Getty Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence
The NFL Top 100 has been kind to the Dallas Cowboys, as they added a seventh player to the list on Saturday night. This came in the form of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who was ranked No. 45, an impressive feat for the 27-year-old pass-rusher.
There’s one more Cowboys player to be revealed at the conclusion of the “51-41” episode. It’s fairly obvious who the last Cowboys player on the list will be, consider running back Ezekiel Elliott hasn’t found his spot yet.
Cornerback Byron Jones was the first of the team’s players to be revealed, landing at No. 97 overall. From there, it was an impressive leap for linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who thrived last season and was pegged as the No. 74 best player.
Vander Esch, who the Cowboys selected with the No. 19 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, was superb last season. He racked up 140 combined tackles, 102 solo tackles, seven passes defensed and two interceptions.
The similar rave review could be given to Lawrence for his play over the past two seasons. The former second-round pick has tallied 122 combined tackles, 25 sacks and six forced fumbles over that span. He’s been the definition of a game-changer since that point and has given the Cowboys a huge boost in terms of their pass-rush.
Amari Cooper Among Other Cowboys in NFL Top-100
Along with the aforementioned names, the Cowboys have also seen wide receiver Amari Cooper (No. 64), linebacker Jaylon Smith (No. 61), guard Zack Martin (No. 59), and tackle Tyron Smith (No. 52) all named to the NFL’s Top-100 list.
None of those names can be considered the slightest bit surprising. Cooper is just one of the interesting names worth mentioning on the Cowboys roster, as he was acquired during the 2018 season in a trade with the Oakland Raiders.
In nine games with Dallas last year, Cooper racked up 53 receptions for 725 yards and six touchdowns. For comparison’s sake, during six games with the Raiders, he had 22 catches for 280 yards and one score.
DeMarcus Lawrence Injury Update
As for Lawrence and his current situation, the talented pass-rusher is currently on the PUP list for the start of training camp. He is reportedly out until Week 1 of the NFL season after undergoing shoulder surgery. His comments during an interview revealed by the team confirmed those reports.
DeMarcus Lawrence on his expectations for this 2019 team, his timetable for return + more from #CowboysCamp.
Full Interview → t.co/QF74ZQDDyt
Lawrence was also asked about the hot-button topic surrounding the Cowboys currently – Ezekiel Elliott’s contract and current holdout. When the topic of Elliott came out, Lawrence said to “let Zeke handle his business,” as The Athletic’s Jon Machota revealed.
Reporter: Any advice for Ezekiel Elliott as he goes through this process?
DeMarcus Lawrence: “I got something for you. Let Zeke handle his business and don’t ask me about another man’s business.”
NFL Network premieres a new episode each day for the next five days with 10 players at a time, so we’ll know where Elliott lands in the very near future. When all is said and done, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him come in near the top of the list. After all, it’s hard to argue that there are many running backs in the NFL more talented than him.
READ NEXT: NFL Top 100 Players Features Cowboys’ Smith, Martin
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Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence Updates Injury, Talks Ezekiel Elliott Holdout