The Dallas Cowboys might have up to four new starters on defense when the team takes the field next Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders. After a busy trade deadline and a Week 10 bye, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is getting to use his new players in a matter of days — linebacker Logan Wilson and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

Both arrive as trade acquisitions, but most importantly, as likely immediate starters. They’re both considered obvious upgrades at their positions. Add to the mix third-round rookie cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., who is expected to make his debut on primetime.

He’s far from a guarantee to start, however, but Dallas’ woes at corner could cause the coaching staff to shove him into the fire. And of course, there is DeMarion Overshown’s much-anticipated return.

With these additions, what will the Cowboys’ defense look like? I would assume very different. Let’s dive into my best guess, split into an early down look and a passing down one. The key difference?

One is a heavy, five-man front to get the team’s top three defensive tackles on the field — with obvious advantages and disadvantages — while the other is more of a nickel look.

Early down look: 3 defensive tackles for Cowboys?

Note: Listed below are the players I expect to start; however, you can expect a heavy rotation on the defensive line. Asterisks denote “new” starters.

• EDGE: Donovan Ezeiruaku
• DT: Osa Odighizuwa
• NT: Quinnen Williams*
• DT: Kenny Clark
• EDGE: Jadeveon Clowney
• Middle LB: Logan Wilson*
• Weak-side LB: DeMarvion Overshown*
• CB: DaRon Bland
• CB: Shavon Revel Jr.*
• S: Juanyeh Thomas (Maybe Malik Hooker if he returns from IR)
• S: Donovan Wilson

First things first, playing with a five-man front is something the Cowboys have already been doing over their last couple of games. And though it provides advantages, it also has a very obvious disadvantage.

The advantage: The Cowboys can generate one-on-one matchups across the defensive line more easily, limiting double teams. Osa Odighizuwa, for instance, has seen an increase in double teams this season with Micah Parsons gone. Now, however, he will be in a better spot to make plays.

Additionally, it makes it easier to defend the run, too, as linebackers are less likely to see linemen climbing to the second level untouched. In turn, that makes their job easier.

The disadvantage? In this case, a five-man front isn’t like a traditional 3-4 scheme, where the outside linebackers can drop back into coverage. I mean, Dallas can drop Clowney and Ezeiruaku, but they’re not cover players at all. In other words, if opposing offenses are willing to throw the football on early downs, the Cowboys would have six men in coverage as opposed to the “standard” seven.

It’s almost like blitzing every single snap in the sense that you’re sacrificing resources in the backend while aiming for better pass rush or aggressiveness in the run game.

Late downs: Forget about the NASCAR front

• EDGE: Donovan Ezeiruaku
• DT: Osa Odighizuwa
• NT: Quinnen Williams*
• EDGE: Jadeveon Clowney
• Middle LB: Logan Wilson*
• Weak-side LB: DeMarvion Overshown*
• Nickel: Reddy Steward
• CB: DaRon Bland
• CB: Shavon Revel Jr.*
• S: Juanyeh Thomas (Maybe Malik Hooker if he returns from IR)
• S: Donovan Wilson

This is the traditional nickel look with three cornerbacks on the field, including one nickel. In this case, nickel is Reddy Steward, but that could change week to week depending on the matchup. If an opponent’s primary receiver works from the slot, I’m assuming DaRon Bland would slide inside, where he plays his best football.

At defensive tackle, you’d want Osa over Kenny Clark because he’s the better pass rusher, and you’re not taking Williams off the field. Speaking of, I don’t think the Cowboys would do the NASCAR front — a personnel package replacing defensive tackles with pass rush specialists — with this personnel.

Oftentimes, Dallas would run three or more defensive ends in passing downs to get a better pass rush. But now, Odighizuwa and Williams look like better options when those moments come.

Matt Eberflus needs to make this work

Following recent comments by Jerry Jones, I seriously doubt Eberflus’ job is in danger. However, there’s no question that could change if the Cowboys’ defense fails to improve following the addition of Williams, Wilson, and Overshown. The jury is out on Revel Jr.

The veteran coach will be highly motivated to turn his defense around, as his long-term future may depend on it.

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