The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with one of the deepest and most dynamic defensive end depth charts in the NFL. While questions linger at other positions, the edge is not one of them. From Pro Bowlers to high-upside young talent, the Cowboys boast an embarrassment of riches along the defensive line that should keep opposing quarterbacks on high alert.
At the top of the chart is Micah Parsons, the All-Pro hybrid defender who continues to revolutionize the role of edge rusher. Though he occasionally lines up at linebacker, Parsons is primarily a terror off the edge. His explosive speed, rare bend, and relentless motor make him one of the most disruptive forces in the league. He’s coming off another double-digit sack season and is firmly entrenched as the face of the Cowboys’ defense.
Opposite Parsons, the Cowboys feature Demarcus Lawrence, the veteran stalwart who remains one of the league’s best run defenders at the position. While his sack numbers have dipped in recent years, Lawrence’s leadership, physicality, and ability to set the edge are invaluable. His presence allows others to flourish in more specialized roles.
Behind the starters, the depth continues to impress. Sam Williams, a second-round pick from 2022, has steadily grown into a dangerous rotational piece. His burst and flexibility off the line have led to flashes of brilliance, and many inside the organization believe a breakout year is on the horizon. Williams is being groomed to take on a bigger role, and his ability to close in a hurry has made him a favorite in passing situations.
Dante Fowler Jr., re-signed on a team-friendly deal, adds another layer of experience and pass-rushing acumen. While not an every-down player anymore, Fowler has proven to be an efficient situational rusher, often used in third-down packages to maximize pressure. His familiarity with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s system gives him a distinct edge as a plug-and-play piece.
Then there’s Viliami Fehoko Jr., a 2023 fourth-rounder who spent most of his rookie year developing behind the scenes. A versatile lineman capable of sliding inside on passing downs, Fehoko brings power and versatility to the rotation. The coaching staff remains high on his potential, and his physical style of play has earned him praise during offseason workouts.
Adding to the mix is Chauncey Golston, who offers inside-out flexibility as a depth option with special teams value. While not a high-impact player, Golston’s high motor and team-first mentality ensure that he remains in the game-day rotation.
Perhaps the most intriguing addition this offseason is rookie Marshawn Kneeland, the team’s fourth-round pick out of Western Michigan. Long and athletic with a raw but coachable skillset, Kneeland drew comparisons to Gregory Rousseau during the pre-draft process. Early reports from rookie minicamp suggest he could be a factor sooner than expected, especially if injuries strike.
What makes the Cowboys’ edge group even more formidable is how interchangeable many of the pieces are. Parsons can rush from anywhere—standing up or with his hand in the dirt. Lawrence can kick inside on passing downs. Williams and Fowler can rotate freely depending on matchups and game flow. The team’s defensive front thrives on versatility, pressure packages, and depth, and few franchises are better positioned to capitalize on that philosophy.
From a strategic standpoint, Dan Quinn’s system is built to maximize the talents of his edge defenders. With the luxury of depth, he can keep players fresh, tailor packages to specific opponents, and dial up exotic looks that keep offenses guessing. The Cowboys were among the league leaders in pressure rate last season, and there’s little reason to expect that to change given the personnel at Quinn’s disposal.
For all the offseason chatter about the offense, it’s the defense—and particularly the defensive ends—that may carry this team through the grind of the regular season and into another postseason push. In a league that increasingly revolves around getting after the quarterback, the Cowboys have positioned themselves well with a depth chart that’s both top-heavy with stars and bottom-loaded with promising talent.
The challenge now will be distribution of snaps and roles. With so many mouths to feed, maintaining locker room harmony and maximizing efficiency will be key. But that’s a problem every defensive coordinator would love to have.
In short, the Dallas Cowboys are not short of options at defensive end—they’re stacked.
