FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys will need to count on younger players to take jumps this season to ensure depth within certain position rooms.

One position that needs depth is the defensive end group, especially after the team lost Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler to the Commanders in free agency.

The room is comprised of DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland, Viliami Fehoko Jr., Tyrus Wheat, and Durrell Johnson.

In his crucial third year, Sam Williams is anticipated to make the most significant strides in this group, a development that could significantly impact the team.

Williams had 26 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 17 games last year.

PFF named Williams as the Cowboys' most underrated player going into the 2024 season, saying he generated pressure on 14.1% of pass plays last year, which ranks him 36th among edge defenders.

PFF has also ranked Williams' pass-rushing grade as 41st in the defensive end position in 2023.

The facts: Williams struggles with discipline on the field, which results in penalties. In 2023, he was the third-most penalized player on the team, with 8.

Five of these came from Williams' involvement in the gunner position on special teams, the first time he had ever played in the position.

He played 67.49% of special teams snaps after C.J. Goodwin was ruled out for the season and put on injured reserve due to a torn pectoral muscle.

Meanwhile, he played 28.32% of defensive snaps, which can take an uptick this season.

Williams has also found himself in off the field trouble as well, which could have an impact as well if it's not corrected.

The Cowboys' coaching staff changed this offseason, with Jeff Zgonina and Greg Ellis, the team's defensive line coaches.

Zgonina and Ellis' ideas could help take Williams to the next level, especially since both are former players.

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Another factor that could level up Williams' game is the competition in the room with younger players like Kneeland, who the team drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Fehoko, who is expected to take a significant second-year jump.

The defensive end battle at training camp will be challenging, and there will be little room for anyone to fall behind without risking a starting spot on the defensive line.

With OTAs starting this week, all eyes will be on this room to see who stands out and makes an early impression sooner rather than later.