The Dallas Cowboys training camp opener did not turn out to be as successful as any of us had planned.
In case you haven’t heard already, Sam Williams suffered an ACL and partial MCL tear.
In 2024, the talented pass rusher was expected to play a significant role in the Cowboys defensive line.
He got injured while taking part in training for the special teams.
The first thing that came to me was: why on earth was he in that unit?
Dallas Cowboys EVP & COO Stephen Jones joined @JasonMinnix @joereinagel210 on on the Blitz live from Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard California discussing who needs to step up in wake of the Sam Williams injury contracts & more
Full Video https://t.co/shZgv8tBv1 pic.twitter.com/gOG1Zw5wrJ
— San Antonio's Sports Star (@SASportsStar) July 29, 2024
Williams was supposed to be a reliable defensive lineman for Mike Zimmer this season, so I find it incomprehensible that he would be playing special teams instead of defense.
This team already lacks depth as a result of the few players that left via free agency this offseason.
They simply can’t seem to get a break prior to the start of a season.
Before the season began, a year ago, they lost both Trevon Diggs and DeMarvion Overshown.
Williams’ departure may result in more playing time for the younger players, but I searched around and saw a few individuals they might be able to add from outside the team.
Carl Lawson
Carl Lawson was the first player that sprung to mind.
He’s a strong enough player to stop the run and can get after the quarterback.
Lawson has participated in 73 games overall.
He has totaled 83 QB hits, 150 pressures, and 27 sacks in his career.
Remaining on the field is his biggest shortcoming. A year ago, he participated in just six games; in 2021, he did not play any games.
Lawson has only appeared in every game twice in his career, but given that Jerry won’t even pay his best players anymore, he might be a valuable addition and worth the gamble, depending on how much he is willing to spend.
He would likely be the least expensive of the three players I’ll discuss here if he can demonstrate his fitness and provide the Cowboys with a significant number of snaps.
Yannick Ngakoue
Yannick Ngakoue is a player I had a lot of opportunities to watch last season as a Midwesterner who loves the Cowboys.
Last season, he participated in 13 games with the Chicago Bears. In the end, he recorded eight quarterback hits, 34 pressures, and four sacks. Finishing with six tackles for loss, he demonstrates his strength in run defense.
Ngakoue has played 123 games in his career, making him a seasoned player with extensive knowledge of the game. Ngakoue has the ability to lead a defense and fit right in with a club. He carries on with his work.
Shaq Lawson
Shaq Lawson is a name that everyone should be familiar with, and if I had to choose, I would say that Ngakoue and him are the ones to watch.
Lawson spent the most of his NFL career as a run-stuffer. In 2016, he was selected in the first round, although he never achieved much success.
In more over 100 games, he has recorded 130 pressures, 67 quarterback hits, and 130 pressures. If given the chance, I believe he has a lot left in the tank.
The three players listed above are the ones I would contact if I were Dallas and this team was trying to find a replacement for Sam Williasms.
The issue is that we will be forced to watch guys like Tyrus Wheat struggle for the most of the year while Jerry feeds us and tells everyone how much he loves his troops. Marshawn Kneeland will have more opportunities as a result, something I am eager to witness in action.
Seeing if the Cowboys sign someone after doing nothing in the offseason will be interesting. This offers them every incentive to comply. They are now without depth.
