Dallas’ young defensive core showed leadership and cohesion off the field even as contract talks swirl around Micah Parsons. A birthday-night video featuring Parsons carrying the cake for Odighizuwa and Overshown highlighted a locker room vibe that could translate to a tougher, more connected unit this season. Parsons remains the standout talent, but Odighizuwa and Overshown are emerging as foundational pieces alongside interior disruptors like Mazi Smith.

Odighizuwa’s four-year, $80 million extension with $58 million guaranteed cements him as an engine of the line, per Matt Eberflus. He’s already mentoring the younger tackles and building the chemistry the defense needs under Brian Schottenheimer’s culture-first approach. The trio’s growth, plus the run-stuffing presence of Smith and depth at DT, could unlock more pressure on the quarterback for Parsons and the edge group. Even amid a reported trade stance from Parsons, the Cowboys seem intent on sustaining a disciplined, competitive environment that fantasy managers should watch closely as the defense stabilizes under new leadership.

The dynamic around Parsons aside, the Cowboys’ culture and interior backbone appear set to drive a steady fantasy floor for the DAL defense. Overshown’s mobility and Odighizuwa’s consistency create upside in IDP formats, while Smith’s interior presence should keep Dallas stout against the run. In short, the room is building toward a cohesive, playmaking unit that should remain a relevant, dependable fantasy asset during a season likely defined by growth under Eberflus and Schottenheimer.

Dallas faces a defining season for its defense as Mazi Smith enters year three with a mandate to anchor the run stop. The club identifies two big holes—defensive tackle and cornerback—and while Jerry Jones hints at extra help, the responsibility to close the gap rests with Smith and a retooled unit. Smith stresses that the mental edge will unlock his physical tools, signaling a potential breakout if the head remains in the right gear.

Smith’s trajectory has been rocky—weight swings, three coordinators in three years, and a default 1-tech role. The piece suggests Matt Eberflus could be the catalyst for a meaningful leap if Smith buys into a consistent technique and situational discipline. With Trevon Diggs returning from injury and doors not fully closed on outside help, Dallas is betting on internal growth to steady the defense while preserving the 53-man setup.

The takeaway for fantasy eyes: watch Smith’s snap count and run-stopping success, plus Diggs’ health and how a fuller secondary reshapes the Cowboys’ defensive ceiling in early-season matchups.

The Cowboys return home to AT&T Stadium for Week 2 of the preseason, facing the Baltimore Ravens in a marquee tune‑up that doubles as a barometer for Dallas’ offense and depth. Joe Milton Jr. will start, seeking a more consistent, crisp showing after the opener against the Rams, while Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were visible in uniform during pregame, hinting at timing and rhythm drills with top targets. Jalen Tolbert and Cooper Beebe figure prominently in the notes, with Beebe snapping at center as Dallas tries to stabilize the interior line and Milton tests his chemistry with the pass catchers.

Mazi Smith is highlighted as a league-ready difference-maker who’s entering his third season with no excuses, a storyline that dovetails with the Cowboys’ preseason evaluation of the defensive line and its push‑through potential. The Ravens loom as the Week 2 opponent, and the Dallas contingent is focused on a cleaner, more consistent performance after a mixed first outing. The presence of Milton, alongside Prescott’s re-emergence as a signal-caller and Lamb’s continued elite production, underpins a fantasy lens that will watch Milton’s growth, Tolbert’s route‑running, and Beebe’s snap count as the team tries to translate practice tempo into game-day efficiency.

From a fantasy perspective, Milton’s workload and efficiency will be the spark to watch if he holds the Week 2 lead. Lamb remains a premier target, Tolbert could see more reps as Milton pushes the ball downfield, and Beebe’s center role could unlock smoother interior execution. Prescott’s involvement in pregame and Beebe’s emergence offer clues on how Dallas might deploy its best weapons when the regular season arrives, even as the depth players seek to seize late-summer opportunities against Baltimore.

Dallas Cowboys host Baltimore in the second preseason game, a true dress rehearsal for a roster still sorting depth. Tyler Booker is set to debut at right guard, aiming to prove he belongs as the team looks for a long-term answer there. Booker’s training-camp buzz and first-round pedigree frame his Week 2 test as a potential breakthrough for the Cowboys’ interior line. Marist Liufau steps into a larger role on defense with Kenneth Murray out, while Perrion Winfrey has drawn steady camp applause at defensive tackle. Zion Childress brings UDFA versatility that could keep him in the nickel mix, and Traeshon Holden has shown week-to-week flashes at wideout. Rookie Mazi Smith and Jay Toia carry some uneven Week 1 notes, but Winfrey’s rise and Holden’s early production keep Dallas’ camp narrative lively. All eyes on Week 2 against the Ravens as the Cowboys push to lock in depth before the final preseason stretch.

Mazi Smith enters year three with Dallas amid high expectations for a first‑round pick who has yet to fully meet the hype. His athleticism is unquestioned; The Athletic once named him the freakiest lineman in college football, with jaw‑dropping numbers at Michigan and at the scouting combine. Parsons’ enthusiastic reaction at the draft suggested Smith has the backing of Dallas’ defense, a unit desperate for interior disruption. Smith’s 2023 and 2024 stat lines show growth but not the breakout many envisioned, keeping fantasy folks wary but hopeful for a Year 3 jump. The Cowboys’ historical affinity for Michigan linemen provides a cultural backdrop, while off‑field headlines from college still linger. If he can earn more snaps and translate athletic gifts into consistent pressure, his fantasy floor could rise alongside his role in a Parsons‑led defense.

The piece threads in a wider NFL college‑to‑pro angle, noting the Cowboys’ prior first‑round interior DL picks and a Michigan defensive‑lineman pipeline that has yielded big names in recent drafts. It also touches on Smith’s arrest in college and his creative‑writing background, painting a multidimensional portrait of a player who blends power with rare burst. All told, Smith is positioned for a meaningful, perhaps season‑defining, third year — a pivot point for fantasy managers who have watched him steadily grow but wait for a definitive breakout moment.