Projecting Cowboys alignment in 3, 4-man fronts show needs not yet met
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The Dallas Cowboys set off determined to mix things up in the new league year. After fielding a defense that finished last in multiple categories, changes started at defensive coordinator. Replacing Matt Eberflus, Christian Parker wasted no time laying out the blueprint of his new scheme. While his shift to a 3-4 base made most of the headlines, his desire to build up an all-purpose nickel personnel group was every bit as telling.
Many of the top defenses in the NFL last year lived in their nickel personnel. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks rode theirs all the way to a Super Bowl win. Whether the Cowboys commit to cause like Seattle, or if they just use nickel in a more traditional way by matching to 11 personnel, nickel is going to be the primary defensive group on the field in 2026.
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Only Parker knows what degree this will mix and match with his odd-man fronts, but certain determinations can already be made today based on the roster’s current personnel.
Cowboys 3-4 defense
Prior to the Osa Odighizuwa trade, the Cowboys had Quinnen Williams and Odighizuwa penciled in as 4i defensive ends with Kenny Clark handling nose tackle duties. Odighizuwa’s exit opens opportunities at DE now, and could provide an avenue for the newly acquired Otito Ogbonnia to get on the field.
At 320 pounds, Ogbonnia is well suited for nose tackle. His experience in a similar role under Jim Harbaugh indicates he’s up to the challenge. Unless Dallas brings in a new DE to take over Odighizuwa’s spot, there’s a good chance Clark plays outside in these 4i situations with Ogbonnia and the 342-pound Jay Toia taking reps at nose tackle.
OLB: Donovan Ezeiruaku
DE: Quinnen Williams
NT: Otito Ogbonnia
DE: Kenny Clark
OLB: Rashan Gary
The edge players in the 3-4 will come from Dallas’ collection of outside linebackers. The favorites to start are Donovan Ezeiruaku and Rashon Gary. Rounding out the rotation will be James Houston, Tyrus Wheat, Sam Williams and Marist Liufau. It’s a group that leaves something to desired in the way of pass rush, so expect that to be still be addressed this offseason.
Cowboys’ nickel front
Just because the Cowboys will play nickel predominantly doesn’t mean the odd-man front has to leave every time. Theoretically Parker can keep many elements of his odd man front and still roll with nickel coverage, but for the sake of argument let’s look at how things would look in a traditional 4-2-5 nickel front:
DE: Donovan Ezeiruaku
1-tech: Kenny Clark
3-tech: Quinnen Williams
DE: Rashon Gary/designated pass-rusher
It’s here where the Cowboys really could use a fresh new pass rusher to join the fold. Don’t let his 7.5 sacks mislead, Gary isn’t regraded as a very strong pass-rusher. It’s possible Houston, Liufau or the recently re-signed Sam Williams could step up into this role, but the Cowboys really need new juice off the edge for those obvious passing downs.
There are still some moves that could be made but with most of the worthwhile veterans already off the board this free agent cycle, this is basically what the Cowboys are left to work with until the draft. Hopefully it will provide some clarity as to how the new pieces fit and what areas demand attention in the draft.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Texas two-step: How the Cowboys’ linemen fit on their new defense