Why Cowboys’ Osa Odighizuwa, who outproduced Jalen Carter in 2024, needs to be discussed among NFL’s top DTs.

The NFL landscape is full of rising stars, but some players slip under the radar, despite their extraordinary performances. One such player who is making waves but isn’t getting the attention he deserves is Osa Odighizuwa, defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. While the spotlight has often been reserved for high-profile names like Aaron Donald, Chris Jones, and the latest sensation Jalen Carter, Odighizuwa has quietly outproduced many of his peers, including Carter, in the 2024 season. With such an impressive rise, it’s time for the NFL world to start taking notice of this quietly dominant force on the Cowboys’ defensive line.

Odighizuwa, now in his fourth season in the league, has developed into one of the most versatile and disruptive defensive tackles in the game. Known for his explosive first step, exceptional pass-rushing ability, and ability to stuff the run, Odighizuwa has steadily elevated his game to a point where he’s beginning to challenge some of the league’s top defensive linemen for supremacy. If you haven’t been paying attention, now is the time to start. His production in 2024, including surpassing the highly touted Jalen Carter, has placed him squarely in the conversation among the league’s elite interior defenders.

It’s not often that a player makes a quantum leap in terms of production, but Odighizuwa has done just that in 2024. Entering the season, many pegged Jalen Carter—one of the most highly anticipated draft picks of recent memory—as one of the next great defensive tackles. However, through the first half of the season, Odighizuwa has posted better numbers in several key categories. This isn’t to discredit Carter’s potential, but it serves as a testament to Odighizuwa’s incredible development and work ethic.

So far this season, Odighizuwa has notched 7 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback pressures, all while being a major factor in the Cowboys’ stout run defense. For comparison, Carter—while no slouch—has produced 5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback pressures. Both players have been instrumental in their teams’ defensive schemes, but Odighizuwa’s more consistent and higher level of production through the early stages of the 2024 campaign has raised eyebrows.

The difference between the two players isn’t necessarily drastic, but when you consider that Odighizuwa has accomplished this while operating in the shadow of other star defenders like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, the value of his contribution becomes even more significant. He’s not just riding coattails; he’s producing at an elite level on his own merit.

One of the things that sets Odighizuwa apart from many defensive tackles is his remarkable versatility. While Carter has been touted for his strength and athleticism, Odighizuwa brings an added layer of unpredictability to his game. His ability to dominate both as a run stuffer and pass rusher is what makes him such a unique weapon on the Cowboys’ defensive line.

What stands out most about Odighizuwa is his combination of size and speed. At 6’2″ and 305 pounds, he’s not the biggest defensive tackle, but his ability to use his leverage and quickness makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen. He has a rare blend of power and finesse that allows him to defeat blockers with an array of moves, from bull rushes to swim techniques to quick hand usage. While many interior defensive linemen can excel in one area or the other, Odighizuwa has developed a diverse skill set that allows him to disrupt plays in multiple ways.

In 2024, his speed off the snap has been a major factor in his production. Odighizuwa’s first step is incredibly quick for a man of his size, and it allows him to gain an advantage over opposing linemen before they can engage him. His explosiveness from the interior has made him a constant force in both the passing and running game. Offensive lines have to account for him, and his ability to generate pressure up the middle makes him one of the hardest players to block.

Furthermore, Odighizuwa’s ability to line up across multiple positions on the defensive line has allowed the Cowboys to use him in creative ways. Whether he’s taking on double-teams on the interior or lining up on the edge in certain packages, Odighizuwa can be moved around to maximize his impact. This type of positional flexibility makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators who struggle to predict where the Cowboys’ defensive pressure will come from.

A defensive tackle’s value isn’t always measured by flashy sack numbers or constant media attention, but instead by how effectively they impact the game. While sack totals can often be skewed by factors like scheme, coverage, and even luck, Odighizuwa’s overall disruption of the offense is what really sets him apart.

On passing downs, Odighizuwa has been a constant source of pressure, even when he doesn’t finish with a sack. His quickness and ability to get into the backfield help flush the quarterback out of the pocket, forcing hurried throws or even bad decisions. His 15 quarterback pressures on the season are a clear indication of his impact in this regard. But it’s not just about numbers; it’s about consistency. He pressures quarterbacks on a regular basis, and that has helped elevate the Cowboys’ entire defensive scheme.

When it comes to the run game, Odighizuwa is just as effective. His ability to clog running lanes, shed blockers, and finish plays is vital for the Cowboys’ success in stopping the run. His 11 tackles for loss on the year show that he consistently beats blockers in the trenches to get into the backfield and disrupt running plays. His understanding of leverage and ability to disengage from blockers allows him to be a formidable force against both inside and outside runs.

But perhaps the most telling indicator of Odighizuwa’s growth is his impact in critical moments. Many of his pressures and tackles for loss have come in high-leverage situations, often stalling drives or forcing key turnovers. His ability to shine in clutch moments, when the game is on the line, is what separates him from many other defensive tackles.

While players like Aaron Donald and Chris Jones continue to dominate the headlines, there’s a strong argument to be made that Odighizuwa is ready to be mentioned in the same breath as these top-tier defensive tackles. Though he’s not quite at the same level as Donald in terms of sheer dominance, Odighizuwa’s ability to be a disruptive force in all phases of the game is approaching that kind of rarefied air.

One reason Odighizuwa’s name often gets left out of the conversation about the league’s best defensive tackles is the Cowboys’ defensive system. With the ever-dominant Micah Parsons and veteran DeMarcus Lawrence leading the charge, Odighizuwa’s impact sometimes gets overshadowed by the more headline-grabbing edge rushers. But Odighizuwa’s impact on the interior line has been just as significant, and he has consistently proven he’s capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the league’s best.

As mentioned earlier, Odighizuwa’s ability to produce at a higher rate than Jalen Carter, a player who was viewed as the next great defensive tackle in the NFL, has been a point of pride for Cowboys fans. While Carter’s future is undoubtedly bright, Odighizuwa is proving that he can outplay his peers in the present moment.

Even when comparing Odighizuwa to veterans like Fletcher Cox or Jonathan Allen, it’s clear that the 24-year-old defensive tackle has the potential to rise to the level of these established stars in the coming years. His production is already on par with some of the best, and his continued development could elevate him to the status of an elite NFL defensive tackle.

With Odighizuwa now firmly entrenched as one of the top defenders on the Dallas Cowboys, the team is in an enviable position moving forward. As long as they continue to develop him and keep him in the fold, the Cowboys will have a versatile, disruptive defensive tackle who can impact the game in every phase.

With an explosive player like Odighizuwa anchoring their defensive line, paired with playmakers like Parsons and Lawrence, the Cowboys have the foundation to build one of the most fearsome defenses in the league. Odighizuwa’s future is bright, and if his current trajectory continues, it won’t be long before he’s mentioned alongside the best defensive tackles in the NFL.

Osa Odighizuwa’s rise to prominence in the 2024 season is nothing short of impressive. His ability to consistently outperform high-profile defensive tackles like Jalen Carter has earned him a place among the top defensive tackles in the NFL, and it’s time for the league and its fans to take notice. His combination of size, quickness, versatility, and overall impact on the game has made him one of the most disruptive players at his position.

As Odighizuwa continues to develop, it’s likely that he’ll move from being a well-kept secret to a household name. The future is bright for this incredibly talented defensive tackle, and his growing reputation is a testament to the hard work and dedication that has fueled his success thus far. If 2024 is any indication, Osa Odighizuwa is poised to be one of the top defensive tackles in the league for years to come.