3 Players Who Have Gone Missing at Cowboys Training Camp
By Randy Gurzi
2. Viliami Fehoko, Jr., Defensive Line
Losing Sam Williams was a tough blow for the Cowboys.
Williams, a second-round pick out of Ole Miss in 2022, was on the verge of a breakout campaign. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive end (who boasts sub-4.5 speed) had 48 tackles and 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons. This year, his role was set to increase with Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler leaving in free agency.
That won't happen in 2024 since Williams suffered a torn ACL. Immediately, the spotlight was placed on rookie Marshawn Kneeland as the player who needs to step up. They also signed Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney — two moves that don't necessarily move the needle.
We've heard teammates speak up for Kneeland, saying they have faith the Western Michigan product can rise to the occasion. What we're not hearing is anything about second-year player Viliami Fehoko, Jr.
A fourth-round pick from San Jose State, Fehoko had 46 tackles for a loss and 23 sacks in 48 games during his collegiate career. As a rookie, he didn't see the field at all. Heading into year two, a major opportunity is sitting in front of him but so far, the Cowboys seem to be more willing to lean on rookies and outside free agents.
This might not be Fehoko's fault, however. The 6-foot-4, 267-pounder could be a victim of the Cowboys' never-ending desire to find as many 3-techs as they can. Rather than allow Fehoko to play his natural position — defensive end — they've moved him back and forth. They've done the same with Chauncey Golston, who has been a decent 3-tech but could be a much better EDGE.
Perhaps the same is true of Fehoko and this would be a great time to see if he can help replace Williams. We don't know if that's even on the table since we're not hearing much at all about him.