Dallas Cowboys Player Report
Player No. 2: Osa Odighizuwa
Stock Status: Buy it while you can
When expected starting 3-tech defensive tackle, Neville Gallimore, fell to a significant injury in the preseason, Dallas Cowboys fans became worried. The already-thin defensive interior just got thinner and Gallimore was the best hope of actually fielding a someone with growth potential (stand down Trysten Hill Hive).
But the Dallas Cowboys rookie third rounder quickly put worry to bed, he hit the turf running and hasn’t looked back. Playing like a first rounder, Osa has had no trouble carrying his skills over to the professional game. He’s regularly penetrating, and has been a splash play machine for the Cowboys defense.
Cowboys Micah Parsons (16 pressures) and Osa Odighizuwa (13) rank 2nd & 4th in QB pressures among rookies through Week 5.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 12, 2021
📸: Top 5 Rookie Pressure Leaders@MicahhParsons11 leads all rookies in pressure rate (17.4%) among 35 players with at least 10 pass rushes.#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/X7tHBLpvj6
Even with the revolving door of players next to him, Osa has been able to keep up his production, proving to be one of the most impactful defensive rookies in the NFL this year.
Only 4 interior DL have more QB pressures this season than #Cowboys rookie Osa Odighizuwa (15). 3x All-Pros Calais Campbell (16) & Cameron Heyward (17) and future Hall of Famers JJ Watt (17) & Aaron Donald (21). Pretty impressive company. pic.twitter.com/eNkgG0A0AN
— Jordan Ross (@CHQ_Jordan) October 4, 2021
Osa gets credit not only for his strong play and sky-high potential, but also for his importance on this team. The Cowboys would be “up a creek” if it wasn’t for Osa and the return of Gallimore will only help. Having the two promising young tackles play together will help both make plays and should hit just at the right time this season.