Osa Odighizuwa posted a very good season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. He could have a breakout season in 2024.
The defensive tackle and former David Douglas High School star has improved in nearly every statistical category during his first three seasons in the NFL. He posted 46 total tackles, 13 quarterback hits and nine tackles for loss in 2023, all career-highs. Odighizuwa was behind star edge rusher Micah Parsons in quarterback hits and third in tackles last season.
He produced those statistics despite being on the field for just 60% of the snaps on defense, suggesting he has room to grow in 2024. With defensive ends Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong playing elsewhere this season, Odighizuwa has a chance to increase his numbers in his fourth NFL season.
Mike Zimmer has replaced Dan Quinn – hired as new coach of the Washington Commanders – as the Cowboys new defensive coordinator. Zimmer is expected to unleash Odighizuwa and Athlon Sports’ Adam Schultz speculates Odighizuwa could have a breakout season in 2024.
“In limited snaps under Dan Quinn (never played more than 60 percent of snaps), when Osa got his chance, he made something happen. He has nine sacks, 23 tackles for loss and 35 quarterback hits in his career thus far…Osa, under Zimmer, could be ready to take that next step, and the Cowboys are in desperate need of a defensive tackle who can stop the run.”
If Odighizuwa continues or increases his work rate when he’s on the field, good things are likely to happen for him and the COwboys defense. In addition, Odighizuwa enters a contract year, so he’ll be motivated.