Cowboys defensive lineman Chauncey Golston has golden opportunity for a breakout season

Dallas would benefit greatly from him stepping up his game.

Defensive lineman Chauncey Golston was a third-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2021. So far, he’s been mostly a rotational piece and a special teams contributor. However, with the recent events regarding the Cowboys roster, Golston has a huge opportunity in 2024.

The Cowboys have one of, if not the best, edge rushers in the NFL when it comes to Micah Parsons, and they have DeMarcus Lawrence who is a monster in the run game and can also get after the quarterback. Sam Williams has a ton of potential but is still looking to take the next step. So, with Golston primarily rushing from the edge during his collegiate days at Iowa, and playing 287 of his 414 snaps as a rookie playing defense end, he has an even better chance to get in the edge rotation. With Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler off the roster, both were the biggest contributors off the edge outside of Parsons and Lawrence over the last few seasons, Golston should get playing time. Plus, he showed the ability to set the edge in the run game in addition to getting after the quarterback from the perimeter at Iowa.

One thing that was appealing about Golston as a prospect coming out of college was his position flex. He had the ability to slide inside and play 3-technique, especially in passing situations. Before his second year in 2022, Golston added 20 pounds to his frame to assist him in battling interior offensive lineman. With his long arms, it was seen as an advantage against shorter arm guys playing inside and allowing him to use his quick first step and power.

Veterans Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore are no longer on the roster, leaving Osa Odighizuwa as the only reliable threat to cause havoc on the interior of the defensive line. So, Golston can have an impact there as well, with fewer bodies crowding the rotation. When he was at Iowa, Golston got his first shot to get on the field by playing on the interior.

Golston has one big motivating factor going into the 2024 season. It’s a contract year for him so it will be important to have a strong training camp to get as much playing as he can going into the regular season. He needs to perform well enough to earn a second contract with the Cowboys and keep some firepower on the defensive line which the team desperately needs.