There may be no bigger delta between a position group’s strength and weakness than what the Dallas Cowboys have at the defensive tackle position in 2025. The Cowboys have a clear vision and strategy concerning their interior defensive line. Some areas they happily invest and others they barely address.
Even with the run game resurgence across the league, the NFL is still a quarterback’s game. The passing game rules all, dominating output EPA, success rate, yards, points, and just about any credible metric in gauging impact. Understandably, that’ the area the Dallas brain trust seeks to stop with their defensive tackle investments.
Cowboys’ strength at DT: 3-tech
The Cowboys made a bold statement when they re-signed free-agent-to-be Osa Odighizuwa over the offseason. Odighizuwa was regraded one of the best free agents of the spring and retaining him cost the Cowboys a pretty penny.
At 6-foot-2, 280-pounds, Odighizuwa has quietly become one of the most efficient pass rushers in the NFL. He has yet to log a breakout season from a sack perspective, but he’s routinely a league leader in pressure rate and has improved in every season he’s been in the NFL.
Behind him the Cowboys have a handful of capable rotational players who lean more pass-rusher than run stuffer. They combine to form one of the league’s more intriguing 3-tech groups.
Cowboys’ weakness at DT: 1-tech
The run-stop focused 1-tech position is a different story in Dallas. While Matt Eberflus’ presence likely makes 1-tech more penetrative in nature, the position is regarded as more of an enabler than doer. 1-techs and nose tackles absorb blocks, clog holes and take up space, freeing linebackers and 3-techs to create plays in space and free of double-teams.
Over the years it’s been a revolving door at 1-tech for the Cowboys. Linval Joseph and Johnathan Hankins are just a couple of the names who have rotated in over the years, and while a veteran addition like those two is still possible, it appears the Cowboys are hoping one of their young guys steps up into the rotation.
Cowboys’ wildcard at DT: Mazi Smith
The Cowboys invested a lot when they drafted Smith in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. They used their top draft resource on a project player with elite potential and it’s safe to say so far that move hasn’t panned out.
Rookies Jay Toia or Tommy Akingbesote could surprise everyone and claim the starting 1-tech job right out of camp, but the Cowboys are hoping it’s Smith who seizes command. Smith has the most potential of the bunch and could singlehandedly push the Cowboys defense from pretender to contender.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Strengths, weaknesses and wildcards at Cowboys DT position in 2025
