Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark is getting his first full training camp with Quinnen Williams, and the veteran already sees something taking shape. Both of them shared the field for only six games last season; now they have more time to build chemistry.

Clark spoke to reporters about Dallas' defensive progress and the impact Williams has made throughout. The Cowboys added Williams during the 2025 season, putting him alongside Clark on the defensive line. 

"He's just a dog, man," Clark said of Williams. "He does things the right way, plays with great leverage. He's a big guy and is able to bend, has good ankle flexibility and all that kind of stuff, and can play with his hands well.”

Williams' presence can change how offenses approach the Cowboys' front. Clark also believes the pair can create opportunities for each other when they understand what the other is trying to do.

"I haven't played with a d-tackle like that my whole career," Clark told reporters on August 9. "I played with a lot of great players, but a guy that's dominant like that at the defensive tackle position, he's a great player.”

That relationship is still developing. Clark said the biggest part of their work together is learning how to stay out of each other's way while creating openings for the other player.

Dallas will get a different kind of test Tuesday when it holds a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. Clark prefers that setup to preseason games, where starters may only see a handful of snaps.

The defensive tackles aren't the only Cowboys linemen getting valuable work against the new-look front.

Tyler Smith sees Cowboys offensive line trending upward

Tyler Smith has spent the first padded practices battling against Williams and Clark, giving Dallas' offensive line a new challenge during camp. The Pro Bowl guard said the extra work against established defensive tackles has provided a different level of competition.

"I feel like where we were at last year, I didn't feel like we had as many live reps," Smith said of facing Williams and Clark on August 5. "But definitely getting the training camp experience has definitely been better. I feel like it's a whole different brand of physicality.” 

Those reps should give both sides a better idea of where they stand before the regular season. For Dallas, the goal is to have the trenches ready when the Cowboys open the season against the New York Giants.

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote