The Dallas Cowboys made significant strides with their picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, highlighted by standout performances from first-rounder Tyler Smith, fourth-rounder Jake Ferguson, and fifth-rounder DaRon Bland. While these players made notable impacts early on, the team’s second- and third-round selections have faced challenges in making a similar impact.
Former second-round pick, edge rusher Sam Williams, found himself lower on the depth chart last season, trailing behind star players like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Dorance Armstrong. Despite the competition, Williams expressed a desire for more playing time, especially with Armstrong’s departure in free agency to Washington.
Director of player personnel Stephen Jones acknowledged Williams’ ambitions, indicating that opportunities for increased playing time may arise, particularly with Armstrong’s exit. However, Williams will face competition from this year’s second-round pick, Marshawn Kneeland, adding further intrigue to the team’s edge rusher rotation for the upcoming season.
