Do the Dallas Cowboys Have a Top 10 Front Seven?

The Sharp Football Analysis team ranked the Dallas Cowboys as the 16th strongest front seven in the NFL, and Micah Parsons had some thoughts. 

The All-Pro edge rusher was unappreciative of his team’s ranking. His response was short yet showed his clear dissatisfaction. 

Parsons was tremendous in 2023. 

He finished with a career high 14 sacks, the most on his team and the seventh most in the league. 

He also recorded the highest pass rush win rate in the NFL according to ESPN (35%).

Another bright spot on this Cowboys defense was DeMarcus Lawrence

The 32-year-old veteran only recorded four sacks but finished with an astonishing 91.3 PFF rating, showing particularly well against the run.

Lawrence logged a run stuff on 6.4% of his run defense snaps last season, 1st among qualifying defensive linemen.

The problem for the Cowboys is that outside of these two stars the front seven leaves a lot to be desired. 

Both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler departed in free agency for the Washington Commanders. 

Armstrong had the second most sacks on the team with 7.5 in 2023 and contributed 20 tackles for loss. Fowler was also a key contributor with 4 sacks in 2023. 

Former Pro Bowl linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is another Cowboy who will not be returning to the team in 2024.

Vander Esch was once a promising young star but he battled injuries throughout his career that ultimately led to him retiring this offseason.

Add in the departures of Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore, and Dallas’ front seven looks a bit sparse. 

The team signed Eric Kendricks to fill their need at middle linebacker.

Dallas also beefed up their front seven in the draft by taking Marshawn Kneeland and Marist Liufau with second and third-round selections. They are both projected to get a lot of snaps next season. 

Whether or not these additions pan out for the Cowboys is a huge question mark. 

Parsons and Lawrence will likely continue to produce, but Dallas needs the rest of the unit to step up in order to crack the top 10.

Articles