The Cowboys have struggled with drafting defensive linemen

"In the photo above, two defensive ends who once played for the Dallas Cowboys have since become defensive factors on their respective teams. Over his first two seasons with the Washington Commanders, Dorance Armstrong has 10.5 sacks. Since 1982, that ranks as the tenth most in franchise history for any defensive lineman during their first 22 games with the Commanders. As for Parsons, he is still trying to find his footing on a new defense, but he still manages to be tied for having the fourth most pressures among all defensive players in the 2025 season, per Pro Football Focus."

"The Cowboys' current defensive front is struggling to sack the quarterback. So far, Dallas has 11 sacks, which ranks in the bottom half in team history through the first six weeks of the regular season. James Houston, a journeyman pass rusher, is the team leader with four sacks. Second on the team is defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who has two of his own. Once thought of as the strength of the Dallas defense, the defensive line has quickly turned into one of its most significant weaknesses."

"There's a reason for that. The Cowboys have been unable to get production from many of the players they draft along the defensive line. Since 2019, the front office has drafted 16 defensive linemen. For context, even DeMarvion Overshown is added in the mix after recording five sacks in 2024. Taking Parsons out of the mix, all the 15 other picks have recorded 43.5 sacks during their time with Dallas. Parsons had 52.5 sacks."

The Cowboys' defensive frontline is failing to generate consistent quarterback pressure and sack production. Dallas has recorded 11 sacks through six games, placing the team in the bottom half of franchise history for that span. James Houston leads the team with four sacks, followed by defensive tackle Kenny Clark with two. Dorance Armstrong has produced 10.5 sacks in his first two seasons with Washington, ranking tenth in that franchise since 1982 over the same span. Micah Parsons remains influential leaguewide but is adjusting to a new defense while still ranking tied for fourth in pressures. Since 2019, Dallas drafted 16 defensive linemen; excluding Parsons those picks have combined for 43.5 sacks.

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