7 edge rush prospects for Cowboys to consider through 2022 draft weekend

The Dallas Cowboys have employed some of the game’s best sack artists across their storied careers. Harvey Martin and Charles Haley are legendary staples of some of the greatest teams in franchise history. While it was a shock that DeMarcus Ware didn’t make the Hall of Fame this past February, his name will likely be called soon.

Young phenom Micah Parsons certainly helps this however his dynamic ability in multiple facets raises questions if he should be pigeon holed into one role. Dallas re-signed veteran DE DeMarcus Lawrence, who has consistently graded out as one of the game’s best edge rushers despite only two seasons of double-digit takedowns. There are question marks beyond those two, though, and as Parsons will primarily play off-ball linebacker, there’s a need to grab a young edge player in the draft later this month.

Dorance Armstrong is an intriguing re-sign, but his career high in sacks happened last season at five. Watching DE Randy Gregory walk out the door after a breakout year undoubtedly hurts.

Tarell Basham, Chauncey Golston and recently signed veteran DE Dante Fowler round out the current group and while it’s enough to go into a season with, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn loves to rotate players, so the more the merrier. Here are some names who would be good additions and potential long-term starters.

Day 1 Option: Boye Mafe, 6-foot 4, 261 pounds, Edge, Minnesota

Mafe is one of the best pure athletes in this class. He combines elite burst with great size, strength and flexibility. His hand play is some of the most efficient in the class and with refinement to his run defense he can become true three-down player. Although there is a fair amount of work to do with said refinement, Mafe displayed glimpses of nuanced understanding along with an athletic profile which creates a fantastic base to build off of. Day one, Mafe would slot right into the rotation as a designated pass-rusher with the likes of Armstrong and Fowler on the right side of the defense.

Cowboys Wire Prospect Profile: Boye Mafe

Day 1 Option: David Ojabo, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Edge, Michigan

Ojabo suffered a heartbreaking injury at his Pro Day which will likely see his stock fall to the latter half of the first. This unfortunate event can benefit Dallas as with the loss of Gregory, Ojabo can be seen as one of the best direct replacements for him. He is a juiced up presence off the edge who, given his limited experience playing football, showed flashes of NFL-caliber intelligence and ability.

He brings a versatility which Quinn loves off the right side as Ojabo can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt. He is likely to be a pass-rush specialist day one but has all the raw tools and physical talent to transition into a full time edge at the next level.

Cowboys Wire Prospect Profile: David Ojabo

Day 2 Option: Sam Williams, 6-foot-4, 261 pounds, Edge, Ole Miss

After killing the 40-yard dash at the Combine, Williams has been heavy in media rotation talks as a target for Dallas. He brings a very balanced skillset as he is not the fluid athlete Ojabo or Mafe are, but in return brings plenty of burst and a physical presence on the edge.

Williams game focuses a lot on versatility and effort. He is able to play the hybrid linebacker-defensive end role Dan Quinn covets so highly and gives 100% on every down, making his opponents have to work twice as hard. Dallas has shown mass amounts in interest in Williams thus far and is likely to be a name considered on Day 2.

Cowboys Wire Prospect Profile: Sam Williams

Day 2 Option: Arnold Ebiketie, 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, Edge, Penn St.

Ebiketie is another prospect on the evergreen conveyer belt that is elite athletes from the Penn State squad. He is a fluid mover at the top of his rush with plenty of bend and gets off with NFL-caliber burst. On top of his great athleticism, Ebiketie possesses high end hand play as he can land them consistently, accurately and effectively.

The main knock on Ebiketie his size. While he is not small, he lacks play strength which hurts him in both the run and pass game. Moreover, he has played special teams at an elite level for the Nittany Lions which leads to a designated pass rusher and special teamer role should he find his way to Dallas.

Day 2 Option: Nik Bonitto, 6-foot-3, 248 pounds, Edge, Oklahoma

Bonitto has some of the best quickness and bend in this class. Whether it’s downfield chasing down a play or in short-area situations, his agility and quickness is extremely fluid. Similar to Ebiketie, Bonitto is smaller thus limiting his potential as a true three-down player but has the shown the production and skillset to be an effective pass rusher at the next level.

Given his athleticism and size, Bonitto would be a perfect Micah Parsons-type edge piece to move around and blitz from different angles and positions. This benefits Parsons as he the has even more freedom to be moved around and makes the Dallas pass rush that much more deadly.

Day 3 Option: DeAngelo Malone, 6-foot-3, 243 pounds, Edge, Western Kentucky

Malone is a flat-out playmaker. In his career, he’s racked up over 30 sacks and dozens of plays in the backfield. In 2021, he earned C-USA DPOY honors and this impact was on full display during the Senior Bowl. Although his frame is thin and long, he plays bigger and stronger than listed.

This shows in his fierce competitive nature and very solid overall athleticism. Play strength is definitely needed to progress his game to the next level but day one he would be a solid rotational and special teams member. Once more, Malone fits the hybrid edge role Dan Quinn loves to utilize in his defenses.

Day 3 Option: Micheal Clemons, 6-foot-5, 263 pounds, Edge, Texas A&M

Clemons is a seasoned edge prospect born, raised and educated in Texas. Clemons got onto many radars after demolishing LSU for three sacks in the 2021 season finale. His length is phenomenal and he has plenty of strength is his well-built frame. Clemons lacks elite burst but makes up for this with savy hand play while still possessing adequate athleticism overall.

As someone already on the Cowboys radar, Clemons can fit on the left if he puts on a bit more weight or play off the right if he leans up a bit. As for now, he would be a fantastic developmental piece.

1

1