Dak Prescott leads a potent offense, but six new defensive starters and two rookie standouts must reverse a historic slump to transform Dallas back into legitimate contenders.
FRISCO - This would be a much easier process if it was just about offense.
On that side of the ball, does coach Brian Schottenheimer boast a Dallas Cowboys lineup that belongs in the NFL playoffs - and that can win there?
Most would argue in the affirmative.
And special teams? Same thing?
So what holds back Jerry Jones’ 2026 Cowboys from being widely touted as a contender?
The 2025 Cowboys defense.
As we pick through our projected 53-man roster, we can see “competition’’ unfolding on offense … and whatever the result is, it can be positive.
Under new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker, though?
They worry would be that there might be “competition’’ by default, and that the two first-round rookies Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence face an “or-else’’ setup regarding their immediate impact, and that the hangover from being the NFL’s worst defense doesn’t simply go away … not even if this front office has quite remarkably adjusted with what could be six new defensive starters.
Who are those starters? Who makes up the 53-man roster? Here’s Fish’s early 53-man roster projection. …
Quarterback (2)
Dallas traditionally keeps two because it cuts a third-stringer, and then brings that guy back. So we’ll lean that way here, with Joe Milton making the team over Sam Howell - initially - and then with Howell returning to the team in September.
Of course, none of that matters compared to Dak Prescott, the centerpiece guy of this whole operation.
Dak Prescott, Joe Milton
Running back (3)
Inside The Star, a prominent member of the Cowboys staff recently told me they have a “Thunder and Lightning’’ vision for their young running back group - that means Javonte Williams and Jaydon Blue.
They are also in love with Hunter Luepke, who helps as a running back, fullback and tight end. … and as a core special-teamer.
If they’re right? There is a good chance that this can be a productive (and affordable) piece of the explosive Dallas offense.
Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Hunter Luepke
Tight end (4)
The top three are largely locked in, with Dallas needing much more from Ferguson and anything at all from Schoonmaker. Is there room for a fourth guy? Undrafted rookie free agent Michael Trigg would be the bet-on-athleticism prospect there.
Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, Michael Trigg
Wide receiver (5)
The top four on the depth chart are easy to peg - and pretty special. Beyond that? How long do they keep waiting on Jonathan Mingo? What if rookie Anthony Smith flashes? Does veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling have any juice left? Is it Traeshon Holden’s turn?
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo
Offensive line (10)
The starting five should be the same as it was last season, with higher demands for tackles Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele. Could they be pushed by Nate Thomas or rookie Drew Shelton?
Inside, TJ Bass has been deemed a keeper, and veteran newcomer Matt Hennessy has skins on the wall at center.
Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton, TJ Bass, Trevor Keegan, Matt Hennessy
Defensive line (5)
This number is of course the direct result of the switch to the “3-4 Hybrid’’ defense. Quinnen Williams is a star … and if rookie LT Overton can play, this group can make a contribution toward turning around a defense that in 2025 was the NFL’s worst.
Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, Jonathan Bullard, LT Overton
Outside linebacker (6)
This is an area in which many Cowboys observers think one more guy - a standout that teams must gameplan for - is needed. But for now? Rashan Gary needs to lead the group, youngsters Donovan Ezeiruaku and Malachi Lawrence need to hit the ground running, and wouldn’t it be nice if Sam Williams could get his head screwed on straight here?
Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, James Houston, Sam Williams, Tyrus Wheat
Inside linebacker (5)
There are major questions - but interesting potential answers - here. DeMarvion Overshown has pronounced himself completely healthy. That’s a start. Dallas’ trade for the 49ers’ Dee Winters might give the team a second reliable first-teamer. After that? One more interesting guy in the explosive rookie Jaishawn Barham.
DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham, Shemar James, Justin Barron
Cornerback (6)
The Cowboys need to be healthy here … and with that, maybe they’ll be OK. DaRon Bland is set. Shavon Revel will get pushed by Cobie Durant. And then comes a mad competition at another level, with high hopes for rookie Devin Moore.
DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, Cobie Durant, Devin Moore, Reddy Steward, Caelen Carson
Safety (4)
It’s all about showcasing first-round rookie Caleb Downs … and everything else needs to fall into place after that. Veteran free agent signee Jalen Thompson is going to surprise some people with his talent. Malik Hooker is a carryover, and newcomer PJ Locke will compete with Markquese Bell for the fourth spot.
Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker, PJ Locke
Special teams (3)
I’m pretty sure I’ll get this one right.
Brandon Aubrey, kicker; Bryan Anger, punter; Trent Sieg, long snapper
Alas, if only Cowboys Nation could know that predicting the defensive roster - and knowing that it will be any good - would be as easy as picking this group!
