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Breaking down the Dallas Cowboys 2019 defensive end depth chart

By Randy Gurzi

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a sack during the third quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a sack during the third quarter of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 25, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 05: Jeff Heath #38, Demarcus Lawrence #90, and Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys combine to stop Chris Carson #32 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 05: Jeff Heath #38, Demarcus Lawrence #90, and Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys combine to stop Chris Carson #32 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Cowboys added some talent to the edge of their defensive line. Here we examine their defensive end depth chart heading into 2019.

At 10-6, the Dallas Cowboys were able to take the NFC East crown in 2018 — which was their second division title in three seasons. After a 3-5 start, this seemed almost impossible and there were many who deserved credit for the impressive turnaround.

The one name that popped up a lot was wide receiver Amari Cooper — and it’s true his contribution was vital. The entire offense looked different with him out there running routes. Quarterback Dak Prescott looked more accurate, running back Ezekiel Elliott had more running room, and the rest of the receivers saw less defensive attention.

Another player who received a lot of praise was linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Even when the Cowboys offense was struggling, the defense was playing some exceptional football and he was a big reason why.

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Their first-round rookie was credited with 140 tackles despite starting just 10 games. His play was a catalyst for the defensive explosion but he wasn’t alone. He had help from fellow linebacker Jaylon Smith, cornerback Byron Jones, and an underrated defensive line which was led by DeMarcus Lawrence and a group of no-name players.

What’s scary for opponents in 2019 is that the defensive line looks even better this season. Lawrence will be back but he has more help this season thanks to a big offseason trade as well as some underrated moves in both the draft and free agency.

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