Latest news with #OsaOdighizuwa
USA Today
20-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking all position groups, Cowboys have $127 million in cap spending across in top 3
Dallas did a lot more than it typically does during this most recent offseason. They added a 10-sack veteran defensive end, traded for multiple starting defenders, and added depth to the offensive line and defensive front seven. The Cowboys roster will be outstanding if healthy, with six All-Pros along with Osa Odighizuwa, DeMarvion Overshown, and Cooper Beebe as players who tht kind of potential. Still, the Cowboys have never been able to put together a complete roster like the Philadelphia Eagles or San Francisco 49ers have had over the last few years. While some position groups are spectacular, others have holes in need of step ups. Here are the rankings of Cowboys positions from best to worst. Defensive Ends The edge rushers top the list with Micah Parsons being the superstar supplemented by another double-digit sack artist in Dante Fowler Jr. Three second-round options in Marshand Kneeland, Sam Williams and the recently signed 2025 pick Donovan Ezeiruaku on rookie deals with loads of potential. Dallas has $40 million on the offseason books at the edge. Wide receivers The wideouts rank second, and like defensive end, superstar CeeDee Lamb elevates the entire position. He is paired with a genuine freak show outside receiver in George Pickens, and they combine to be one of the top duos in the NFL. The depth behind them is limited but includes a former second-round pick who has never had quality quarterback play and a speed option who has made a ton of plays on limited touches. Dallas has $35 million on the offseason books at the edge. Quarterbacks Dak Prescott had a down year and another injury, but he was second in MVP voting and an All-Pro in 2023. They finally have a backup with a ton of potential to work after trading for Joe Milton and Will Grier as a veteran QB to try and replicate Cooper Rush's past success. Dallas has $52.5 million on the offseason books at the edge. Linebackers This position has a ton of talent and potential. They are being paired with the top linebacker developer in the NFL, Matt Eberflus, so they should reach their full potential for Dallas. Overshown was voted a top 10 linebacker, but he will be out most of the year. Kenneth Murray, Jack Sanborn, and Marist Liufau all need to step up until he returns, and they all possess the raw talent to do so when channeled correctly. Offensive line Dallas has one of the best interior groups in the league with All-Pro Tyler Smith, first-round pick Tyler Booker, and second-year center Beebe. But the OL isn't in the top three because their tackle play was atrocious in 2024. Terence Steele could bounce back after struggling under former offensive line coach Mike Solari, and Tyler Guyton has the traits to be an excellent left tackle, but he needs to be stronger mentally. They have good depth with Brock Hoffman, T.J. Bass, Robert Jones, and Asim Richards. Tight ends Jake Ferguson had a down season, but injuries to himself and the quarterback were a significant factor in that. Brevyn Spann-Ford is a 6-foot-7, 280-pound blocking option. John Stephens Jr., Rivaldo Fairweather, and Tyler Neville are young players who could stretch the field, and Luke Schoonmaker took a significant jump from his rookie year. The position isn't higher because it's more potential than substance, thus far in their careers. Cornerbacks The corners would be higher, but injuries significantly reduce the ranking. If it's Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel Jr., Josh Butler, and Kaiir Elam with Caelen Carson and Israel Mukuamu as the depth guys, they could be as high as third in these rankings. Where the team stands going into the season is too unknown to put them higher. Running backs Some rankings would have running backs last, but Dallas has figured out the correct way to build the room: acquire cheap veterans and utilize the draft to build out the unit. Looking around the league at how many Day 3 draft picks produce as rookies, Jaydon Blue could do a good job as an explosive runner who can catch the ball. Javonte Williams is young enough to bounce back from injury, and with another year of healing, a better offensive line, and coaching staff, the unit should improve overall as well. Safety Safety is challenging because while many teams would consider starting one of Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, Juanyeh Thomas, or Markquese Bell, none of them would be viewed as impactful defenders who could significantly improve a defense. The Cowboys have multiple competent safety options, but no impactful ones. Defensive tackle DT is the worst position on the team, even though Odighizuwa is a top-five pressure player at the position. The issue is that he is a poor run defender, and the team has no quality options to play next to him. Mazi Smith hasn't shown that ability to this point, Jay Toia is a seventh-round rookie at a position that typically takes a few seasons for players to develop, and Solomon Thomas is a more minor player like Odighizuwa, who isn't great as a pass rusher or a run defender. This is the only position where the team has one high-quality starter, and everything else is unknown. You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
$80 million Cowboy cuts to chase, a 'Sharp defense' is on the way in 2025
With so many offseason changes, the Dallas Cowboys defense looks less like a finished product and more like a blacksmith's forge; sparks flying, heat rising, weapons in the making. One person not rattled by the shift? Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who says this group is in a phase where they're 'sharpening [their] swords.'In a recent, exclusive interview, the newly-minted $80 million man said fans should "expect a sharp defense' as things are already shaping up and key pieces are still on their way back. 'I like the way our defense looks right now,' he told me. 'You got some guys that are on their way back. I'm excited to see what Sam [Williams] does. I'm very, very excited to see what Sam does. We're getting [DeMarvion Overshown] back at some point during the season, so that's gonna be great.' Between bringing in defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and losing longtime tone-setter DeMarcus Lawrence, a new identity is being crafted. And Osa isn't just here for it, he's helping design it. Advertisement Odighizuwa has always been a lead-by-example guy, but when we talked, he acknowledged stepping into more of a vocal leadership role this year. Not by changing who he is, but by speaking up where it matters. 'I'm not gonna change my style,' he said. 'Just be a little more vocal, speak where I see fit. The good thing is we brought in some good guys that are a little bit older. They've got good heads on their shoulders as well and don't necessarily need someone to follow.' Among those 'good guys' are veteran additions like Solomon Thomas and Kaiir Elam, players Odighizuwa says 'pop out on tape,' put in extra work, and lead by example in their own right. And that extra work is critical this time of year. Odighizuwa made it clear that every member of the defense is held to a certain standard that it's up to them to reach by training camp. 'Especially playing for Coach Eberflus,' he emphasized, 'you gotta be in great shape. You gotta be in championship condition.' Advertisement This defense knows there's no easing into the season. Every rep is a weapon being sharpened. Every meeting, every lift, every film session, it's all preparation for battle. And Osa Odighizuwa? He's not just sharpening his sword. He's helping the whole armory gear up. To hear more from him, including thoughts on leadership, conditioning, and also some surprising anime takes, check out the full interview. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans! This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys DT Osa Odighizuwa excited about 'sharp' Eberflus defense
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Micah Parsons Turning Heads With Major Act Of Leadership
Micah Parsons Turning Heads With Major Act Of Leadership originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FRISCO — The wait for the Dallas Cowboys to sign Micah Parsons to a much anticipated contract extension gets longer with each passing day. With the calendar ready to flip into July and training camp only weeks away, the sides are still yet to agree on terms for a new deal. Advertisement This has become the typical practice for the Cowboys evidenced in their dealings with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb on this same item a year ago. Despite this drawn out process, things seem amicable from both sides and Parsons has maintained a presence around the team. Parsons did not participate but made an appearance at mandatory minicamp a few weeks back. Now, he's keeping himself and his teammates active with some work outside the confines of The Star. The Cowboys' defensive star organized workouts on the beach with his peers on the defensive front. Those participating with Parsons included Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas among others. Very clearly, "The Lion's" leadership has resonated around the locker room. Parsons' off-the-field matters have not impacted his presence around the team. Instead, he continues to embrace the challenge of stepping into next season as the unquestioned leader of the defense. Advertisement Parsons has done nothing but produce in his first four seasons and his expected extension with the Cowboys should reflect that. But Year 5 and the remainder of his coming seasons with the franchise will call upon to embrace the transition from being a hungry up-and-comer to a savvy veteran leader. Some may find that difficult for the boisterous Parsons. Activities like this, however, provide tangible proof of his desire to become that figure for the Cowboys. The integration of this into his game will make him an invaluable piece for Dallas through the coming years. But of course, this all stands on the assumption the Cowboys secure the deal from their side and keep him in town long term. There's no reason to believe it won't happen though none can rest easy on this matter until the ink dries to paper. Related: Cowboys Discussed Trey Hendrickson Trade As Bengals 'Landing Spot' Rumor Updated Related: Cowboys Get Incredible Spot In Latest Offensive Power Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dallas Cowboys Rookie Impressing Early during OTAs
Dallas Cowboys Rookie Impressing Early during OTAs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Dallas Cowboys selected UCLA defensive tackle Jay Toia with pick No. 217 in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. ... and wouldn't it be nice is he could work out as well as the last Bruin to the 'Boys? Advertisement The last UCLA defensive tackle drafted by the Cowboys was Osa Odighizuwa and that has worked out beautifully. Toia is a former rugby player who doesn't shy away from physicality. The 6-2, 341-pound Inglewood native fills an immediate need for the Cowboys as a run-stopping defensive tackle. Maybe as a backup. Maybe as something more. On Thursday at voluntary OTAs, Toia received first-team reps with the team's starters. Healthy competition is vital to a team's success to make sure players are constantly pushing each other and looking to get better. ... and maybe that's all this is. Or maybe this signifies a major change - and an admission that Dallas' major roster flaw ... run-stopping ... merits real and new answers. Advertisement The Cowboys drafted defensive tackle Mazi Smith with their first-round pick back in 2022. The former Michigan star began to show signs of growth last season, but Dallas needs more. ... and inserting Toia in the mix will - if this works out - give the Cowboys an intriguing pair of 1-technique defensive tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, Toia had his best collegiate season in 2024—posting a 69 overall grade. The trust Toia has earned from the coaching staff early in their offseason program is a positive sign. If he continues to impress, that trust could lead to reps on the field during the regular season. A scouting view? Toia's ability to battle double-team blocks with a wide base will in theory help keep linebackers Kenneth Murray Jr., Jack Sanborn, and Marist Liufau free to play downhill and defend the run. Advertisement The development of Toia and his integration into defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' scheme will be an interesting storyline to follow throughout training camp as Toia could be an underrated contributor for the Cowboys defense. Related: Dallas' Schottenheimer Reveals Inspiration Behind 'Visor Vision' Related: Cowboys Stud Tyler Smith Poised to Break NFL Record This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
01-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Countdown to Cutdown Rundown: Player Profiles for Jersey No. 99
Countdown to Cutdown Rundown: Player Profiles for Jersey No. 99 - 91 Throughout the 2025 offseason, Cowboys Wire will be running a series of player profiles on the members of the club's 90-man offseason roster. Well, 91-man roster, as the team has one of the NFL's International Pathway Program allotments that allows a franchise to carry an extra player who was born outside of the United States. These profiles will allow fans to have a general idea of a player's background, how they arrived in the league and how they ended up on the Dallas Cowboys' roster, along with the journey that will be ahead of them. For star players, these will look at their accomplishments and for players who are just trying to make either the 53-man roster of 16-man practice squad, it will be a brief look at the fight ahead of them. This piece will serve as a repository for each of those articles, as well as a link to each previous 10-number repository. No. 99: None No. 98: DE Payton Turner | Link No. 97: DT Osa Odighizuwa | Link No. 96: DT Justin Rogers | Link No. 95: DT Denzel Daxon | Link No. 94: DE Marshawn Kneeland | Link No. 93: DT Jay Toia | Link No. 92: None No. 91: DE Tyrus Wheat | Link Repositories 99 - 91 | 90 - 81 | 80 - 71 | 70 - 61 | 60 - 51 | 50 - 41 | 40 - 31 | 30 - 21 | 20 - 11 | 10 - 1 Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
