Dallas Cowboys: 3 players who've earned larger roles
While the Dallas Cowboys came up short of their ultimate goals, there are still plenty of positives to build off of from 2022. After a dragging offseason, the NFL Draft provided the Cowboys with franchise cornerstones line OL Tyler Smith and DaRon Bland who've firmly established themselves as long-terms starters. While the futures of a […]
While the Dallas Cowboys came up short of their ultimate goals, there are still plenty of positives to build off of from 2022.
After a dragging offseason, the NFL Draft provided the Cowboys with franchise cornerstones line OL Tyler Smith and DaRon Bland who've firmly established themselves as long-terms starters.
While the futures of a number of veterans on the team is up in the air, a number of young players haven taken full advantage. Playing above expectations to the point that they could very well be starters from this point on.
This fits the bill for many of the Cowboys young players but these three played performances that were not only above expectations, but did so with less comparative playing time to others at their positions.
Sam Williams
An obvious Dan Quinn selection. The rookie edge rusher played a number of different roles along the defensive line. Right and left edge, 3-technique as well as nose tackle in obvious passing down. Particularly when the Cowboys use their 'all edge' front four.
Not only did Sam Williams use his impressive length and burst, which have been evident from his draft evaluation, as the season progressed, Williams became more than just a 'bully edge', similar to what DeMarcus Lawrence was his rookie year.
Finishing with 4.0 sacks (sixth on the team), 10 tackles for loss (second) and 11 QB pressures (sixth) on only 23.8% of the defensive snaps this season! Quickly becoming one of the best run and pass rush defenders on the team.
Having taken over for Chauncey Golston (who plays more defensive tackle) and the uncertain future of Dante Fowler on the team, Williams will go into next season as a heavy rotation. Likely Edge3 to fill on both sides for Lawrence and Dorance Armstrong.
Jake Ferguson
The future of TE Dalton Schultz on the Dallas Cowboys may be in question, but not Jake Ferguson.
Often asked to block the edge and second level linebacker, anchoring the edges in run blocking. Often as the Cowboys best outside run blocker on zones, sweeps, etc.
Ferguson finished as the Dallas Cowboys leader in catch percentage (86.4%) and only qualified receiver in drop percentage (0 drops).
His 19 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns may seem meager but look even better considering he played nearly 400 less snaps than Schultz, but still had three yards after catch more per reception and was the better run blocker.
Israel Mukuamu
A friend of AtoZ Sports, Israel Mukuamu has been asked to take on a number of different roles this season. Starting off primarily as a special teams gunner, but injuries increased his defensive output, with only 153 (13.34%) snaps on defense in 2023.
Playing the free safety (single-high), box safety, the 'Jayron Kearse role' in the nickel and as a modified linebacker and finally as the Dallas Cowboys answer to their third cornerback at the end of the season.
It's been his play as a slot defender that gave the Cowboys relief. Going through Kelvin Joseph, Nahshon Wright, Trayvon Mullen, Mackensie Alexander and Xavier Rhodes before Mukuamu eventually go his shot. As a modified cornerback-turned safety, it wasn't too much of a shock but the effect on the defense is clear.
Only 17 tackles on the year in a rotational role, it's been when he gets his hands on the ball that's made him effective. One interception and pass breakup, with only seven yards per reception allowed in coverage.
Even though cornerback remains one of the Cowboys biggest needs this offseason, Mukuamu, along with the rookie DaRon Bland make it a much easier transition.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman of USA TODAY Sports
