Cowboys DL Review: Move Micah Parsons & Sign Johnathan Hankins in Dan Quinn Defense?

The Dallas Cowboys defensive line was one of the team's better units, with Micah Parsons again the star of the show.

The Dallas Cowboys' defense was one of the better units in the league for the second straight season, and Micah Parsons is of course the central reason for that.

The Cowboys had the fourth-best defense in the NFL in terms of points allowed per game (20.1), and their pass rush was a big reason why. Despite a lull in sacks towards the end of the season, Dallas still managed 54 (ranking fourth).

Throughout the playoffs, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's unit conceded just 33 points in two games.

With the likes of Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Johnathan Hankins, Sam Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, Neville Gallimore, and Quinton Bohanna, the line had some serious depth.

Now, how do they get better? And is it possible Micah can be even better?

Parsons led the way yet again in sacks (13.5), but he had help in the form of Armstrong Jr. (8.5), Lawrence (6.0), and Fowler (6.0). 

The Lion-Backer was again a star of the season and will be one of the contenders for the Defensive Player of the Year honors. He led the team in sacks (13.5), quarterback hits (27) and was the joint leader in forced fumbles with three— and it's another Pro Bowl nod for the Dallas star.

Micah Parsons in Year 2 was ELITE ⭐ pic.twitter.com/GNf7V9Fnvr

— PFF (@PFF) January 25, 2023

Perhaps one of the biggest questions surrounding Parsons heading into next season is his position. A star pass-rusher, but also equally adept at playing linebacker, Micah's position going forward will be interesting viewing.

Playing predominantly as a pass rusher, Parsons started fast, but the physical grind wore him down. Perhaps finding a better ratio of what Micah lines up is how the Cowboys can get the most out of Parsons.

Now to Lawrence.

He played most of the year with a broken foot (which, by the way, we're told will not require offseason surgery) but quietly went about his business as he finished with six sacks, three forced fumbles, nine tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits.

His efforts against the run often get overlooked, but more often than not, when a play needed to be made, Lawrence made it.

Speaking of run-stopping, the trade for the Raiders' Johnathan Hankins worked. That's not a Dallas strong spot, meaning his entry into free agency is something to watch.

Meanwhile, Armstrong and Fowler combined for 14.5 sacks as both put forth strong showings. Armstrong will be back; Dallas would like him to be a more capable run defender. Fowler is a free agent, but he's a "Quinn guy,'' so maybe he will return after rejuvenating his career here.

Elsewhere, outside, the rookie Williams finished up playing 15 games in his rookie year as he had four sacks and a forced fumble. His breakout game came against the Detroit Lions, as he totaled two sacks, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.

Odighizuwa doubled his sack total from his rookie campaign (four sacks) as he started all 17 regular-season games. Gallimore found himself on the outs late in the season. Veteran Carlos Watkins stepped up and started the last six games.  And Bohanna and Chauncey Golston both saw the field albeit fleetingly. They were part of the deep rotation at Quinn's disposal.

The Cowboys led the NFL in takeaways for the second straight season (an NFL accomplishment not seen since the '73-'74 Steelers) and this bunch is among the reasons. 

The energy and passion is there. 

With Quinn returning, this Dallas defense has the potential to get even better ... especially if Micah and the run defense gets better ... which is a scary thought for the rest of the NFL.

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