Reevaluating Dallas Cowboys’ Defensive Line: Challenges and Opportunities for 2025
The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive front remains a persistent vulnerability, echoing a familiar pattern that has plagued the team for years. Despite ongoing efforts, the interior defensive line continues to be a weak link, and this recurring issue threatens to undermine the team’s prospects for the upcoming 2025 season. With the same issues resurfacing, the task of the new defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, becomes increasingly complex as he seeks to overhaul a unit that has historically underperformed.
Limited Reinforcements and the Importance of Key Players
In the offseason, the Cowboys prioritized re-signing Osa Odighizuwa, a versatile and promising defensive tackle, to solidify the interior line. Odighizuwa’s return is crucial, as he is widely regarded as one of the league’s more effective 3-technique defensive linemen and a perfect fit within Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme. Many analysts believe that, with a bit more support around him, Odighizuwa could even be considered a potential Pro Bowler. However, beyond Odighizuwa, the team did little to bolster the position through free agency, leaving the depth chart thin and uncertain.
Assessing the Current State of the Defensive Interior
Without Odighizuwa, questions arise about whether the Cowboys’ interior defensive line will improve from previous seasons. Mazi Smith, a first-round pick, has yet to meet expectations, and his development remains a concern. The team did add Solomon Thomas in free agency, a veteran with experience, but he is entering the latter stages of his career. While Thomas can contribute, the extent of his impact remains uncertain, and the overall depth at the position continues to be a concern.
Draft Strategies and New Talent Acquisition
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas waited until the later rounds to address the interior line, selecting Jay Toia in the seventh round with the 217th overall pick and Tommy Akingbesote with the 247th pick. These selections aimed to add much-needed depth, though expectations for rookies drafted in the final rounds are typically modest. Nonetheless, Toia shows promise as a developmental player who could challenge for a rotational role in his first season.
Spotlight on Jay Toia: A Potential Breakout Candidate
Among the two rookies, Jay Toia stands out as having a realistic chance to earn significant playing time. His skill set and physical attributes suggest he could push Mazi Smith for the starting role in 2025. Despite being a seventh-round pick, some scouting reports, including those from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, rated him several rounds higher, highlighting his potential as a disruptive interior presence.
Scouting Insights on Jay Toia
“A three-year starter at UCLA, Toia played as the zero/one-technique in Ikaika Malloe’s 3-3-5 scheme. His production may not jump off the page, but game tape reveals a player capable of anchoring against blocks, freeing up linebackers and edge rushers to make plays. When he maintains proper leverage, Toia can control interior running lanes. However, he needs to improve his instincts to better identify blocking schemes and make quicker decisions. While he may lack the size or awareness to be a full-time two-gap defender in the NFL, his strength and hand technique make him a promising nose tackle candidate.”
GRADE: Third to Fourth Round
Path to the Starting Role and Future Outlook
Toia’s physical tools and skill set give him a legitimate shot at competing with Mazi Smith for the starting nose tackle position. His development will depend heavily on his performance during training camp and preseason, where he must demonstrate the ability to outperform his peers. The competition is open, especially considering Smith has yet to definitively shed the label of a first-round bust. With a new coaching staff and defensive scheme, the door remains ajar for Toia to seize an opportunity.
Implications for Dallas’s Defensive Success
If Toia can translate his college potential into NFL production, he could become a vital component of the Cowboys’ defensive line in 2025. His success, alongside Odighizuwa and the veteran Solomon Thomas, will be pivotal in determining whether Dallas can shore up its interior defense. The team’s ability to develop these players and add depth will be crucial in reversing a trend of underperformance and establishing a more formidable front line for the seasons ahead.
