Despite all the deficiencies the Dallas Cowboys currently have, there are still areas of strength. Such as the franchise quarterback, secondary and linebacker core.

However, one of the biggest question marks going into the season has been the defensive line. The depth, progression, replacing Randy Gregory, etc.

With the additions of Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and John Ridgeway, there's definitely potential. In pass rush, as well as the ability to stop the run.

Spreading the depth apart from the inside out, it's evident that what was the defenses biggest weakness might be getting ready to become a strength of this team.

Defensive Tackles

• Carlos Watkins
• Quinton Bohanna
• John Ridgeway
• Osa Odighizuwa
• Neville Gallimore
• Trysten Hill

Not all six of these players will make the roster but each provides something to the depth at the position.

Gallimore and Odighizuwa are the Dallas Cowboys two most talented DTs. Both slated as starters on the depth chart at nose (1-tech) and under (3-tech) tackles. They're the best combination of power and skill the Cowboys need.

Both added weight and strength this off-season, knowing the front line starts with them. After losing RB-stuffer Brent Urban, the run defense took a noticeable drop, allowing 100+ yards rushing in all but one game following the bye week.

The addition of Ridgeway and the development of Bohanna will be key. A pair of young defenders, drafted primarily to clog holes and slow the running game.

Watkins and Hill are both competing for the fifth and probably final DT spot against both the young run defenders. Specifically, whichever underperforms. Considering the Cowboys have edge rushers who can play 3-tech, it will come down to who can play both spots at a higher, consistent level.

As the Dallas Cowboys have a young tackle group, it's trending in the same direction the secondary showed in 2020. A pair of athletic tackles, young run stoppers and intense competition for a spot.

The tackles, along with the edge rushers, are going to take this group to much higher overall level than it's seen in recent years.

Edge Rushers

• Sam Williams
• Dorance Armstrong
• Chauncey Golston
• DeMarcus Lawrence
• Dante Fowler
• Tarell Basham

As mentioned earlier, three of the Dallas Cowboys edge rushers have the ability to play inside: Golston, Lawrence and Williams. Each taking reps inside and out in practices.

Lawrence is the alpha of the group, and it will take a heavy rotation to fill out the pressure left from Randy Gregory. The expectation that it comes from Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, who's combined 2021 output would in fact do just that.

However, the eyes have been on another pair of edge rushers. Chauncey Golston, who is 20 pounds heavier to better play inside as a rotational 3-tech, and Sam Williams, the rookie with high potential. Both play with length and power, and could be the eventual starters on the edges in a season or two.

While Tarell Basham might be the odd man out, it will be the coaching staff to decide if keeping him as the sixth edge makes sense. He was one of the Cowboys best edge run defenders and had the fourth most QB pressures (21) of any player on defense.

The Cowboys also have Micah Parsons and Anthony Barr, a pair of LBs who can effectively rush the pass inside and on the edge. Can they afford to keep all 6 edges? If so, they won't have a lot of noteworthy names, but combined with the tackles can become the deepest position group on the team.

Night and day from a year ago.

Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports