It allowed the Cowboys to enter the draft cycle focused on a select few of defensive positions, such as inside linebacker, nickel corner and outside linebacker. In the draft’s first two days, the Cowboys added Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs, UCF defensive end/outside linebacker Malachi Lawrence in the first round, traded for veteran inside linebacker Dee Winters and drafted Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham.
Following an offseason of moves culminating with this past weekend’s draft, here is the projected starting defense with the depth chart filled out going into the rest of the offseason (starters in bold, rookies in italics):
OLB: Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, Sam Williams, Tyrus Wheat
DT: Quinnen Williams, Jonathan Bullard, D.J. Withers
NT: Kenny Clark, Jay Toia, Kelvin Gilliam Jr., Tommy Dunn Jr.
DE: Otito Ogbonnia, LT Overton, Adedayo Odeleye
OLB: Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston, Marist Liafau, Isaiah Land
ILB (WILL): DeMarvion Overshown, Jaishawn-Barham, Shemar James
ILB (MIKE): Dee Winters, Justin Barron, Curtis Robinson, Langston Patterson
CB: DaRon Bland, Devin Moore, Caelen Carson, Josh Butler
CB: Shavon Revel Jr., Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Trikweze Bridges
NCB (when in nickel): Caleb Downs, Reddy Steward, Zion Childress, Corey Ballentine
SS: Jalen Thompson, PJ. Locke, Julius Wood
FS: Malik Hooker, Markquese Bell, Alijah Clark