Dallas Cowboys: Top 3 Potential Breakout Players (Defense)

Jun 16, 2015; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli answers questions from the media after minicamp at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The defense of the Dallas Cowboys on paper is maybe the most improved part of team, but there are still a lot of unknowns with so many new players on the defensive side of the ball.

The changes are for good reason, as the Cowboys did have their struggles with their defense, and even though they finished 12-4 in the regular season and won a playoff game, there was still room for improvement.

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Remember last season the Cowboys played most of the year without their second-round selection in DeMarcus Lawrence, so if he can make it through camp and to Week 1 against the New York Giants, he’ll make a huge difference.

In the playoffs, Lawrence began to show just what type of player he can eventually become, but more on him later.

For the ’14 season, the Cowboys ranked 15th in points allowed per game (22.0), 19th in yards allowed per game (355.1), 26th in passing yards allowed per game (251.9) and eighth in rushing yards allowed per game (103.1).

The opposition had 315 first downs against the Cowboys last season, with the team being led in tackles by safety Barry Church (97), followed by linebacker Rolando McClain (81) while defensive end Jeremy Mincey led the Cowboys with six sacks in ’14.

With all of that said, the Cowboys really need players to step up their defensive game this season, so here are three players who have the potential to have a breakout season in 2015.

Next: A Rookie Can Have a Breakout Year, Right?