The Dallas Cowboys are garnering attention for a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year winner, but it isn't who most would expect.
The Dallas Cowboys had a clearly defined mission heading into the NFL Draft: Get help for a much maligned defensive unit. And it appears that they did just that.
Five of Dallas' seven selections went toward defensive prospects, with the cream of the crop coming from its pair of first-rounders. Ohio State's Caleb Downs was first off the board at No. 11 in a dream scenario then came Malachi Lawrence from UCF at No. 23.
Downs was touted by some analysts as the potential best player in this year's class, which added to the excitement of the Cowboys to bring him in to support their secondary. He showcased ability to play several positions across the field with the Buckeyes and has a natural skillset to back it up.
With all the hype and praise surrounding Downs, rightfully so, it would appear that he is the no-brainer choice for a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year winner from Dallas. Well, it does not appear to be that simple.
According to ESPN's Ben Solak in his rookie awards preview, there is another Cowboys rookie that is a prime contender to bring home the crown.
Solak circled Downs' first-round partner, Lawrence, as the favorite from Dallas in the award race. His reasoning for the unexpected take begins to make more sense on a deeper look at the award's history.
The last time a safety won DROY came all the way back in 1990, with the Chicago Bears' Mark Carrier earning the accolade. Solak took note of this gap when examining Downs' chances.
"For as special as Caleb Downs is, a safety has not won Defensive Rookie of the Year this century -- they simply aren't around the ball enough...I am so tempted to keep him alive on the list, in that I believe he's a spectacular player...but by the harsh reality of history, he must be cut," wrote Solak.
Just because is Downs is seemingly ineligible does not mean that Lawrence is a back-up option or undeserving, it is actually quite the opposite.
Lawrence is a lethal pass-rusher and highlighted his talents with the Knights. Ironically after being taken with the pick Dallas netted from the Micah Parsons trade with Green Bay, he looks to fill that role in a new-look Cowboys defense.
With other moves at the edge position, including trading for Rashan Gary, it remains unclear how much time the first-rounder will get but it is undoubtable that he will get some sort of action after being taken so early in the draft.
Solak shared similar sentiments and used that uncertainty as one of his main reasons to slot Lawrence as a dark horse contender.
He explained, "It's unclear how many snaps Lawrence will get in Dallas...But with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, tons of snaps are up for grabs. Lawrence has elite explosive measurables and a better path to every down that late drafted pass rushers. He's the sleeper to circle."
For Dallas, having both of their first-round choices tabbed as potential game-changers in their first season is a welcomed addition for a unit that looks to buck the narrative from last year.