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Can DeMarcus Lawrence lead the Cowboys defense to average?

Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus Lawrence - Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have made defense the primary focus this offseason. That was never more clear than during the 2021 NFL Draft in April where the team dedicated eight of their 11 draft picks to the defensive side of the ball. That included investing their first six draft selections into defensive rookies.

That all in an effort to support new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who replaced Mike Nolan after he was fired following a disappointing performance by this unit in 2020. The Cowboys ranked 23rd in total yards allowed (6,183), 31st in run defense (2,541), and 28th in total points allowed (473) under Nolan last year.