5 Cowboys players that will take a leap in 2022
Cowboys have moved on from some veteran talent in the offseason. They will be now be relying on players who have a new amount of responsibility. The development of these players is crucial. With the Cowboys’ first preseason game fast approaching, I think it’s an excellent time to look at some players that I see taking a massive leap in 2022.
CeeDee Lamb
Perhaps heading into 2022, the most important player on offense not named Dak Prescott is CeeDee Lamb. He will be the unquestioned number one receiver for the first time. Lamb will have more pressure on his shoulder than he’s ever had in his young career. He’s also going to start the year as the only receiver that’s ever caught a touchdown pass from Dak, so that doesn’t help him either. CeeDee is the most popular pick to be one of the league’s breakout stars, and I see that being what happens exactly. CeeDee is an easy pick for this list, and we will see him blossom into a star this season.
Malik Hooker
Former first-round pick Malik Hooker’s career has been slightly disappointing. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but because of numerous injuries it stunted his career growth. Hooker spent his first four years in Indianapolis, but last training camp, the Cowboys decided to take a chance on Hooker by signing him to a one-year deal. Hooker wasn’t a true starter last year, sitting behind Demontae Kazee, but he looked good on the field. Good enough for the Cowboys to resign him for two years. Hooker this year will be the starting free safety, and if he’s healthy, I see him finally tapping into the potential that got him drafted 15th overall. Hooker will play as the single high safety, thriving this year using his range and ball skills.
Leighton Vander Esch
To be candid about Leighton Vander Esch’s career, he has primarily been underwhelming for a first-round pick. His rookie year was tremendous, but in 2019 and 2020, he was injured and not very productive when he played. Then at the beginning of 2021, LVE was so bad that it was on the verge of being cut. PFF ranked him as one of the worst starting linebackers in the NFL. But the back half of 2021 came a different LVE. He showed that he could still be the guy the cowboys thought they were getting when they took him 19th overall in 2018. LVE is on a 1-year deal, and this is a prove-it year for him. LVE has been tremendous so far in camp, and I expect him to take that into the season.
Dorance Armstrong
One of the most intriguing position battles the Cowboys have in training camp is who will be the starting DE opposite Demarcus Lawerence. Although rookie Sam Williams is making a solid case, the likely starter still seems like newly upped Dorance Armstrong. Armstrong has been underrated for a few years, and with the departure of Randy Gregory, he has a real chance to be a starter. Armstrong is breaking out and getting 7-10 sacks this year.
Osa Odighizuwa
One of the biggest surprises on the Cowboys’ defense last year was the play of rookie Osa Odighizuwa. He was an instant contribution to a Cowboys D-line that got bludgeoned by the run in 2020. Osa is a shoo-in starter this year and is expected to be a high-level starter for that Cowboys d-line. The DT position this year is one of the strongest and deepest positions the Cowboys have on defense, and Osa will be the best player of the many talented ones the team has. Osa also has a stellar camp that will continue into the season. This defense should be outstanding, especially if Osa can up his play from an impressive rookie season.
