Why the Cowboys Are Relying on a 22-Year-Old Sophomore Pass Rusher in 2026
The Dallas Cowboys' defensive line enters the 2026 NFL season as the backbone of a Dallas defense looking to improve. The line consists of talented players such as Quinnen Williams, whom they got in a trade from the Jets in the middle of last season; Kenny Clark from the Micah Parsons trade; and Rashan Gary from a trade earlier this offseason. Dallas has the potential to develop an elite defensive line, but they are currently lacking a top-tier pass-rusher. With rumors of trading for a player like Maxx Crosby, Dallas might already have the answer on the roster. Until Dallas makes a move, Dallas will be relying on a 22-year-old sophomore pass rusher, but is this decision the right answer?
The Cowboys would be asking a lot from second-year defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, but he has all the traits to become a great pass rusher. When Dallas drafted him out of Boston College in the 2025 NFL Draft, the immediate reaction was that they found an impact player for now and the future. Despite a rookie season that only saw Ezeiruaku get two sacks, he showed flashes of getting into the backfield on numerous occasions and had 12 quarterback hits. Along with his ability to pressure the quarterback, he also demonstrated strong skills in stopping the run. Now entering year two on a Dallas roster that has dramatically changed for the better on the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys are in need of Ezeiruaku to step up and help chase postseason aspirations.
Is it smart for the Cowboys to rely on a second-year man who has not shown what he is fully capable of yet to be the team's leading pass rusher? Frankly, no, but Dallas has a lot of built-in faith with him since he was drafted. While the defensive staff has changed since the 2025 NFL Draft, they were adamant that he needed to be a Cowboy, and he did. While Ezeiruaku is currently listed as the starter on the depth chart and the Cowboys have a lot of confidence in his abilities, Dallas is still interested in trading for another star player on the defensive side of the ball. If that player happens to replace Ezeiruaku's spot as a starter, he will be able to excel in a lower role. However, if the Cowboys decide to rely on a sophomore pass rusher in 2026, it's because they have all the faith in who he is and who he can become.
