Most of the big free-agency names have been signed. Aside from veteran trades, a large portion of the roster building going forward focuses on the NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys weren’t major players in free agency. They filled some holes, but several still exist defensively. Jerry Jones said over the weekend that he believes they now have “a lot of promise” on defense.
“When you have the challenges we had last year, there’s no place to go but up on the defensive side of the ball,” the Cowboys owner and general manager said. “Had we played a lick of defense last year, we would’ve had ourselves, I think, a real playoff run.”
To reset things, here’s what Dallas’ depth chart looks like at the moment.
Quarterback
Dak Prescott, Joe Milton, Sam Howell
There’s no question about the top spot, but the Cowboys brought in competition for the backup job by signing Howell to a one-year deal. The backup competition should be entertaining to watch throughout training camp and the preseason. Milton’s arm strength gives him great upside but Howell has the experience of starting 18 games since entering the league in 2022. This position group appears to be set.
Running back
Javonte Williams, Malik Davis, Hunter Luepke, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah
Williams is the clear No. 1 but there are plenty of questions about the No. 2 spot and beyond. Blue and Mafah didn’t make much impact as rookies, but both could see an increase in opportunities, especially if this is the group entering the season. With the defense expected to be the focus in next month’s draft, it’s unlikely that Dallas will spend a valuable pick on this position group. Luepke should continue to help as a running back, fullback and tight end.
Wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo
This is a talented group with two legitimate No. 1 receivers. Flournoy made the most of his opportunities last season, jumping Jalen Tolbert on the depth chart. Look for Flournoy to be the No. 3 with Turpin continuing to play a role. Turpin went from 52 targets in 2024 to 38 last season. Mingo just hasn’t worked out in Dallas with injuries being a factor. He’ll likely be battling for a roster spot in training camp and the preseason.
Tight end
Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, Princeton Fant
This is considered to be a good tight end draft. However, the Cowboys aren’t expected to go in that direction. It would not be a surprise to see them enter the season with this group. Spann-Ford is the most intriguing. He seems to have just scratched the surface with his potential as a blocker and pass catcher.
Brevyn Spann-Ford has caught nine passes in both of his first two seasons with the Cowboys. Will his role expand in 2026? (Matt Marton / Imagn Images)
Offensive line
LG Tyler Smith, RG Tyler Booker, C Cooper Beebe, LT Tyler Guyton, RT Terence Steele, OT Nate Thomas, OG T.J. Bass, OL Matt Hennessy, OT Ajani Cornelius, OG Trevor Keegan
If Guyton can stay healthy, this is a solid group. But that’s been an issue the last two seasons. He’ll get competition from Thomas for that starting left tackle spot. If there are no other options, Smith will move out to left tackle. But Dallas would like to avoid that, keeping the interior three together as its strength up front. Depth could still be added here in the draft.
Defensive line
Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, Jay Toia
By recently trading away Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, the Cowboys showed their comfort level with this group. But also don’t rule out them drafting another 3-4 defensive lineman next month. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker could want to get a young player up front that is an ideal fit for what he’s looking to build in the trenches.
Outside linebacker
Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Sam Williams, James Houston, Tyrus Wheat, Marist Liufau
If the right player is there at Pick 12 or Pick 20, edge rusher is very much in play. This group needs another high-impact player. The problem with this draft class is that the elite ones will likely be gone by 12 and what’s available at 20 could be similar to what’s there at 30 to 35. That could set Dallas up for an ideal trade-back scenario.
Inside linebacker
DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James, Justin Barron
This is the biggest weakness on the roster. A starting inside linebacker is very much needed. And another starting-caliber backup makes sense with Overshown’s injury history. The Cowboys came up short in their attempts to add a notable veteran here in free agency. The draft could provide them with one in the first round. But a possible trade for a veteran should also be in consideration.
Cornerback
DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, Cobie Durant, Caelen Carson, Reddy Steward, Trikweze Bridges, Josh Butler
Another area that seems like a good possibility in the first round. Bland and Revel have both recently dealt with significant injuries. Durant is only signed for one year. An emergence of one or more of the others under Parker and the new staff’s coaching would be huge. But drafting an instant impact starter at either 12 or 20 is certainly an option.
Safety
Malik Hooker, Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, Markquese Bell, Alijah Clark
The recent additions of Thompson and Locke bring something different to this group. Thompson’s versatility should lead to plenty of snaps for multiple safeties. A high-round pick could be spent here if they are wiped out at other premium positions. Like inside linebacker, this is a group that also needs to help upgrade the special teams unit.
Special teams
K Brandon Aubrey, P Bryan Anger, LS Trent Sieg
Aubrey is still a restricted free agent. The expectation is that he isn’t going anywhere. Keep these three together and Dallas should feel good about their specialists.