Going “all-in” starts with the middle of the defensive line

Today we take a hard look at our defensive linemen. But first, the good news: Jerry Jones has officially declared we’re going all in this year.

Which means we’re signing the free agents I have targeted come hell or high water, right?

Right? Right?

The bad news we’ve heard this song and dance before. So until we see some big name signings we won’t hold our breath.

I’m remembering a conversation I had with Jerry following a 1993 Cowboys win over the Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe.

It was the third game of the year and Emmitt Smith was playing his first game after ending his holdout.

For whatever reason, reading Jerry’s recent statement instantly brought back my reaction to what he said that day in 1993.

Horse hockey.

But, let’s see if he means it this time and give him some more moves he really needs to make. Today we’re looking at a big area of concern, the defensive line.

Less Is Not More

I’d dearly love to discover who had the brilliant idea to slim down Mazi Smith by 30 pounds before the season began.

Because as soon as I found out, as the GM, that person would be thrown out of the building. I may not even bother opening the door first.

Just as the offensive line needs to bulk up to power the run game, the defensive line needs to do the same to stop the opponent’s run game.

In 2023, the middle of defensive line couldn’t stop a flea from running it over. That changes this year.

Mazi Smith (58)

After we put Smith on a diet of half of a cow and a buffet line-sized bowl of pasta three times a day, we’re re-signing Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore.

And we’re praying Osa Odighizuwa has another season like he did last year. The same goes for Chauncey Golston.

I don’t think we absolutely have to get another defensive tackle unless Hankins doesn’t come back for another year..

But if one becomes available? Why not?

Living On The Edge

With DeMarcus Lawrence and outside linebacker Micah Parsons serving as the edge rushers, Dallas has a formidable pass rush set to go in 2024.

But there is a lack of depth at defensive end. As well as questions regarding the players behind Lawrence and Parsons.

Sam Williams has shown flashes of being a solid pass rusher.

Sam Williams (54) crashed into the Bills’ punter, drawing a flag and giving Buffalo new life at a critical juncture of the Cowboys loss to the Bills in 2023.

He also made more than his fair share of bone-headed mistakes in 2023.

He cannot continue to make those errors, especially his many costly penalties. That I can immediately think of all of his bad plays before recalling a single good one is a bad sign.

Both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler will be unrestricted free agents in 2024.

Of the two, I prefer Fowler. He signed with Dallas for one year and $300,000 in 2023.

If we can get another year from him and at a cap-friendly price, I want him back.

Then there is the case of the rookie out of San Jose State. Drafted in the fourth round last April, Viliami Fehoko never saw a single snap of action.

Could he fill a hole on the line? Maybe.

But without any NFL game film to study I honestly don’t know.

And I need answers in 2024. Not another year of maybes.

Free Agent Shopping

I have two targets in mind if we’re really going “all-in” in 2024.

Jacksonville’s Josh Allen at defensive end and Baltimore’s defensive tackle Michael Pierce. And if I have to choose between them, I want Allen.

Jacksonville’s defensive end Josh Allen is a free agent in 2024.

Getting Allen returns Parsons to a more pure outside linebacker who can occasionally rush the passer, while helping plug the hole in the run defense.

Drafting A Big Helper

There is one player among the 2024 defensive lineman draft prospects that I pick in the second round if he’s there.

Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat. He’s 362 pounds of “you ain’t running the ball up the middle against me” crammed into a six foot, four inch frame.

Pair him with a bulked-up Smith and if any running back gains more than two yards on a run up the middle then I had better see a flag on the field for offensive holding.

That being said, I’m not 100% sure he’ll still be there with the 48th pick of the draft in a few months.

But if he is? That’s what I would call going all in.