The Dallas Cowboys haven’t gotten a lot out of their draft picks in recent years, and that includes Marist Liufau. A third-round pick in the 2024 draft, Liufau has played in all 34 games in his first two years in the NFL but has just 80 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks to show for it.
While availability is always a great thing to have, the Cowboys are hoping for more production. Part of that process is by moving Liufau to outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme that new defensive coordinator Christian Parker is bringing over from the Philadelphia Eagles. But the Cowboys have also spoken volumes about Liufau with some of the moves they’ve made this offseason.
With Rashawn Gary and second-year edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku currently in starting roles, Liufau has a lot of work to do and the NFL draft could be the moment that changes Liufau’s outlook and accelerates the end of his time in Dallas.
Cowboys’ Draft Plans Could Create Major Problem for Marist Liufau
The Cowboys have been busy overhauling their pass rusher room this offseason, and Liufau’s move to the outside isn’t the only notable move. Gary is expected to solve some of the problems as a player who got consistent pressure with the Green Bay Packers. But his ability to finish plays could open the door for Liufau if he makes a smooth transition.
James Houston is also ahead of Liufau on the depth chart and should have the inside track due to his experience, which includes a sack total (5.0) that was the second-highest on the team last year.
But the final hurdle for Liufau to clear is competition from the Cowboys, which could add in the draft. The Cowboys have two first-round picks thanks to the Micah Parsons trade, and while there are more pressing needs, including cornerback and linebacker, they could easily take an edge rusher if Rueben Bain falls to the 12th overall pick or choose from Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk or Clemson’s T.J. Parker if they stick and pick with the 20th overall selection.
While it’s not a deep pass rusher class in terms of high-end talent, there are more capable players available in the second round, with 11 edge rushers ranked in the top 60 of the consensus big board at NFL Mock Draft Database. The Cowboys do not have a second-round pick, but they could get one as part of a package for trading down, which could get Liufau competition to enter training camp.
Looking at Liufau’s analytics, the Cowboys may be wise to try him on the outside. Liufau was a weakside linebacker at Notre Dame, but his strength was rushing the passer with a 15.5 percent pressure rate on 258 snaps with the Irish, according to Pro Football Focus. Even in the NFL, Liufau has had success rushing the passer, posting a 20.4 percent pressure rate on 88 snaps, perhaps giving him a chance to extend his career.
But that will become more difficult if the Cowboys add more edge rushers in the draft and it could put pressure on Liufau to emerge as the type of homegrown breakout player that has been rare in Dallas.