Predicting Dallas Cowboys 2020 depth chart: Defensive Line
By Randy Gurzi
Dallas Cowboys starting defensive ends
DeMarcus Lawrence
There’s no denying that DeMarcus Lawrence is still the leader of the Hot Boyz. The Dallas Cowboys traded two picks to move up in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft for the Boise State product and after some ups and downs to start his career, Lawerence finally broke out in 2017 — and the team needed that since this was the same season they whiffed on Taco Charlton in the first round.
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Lawrence followed up his 14.5 sack campaign with 10.5 in 2018 but then saw his numbers fall this past season. He finished with 45 tackles (a low for him outside of his rookie season and 2016 when he missed significant time) and 5.0 sacks.
However, when watching him play it was evident that Lawrence continued to have a huge impact on the game even if the numbers don’t show it. He’s going to be fine in 2020 and those sack numbers will go up, which will silence the doubters who only look at the stats.
Tyrone Crawford
Starting opposite DeMarcus Lawrence this season should be veteran Tyrone Crawford. Just like Lawrence, Crawford is a product of Boise State although he came by way of the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Crawford has bounced from defensive end to defensive tackle throughout his career but for the past few seasons, he’s been the primary starting right defensive end. His numbers aren’t sexy by any means, but this is a guy who does all the dirty week. He runs stunts, sets the edge in the run game, and generates pressure as well. He can also shift inside on passing situations as an interior pass rusher.
Last season, Crawford missed 12 games due to injury, and the defensive line suffered without him. As long as he stays healthy, he’s going to be a factor in 2020.