Dallas Cowboys aggressively early 53-man roster prediction for 2022
By Randy Gurzi
![ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 14: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 14: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8114d3bc4cc081c9ee2febe18c2c23a981a0bc84839adcb6ef83831108f4cafd.jpg)
Defensive Line (10):
DeMarcus Lawrence
Osa Odighizuwa
Carlos Watkins
Dante Fowler
Dorrance Armstrong
Sam Williams
Neville Gallimore
John Ridgeway
Trysten Hill
Chauncey Golston
Another position where Dallas lost some talent was at defensive end. Despite originally coming to terms with Randy Gregory, they wound up messing things up as he signed with the Denver Broncos.
As frustrating as that move was, it could end up being just fine. Gregory has all the talent in the world but he has yet to record more than six sacks in a season and seems good for one penalty per game. That doesn’t mean they will easily replace his production though, but they could make it work by using their committee approach.
DeMarcus Lawrence continues to be their star on the left side with Dante Fowler appearing to be the starter on the right to begin the season. He will have to fend off Dorrance Armstrong who had five sacks last season and rookie Sam Williams — a second-round pick who has an explosive first step much like Gregory’s but needs to get better against the run.
Carlos Watkins and Osa Odighizuwa start in the interior with Watkins serving as an underrated nose tackle. Odighizuwa had a great start to his rookie season but then seemed to hit a wall late in the year. A full season under his belt should help him take a step forward in 2022.
Reserve defensive tackles include former second-round pick Trysten Hill, Neville Gallimore, and John Ridgeway who could eventually supplant Watkins as the starter at the 1-tech.