When the Dallas Cowboys traded up in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, they did so with the intent of trying to find a replacement for legendary defensive end DeMarcus Ware, the franchise’s all-time sack leader. With the 34th overall selection, the Cowboys chose Boise State pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence.
But Lawrence would end up spending half of his rookie season on the sidelines due to a foot injury. That slowed his development, although he showed promise in the postseason recording 2.0 sacks in his first two playoff games.
The following year, Dallas shifted Lawrence from right end to left, and the young man eventually flourished.