Dallas Cowboys Mailbag: Is Addressing the Defensive Line the First Order of Business?

The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and Dallas Cowboys fans are swirling with questions as the team sits at a crossroads. With glaring needs across the roster and a new head coach in Mike Zimmer overseeing the defense, the question many fans are asking is simple: Should the Cowboys address the defensive line first?

That’s the central theme of this week’s Cowboys Mailbag, and frankly, it’s a debate worth diving into. While offensive line concerns, wide receiver depth, and the future of quarterback Dak Prescott loom large, improving the defensive line may be the single most impactful move Dallas can make to compete in a brutal NFC. Zimmer’s defense is built on toughness in the trenches, and for too long, the Cowboys have lacked that edge when it matters most.

Let’s start with a broad assessment. The Cowboys were statistically solid in 2024 on defense—ranking sixth in points allowed and tied for fifth in sacks. But when it mattered in the playoffs, the unit was pushed around by Green Bay in a stunning 48-32 loss. The run defense collapsed, giving up 143 yards on the ground and allowing the Packers to control the clock, dictate pace, and protect Jordan Love. That performance laid bare a long-standing truth: the Cowboys still aren’t tough enough up front.

The team’s current interior defensive line situation is uninspiring. Osa Odighizuwa has been a steady contributor, but the Cowboys have lacked a dominant force at the 3-technique or nose tackle position. Johnathan Hankins, who served as the primary run-stuffer, is no longer on the roster, and while younger players like Mazi Smith have potential, he struggled with consistency as a rookie. There’s a dire need for a disruptive presence who can anchor against the run and collapse the pocket from the inside.

That’s where the 2025 NFL Draft comes in. The Cowboys pick at No. 24 in the first round, and while that’s not exactly premium real estate, the class does offer some intriguing defensive line talent in that range. If Jer’Zhan Newton from Illinois, Byron Murphy II from Texas, or even Michigan’s Kris Jenkins falls into their lap, Dallas may have a hard time passing them up. Newton, in particular, is a player many fans are eyeing. He’s explosive, versatile, and can line up anywhere along the interior. He’d be a perfect fit in Zimmer’s aggressive scheme and provide the immediate impact this group has lacked.

But draft philosophy is never that simple. Some fans have asked whether the Cowboys should consider trading up to secure one of these top-tier defensive linemen. In theory, yes—especially if there’s someone like Newton available in the late teens. But giving up draft capital in a year where Dallas has so many holes may not be wise. They need reinforcements at offensive tackle, linebacker, and even running back, and a trade-up could cost a premium pick that might otherwise fill one of those needs.

And then there’s the question of free agency, or rather, the Cowboys’ lack of activity in it. Dallas chose a conservative approach this offseason, which included letting go of key veterans and bringing in low-cost replacements. The assumption from many inside The Star is that the draft will be the primary tool for team-building. That puts even more pressure on hitting with that first-round pick, making the decision to go defensive line even more significant.

Some fans argue that the offensive line—particularly left tackle—should be the first priority. And they’re not wrong. Tyron Smith, a stalwart at left tackle for over a decade, is gone. The team believes in Tyler Smith’s ability to move outside if needed, but that leaves a hole at guard. Depth and long-term stability up front are genuine concerns, especially with an offense built around Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and a running game that lost Tony Pollard to the Titans. But here’s the reality: the Cowboys had enough firepower to score points last year. They lost in the playoffs because they couldn’t stop the run or generate enough push in the middle when it counted. Defense, specifically the defensive line, should be the focal point.

It’s also worth noting the shift in the Cowboys’ defensive identity with Zimmer in the fold. His history in Minnesota was built on strong defensive lines that set the tone. From Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen to Danielle Hunter, Zimmer’s defenses thrived with players who could win one-on-one battles at the line of scrimmage. He’s not a “bend but don’t break” guy—he wants to disrupt, and you can’t do that if your defensive tackles are getting blown off the ball.

That’s why this draft feels different. The Cowboys have often invested in edge rushers—Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams—but have rarely hit big on interior linemen. That trend has to stop. Parsons is at his most effective when he’s moved around and allowed to hunt quarterbacks, not when he’s taking on double-teams because the interior can’t hold up. Fortifying the middle would not only help in run defense, but it would also unlock the full potential of Parsons and the rest of the pass rush.

Another fan-submitted question asked whether a linebacker might be a better choice in Round 1. The logic is understandable, especially after Leighton Vander Esch’s medical retirement and the team’s thin depth behind Damone Clark and DeMarvion Overshown (who’s coming off an ACL injury). But again, linebacker play often improves when the defensive line is solid. Letting linebackers stay clean and flow to the ball is a hallmark of great defensive units. That starts up front.

Of course, there’s always the wildcard of the draft board falling in a strange way. If a highly ranked offensive tackle like JC Latham or Amarius Mims tumbles down, or if a receiver like Adonai Mitchell is staring them in the face, the Cowboys might pivot. But if the board plays out in a typical fashion, staying put at No. 24 and selecting a disruptive defensive tackle feels like the most Cowboys-esque thing they could do—and for once, that may not be a bad thing.

Ultimately, the best draft strategy is a blend of need and value. And for the Cowboys, the defensive line is a need that also aligns with good value in this draft class. Zimmer wants to rebuild this defense in his image, and that starts with winning at the point of attack. That doesn’t mean Dallas should reach for a player just because he plays defensive tackle, but it does mean they should prioritize prospects who can change the line of scrimmage. Newton, Murphy, and Jenkins all fit that mold. If one is there at 24, the pick should be simple.

For too long, the Cowboys have relied on athleticism and finesse to win on defense. That may work in the regular season, but playoff football is different. It’s about grit. Physicality. Controlling the trenches. The Cowboys haven’t done that well enough in January, and until they do, they’ll continue to fall short.

So yes, the answer to the mailbag question is clear: address the defensive line first. It’s not the flashiest move. It might not dominate headlines or sell jerseys. But it’s the right football decision. And for a franchise desperate to make a deep playoff run and return to its glory days, the right football decisions are what matter most.

In Zimmer’s first draft as Dallas’ defensive coordinator, setting a tone in the trenches would be a statement. The kind that says the Cowboys are tired of being outmuscled when it counts. The kind that says this team is finally ready to play championship football. And it starts with getting the big guys up front—guys who make it miserable for opposing offenses every snap.

The Cowboys have star power. What they need now is some serious muscle in the middle.