justin Barron
6. Langston Patterson
7. Curtis Robinson

This will be a group to watch closely.

Overshown is the top inside linebacker for me, and Dee Winters will be LB2. His speed matters in this defense and in a 3–4 look, the inside linebackers have to be able to run, cover space, and clean up behind the front.

Shemar James and Jaishawn Barham are young and fill out the depth behind the starters nicely. Both give Dallas athletic upside, and will develop into big-time contributors.

Justin Barron is one of my favorites of this group because I don’t see him as a traditional linebacker. He is a hybrid defender who can help at linebacker, safety, and on special teams.

Langston Patterson is a practice squad type of guy to me. He could develop later on down the road into a great backup or good starter.

Cowboys Cornerback Depth Chart

1. DaRon Bland
2. Cobie Durant
3. Shavon Revel Jr.
4. Caelen Carson
5. Reddy Steward
6. Devin Moore
7. Corey Ballentine
8. Trikweze Bridges
9. Derion Kendrick
10. Josh Butler
11. Zion Childress

Bland and Durant give the Cowboys two veteran corners who give proven playmaking ability to the defense. Behind them are young corners who are still developing, but could turn into serious players this season.

Caelen Carson may be getting towards the end of his rope this season if he doesn’t start contributing, since the new defensive staff has no ties to him.

Cowboys Safety and Nickel Depth Chart

1. Caleb Downs
2. Jalen Thompson
3. Malik Hooker
4. PJ Locke
5. Markquese Bell
6. Julius Wood

This is now one of my favorite rooms on the team.

Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson are the starters for me. Downs gives Dallas a cerebral, tough, instinctual difference-maker on the back end. While Thompson is a proven starter who can help stabilize the defense right away.

Malik Hooker will get plenty of playing time as Downs and Thompson will get looks at the nickel spot. PJ Locke is another safety/slot player who will see the field often.

Flexibility is the key here and all of these players can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

Markquese Bell is the tough cut here, but I like Justin Barron more as a hybrid player.

Defensive Practice Squad

These are the defensive players I would try to keep around after cuts:

1. Jay Toia, NT
2. Kelvin Gilliam Jr., DE/DT
3. DJ Withers, DE/DT
4. Tommy Dunn Jr., DE/DT
5. Langston Patterson, LB
6. Zion Childress, CB
7. Markquese Bell, S/LB

This practice squad gives Dallas some developmental pieces who could contribute later in the season if injuries start to happen.

Each of these players fit a need at every level and that is what the Cowboys need during a long season and a potential playoff run.