Previewing the Training Camp Battles of the Dallas Cowboys (Defense)

In just four weeks, the Dallas Cowboys will begin their training camp in Oxnard, California, we look at the defense…

On July 24th, they are projected to arrive in Southern California. The Dallas Cowboys won’t start practicing in full pads for a few more days at the earliest. Our focus will be on analyzing and breaking down some of the most intriguing potential position battles until that time arrives.

If you have missed my earlier breakdown on the Dallas Cowboys offensive position battles, you can debate my ideas by clicking on the link below. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Previewing the Training Camp Battles of the Dallas Cowboys (Offense)

Today, we do a thorough analysis on the defensive position battles to watch during the Dallas Cowboys training camp.

1. Dallas Cowboys Defensive Line

This is the deepest position group on the Dallas Cowboys. Competition is going to be fierce and Dallas will have to make some tough decisions to make.

The top 10 spots belong to DE/LB Micah Parsons, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, DE Sam Williams, DE Dorance Armstrong Jr., DE Dante Fowler Jr., DT Mazi Smith, DT Osa Odighizuwa, DT Johnathan Hankins, DL Viliami Fehoko Jr. and DL Chauncey Golston.

Neither Dorance Armstrong Jr nor Dante Fowler Jr are assured roster spots. Both of their contracts are team-friendly, but they are playing on one-year deals.

Sam Williams is coming. His potential displayed in 2022 warrants more playing time in 2023. Expectations are high for Williams this season.

Viliami Fehoko Jr’s playing style is marked by a relentless and hot motor, which keeps him attacking offensive linemen non-stop. He approaches both run defense and pass defense with an undaunted and tenacious mindset. I have a strong feeling that Dallas has hit the jackpot with this 4th round pick.

I value the way he plays with strength and physicality at the point of attack in the run game. His physical strength enables him to anchor, stack, and shed blocks on the edges.

It’s possible that I’m wrong. This has happened before. It’s unlikely for Dallas to surpass 10, however, DE Tyrus Wheat and DE Durrell Johnson’s performance could make the cut day a tough call for the Cowboys.

Tyrus Wheat is a hybrid defender with versatile skills. He can do multiple things like setting the edge, rushing the passer, dropping in coverage, and spying quarterbacks.

Despite weighing 260 pounds, Wheat moves exceptionally well and has a hot motor, as well as excellent length. He has proven that he can adapt to the linebacker position, which Dallas highly values in players with position flexibility.

Durrell Johnson caused chaos on the edge in college for various reasons. Violent active hands,  lateral quickness, and tenacity. He has an outstanding motor and exhibits the ability to endure late in games. Display a highly competitive spirit.