The Dallas Cowboys are less than a month away from departing for Oxnard, Calif., for training camp, as the Brian Schottenheimer era approaches its official beginning on July 21.
In the Cowboys Depth Chart series, we will take a look at each position group to determine which players are safe, on the bubble or have work to do in terms of making the 53-man roster coming out of training camp in late August.
At the defensive tackle position, the Cowboys have unsuccessfully thrown multiple attempts at providing run support in the middle, as the overall run defense has suffered as a result. In pass rush, the interior defensive line has generated production, but it’s come at the sacrifice of the run game.
Here’s a look at the defensive tackle position going into training camp.
SAFE (3)
Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, Solomon Thomas
After signing to an extension ahead of hitting free agency in March, Osa Odighizuwa is in it for the long haul in the interior of the defensive line. While he mans down the starting spot at the three-tech position, Mazi Smith is expected to draw the start at one-tech, although his leash could be a lot shorter in 2025.
Heading into a pivotal third season, Smith will need to take a step forward in solidifying the team’s run defense efforts in order to keep his starting position. With young players behind him that could be more fit to stop the run, the pressure is on for him to deliver.
Acquired in free agency, Solomon Thomas brings a veteran presence to the defensive interior as a rotating presence that could be best suited on passing downs. At the least, his presence will elevate the competition in the room at the top of the depth chart.
ON THE BUBBLE (2)
Jay Toia, Perrion Winfrey
Drafted in the seventh round, Jay Toia actually has a better chance than most late day three selections to make the roster with his wide 330-pound frame that serves as a trash can full of dirt in the middle of the defensive line. If that can translate to success in the run game, it’d be a safe bet to foresee his place on the 53-man roster.
Toia and Perrion Winfrey, who was signed after a successful season with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL, will have some outside forces working against them. While it’s expected that five defensive tackles will make the roster, that could factor in veterans that typically decide to sign after training camp at the defensive tackle position. For instance, Linval Joseph, who the Cowboys signed after camp in 2024, hasn’t participated in a training camp since 2021. He remains a free agent.
WORK TO DO (2)
Tommy Akingbesote, Denzel Daxon
As young development projects, Tommy Akingbesote and Denzel Daxon should have safe spots on the practice squad, but sneaking onto the 53-man roster will be a tougher task.
For Daxon, his spot is all but guaranteed with his qualification for the International Pathway Program (IPP) as a native of The Bahamas. As a result, the Cowboys are allowed to carry Daxon on the practice squad without it counting toward their 16 allotments.