Position changes for Marist Liufau, Donovan Ezeiruaku hint at Cowboys scheme changes

"The move is hardly surprising for Ezeiruaku, as the outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense are typically going to be more oriented towards edge rushing. For example, last year the Eagles listed Jaelan Phillips, Nolan Smith, and Jalyx Hunt as outside linebackers even though they did effectively the same thing that Cowboys defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney, James Houston, and Ezeiruaku himself did in 2025."

"After a broken ankle sidelined him for the 2021 season, he ripped off 25 straight starts to finish his Irish career and was often the most energetic player on the field. With his closing burst and physicality, Liufau plays through contact well and punches above his weight class when working downhill. His explosive energy helps him cover a lot of ground in a hurry, although he needs to play with better anticipation and control to be a playmaker in coverage and as a tackler."

Christian Parker, the new Cowboys defensive coordinator, is actively restructuring the defensive roster after finalizing his coaching staff. The team is pursuing Eagles free agent linebacker Nakobe Dean while implementing position changes for existing players. Donovan Ezeiruaku is transitioning to an outside linebacker role focused on edge rushing, aligning with typical 3-4 defensive schemes where outside linebackers function similarly to traditional defensive ends. More notably, Marist Liufau, a former Notre Dame linebacker known for run defense and physical play rather than pass rushing, is also being repositioned. Liufau recorded only 40 total pressures and eight sacks throughout his college career, significantly fewer than comparable edge rushers, but his explosive energy, physicality, and downhill play style make him a candidate for the new role.

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