Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys DC Marinelli: DeMarcus Lawrence at LDE helps the entire defense

Published Aug. 11, 2015 4:57 p.m. ET

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During the final stretch of his rookie season, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence showed glimpses of why the Dallas Cowboys traded up to select him in the 2014 NFL Draft. Entering the 2015 season, Lawrence has been moved to left defensive end and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is expecting big things from him.

“His hand speed," Marinelli told KRLD-FM 105.3 The Fan on Monday when asked about what Lawrence has improved most in his second season, per the Dallas Morning News. "And he’s got speed. He just keeps working at it."

According to Marinelli, the switch to left defensive end full time is an excellent way to help Lawrence realize his full potential. Based on Lawrence's skill set, Marinelli believes that slotting him at this position will not only help him individually, but also the entire defense.

"The one thing I’ve always felt if you can get a good left end -- and he’s strong, this guy is powerful in the run game -- your matchups are really good over there, naturally, because your offensive right tackles are not usually their biggest men, maybe not quite as nimble.”

Lawrence worked hard this offseason to add more size to his frame in anticipation of his new role. He entered training camp at 260 pounds and excited for his new position.

“I feel like I get off way better on my left side, keeping my right hand down,” Lawrence said back in May, per the Star-Telegram.

According to Pro Football Focus, after returning to action in Week 9, Lawrence racked up two sacks, one quarterback hit and 11 quarterback hurries in just 277 defensive snaps. Lawrence's strip-sack on the Lions' final drive in the wild-card round of the playoffs sealed the victory for the Cowboys. He will be tasked with playing a big role in turning the Cowboys' pass rush in 2015 into one of the league's best.

(h/t Dallas Morning News, Star-Telegram)