The Dallas Cowboys have a knack for getting themselves into trouble. From trading stars to letting negotiations linger far too long, the Cowboys frequently mismanage their talent.
Dallas is currently at odds with edge rusher Micah Parsons, one of the best defensive players in the sport. And yet, the Cowboys have hesitated to sign him to the long-term extension that will undoubtedly make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in football.
It remains more likely than not that Parsons eventually puts pen to paper. In the meantime, the Cowboys' incredible ability to acquire high-level talent through the NFL Draft has kept them somewhere between competent and competitive.
Replacement or Robin?
With Parsons not close to a deal, Dallas is left a little less secure along the edge. In a worst-case scenario, it could be wasting the opportunity to boast an explosive duo on the defensive line.
Second-round edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku has quickly become the Cowboys' most important rookie to watch at training camp. With Parsons rushing opposite him, he'd be in position to succeed in Year 1. Without him, he'd be dealt the burden of carrying a pass rush.
Fortunately for the Dallas faithful, he's looked the part early in camp.
"I learned a lot from Micah, as he's done it for the past couple years at a higher level," Ezeiruaku said, via Patrik Walker of the team's website. "But, at the same time, I think I'm just sharpening the tools that I had coming out of college and getting used to the speed at the NFL level. So that's pretty much the biggest thing so far."
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Walker noted that his athleticism stands out on the Cowboys' defensive front. Posting elite acceleration and agility marks during the pre-draft process makes that unsurprising. More importantly, it gives him another advantage to make an early impact. Ezeiruaku's profile is headlined by strong technique and a deep bag of pass-rushing moves.
If he can combine the two quickly, there's little stopping him from producing in 2025. Having Parsons by his side, of course, makes that much easier.
Performing well against NFL competition is a good first step for the Boston College product. Sustaining it throughout camp and into the preseason will be important, and there's a chance he plays himself into a starting role sooner rather than later.
His draft capital and potential role will raise expectations for Ezeiruaku. The chances of him exceeding them seem promising. Ezeiruaku is the key to Dallas posing an elite pass rush, and as July comes to a close, the early indication is that the Cowboys have another young difference-maker on their defense.
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