New Cowboys 53-Man Roster Projection: 'Competition' Vs. Clarity'

FRISCO - Now that the dust has settled and all is quiet here inside The Star? Let's make some noise with our newest 53-man Dallas Cowboys roster projection.

Training camp in Oxnard is slated for late July, and there could be some surprises once we get to California. But I think there's a great deal more "clarity'' than there is "competition,'' frankly ... as I illustrate below ...

Dak Prescott and Joe Milton will make the 5 p.m. CT August 30 cut, and Sam Howell will not (before he's brought back to the roster after clearing waivers) ... even though I bet Dallas would prefer to play Howell over Milton right now if a bus driver was needed in a real game. 

Javonte Williams, Hunter Luepke, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah.

Jaydon Blue is being groomed to be Javonte Williams’ caddie, but I wonder if Dallas thinks Mafah is more suited to be a full-time back. He'll get the chance to prove that in preseason games.

CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Anthony Smith.

The top three are easy. Turpin's role as a wide receiver is a matter of debate. And the rookie draft pick Smith is going to have to prove he can help on special teams if he's going to make it.

Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Luke Schoonmaker, , Michael Trigg.

It's Spann-Ford's time to move up while Schoonmaker clings desperately to a roster spot. The Cowboys gave a lump of guaranteed money to the UDFA rookie Trigg due to his athletic promise. But can he actually play?

Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, T.J. Bass, Nate Thomas, Ajani Cornelius, Chris Glaser, Drew Shelton, Chris Glaser.

It's imperative that Guyton play up to his billing as a first-round pick; otherwise, there could be a domino effect that causes this group to crumble. Among the backups, maybe UFL guy Glaser beats out new vet Trevor Keegan, but otherwise, this group is more set than the coaches would like to let on.

Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, Sam Williams, LT Overton, Charles Snowden

The Cowboys might not have greatness here (I still think a blockbuster trade is worthy pursuing), but they believe they have quality and depth. ... so much so that James Houston and Marist Liufau could get squeezed off the roster.

Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, Jonathan Bullard. This is a tricky spot under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker because some of these "tackles'' will line up all over the front. The key is Williams and the others' ability to free him up to show off his star qualities.

DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham, Shemar James.

Overshown wants to wear that green dot. Fans want somebody better than Winters (amid buzz about a trade for Dolphins star Jordyn Brooks or a signing of free agent Bobby Wagner). Jaishawn and James have athleticism that must show up on special teams.

DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, Cobie Durant, Caelen Carson, Devin Moore, Josh Butler.

There is legitimate room for competition here, both for a starting role and for backup spots. Does Revel hold off Durant? Could Ameer Speed and Reddy Steward push for roles?

Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, Malik Hooker, P.J. Locke, Markquese Bell

This is the position group that might make the greatest leap forward from the dismal 2025 season. Downs and Thompson are both do-it-all studs. Behind them, Alijah Clark could push Bell. Overall, a completely different look from a year ago.

Brandon Aubrey (K), Bryan Anger (P), Trent Sieg (LS).

Despite the stellar names, the Cowboys special-teams group ranked poorly overall last year. That shouldn't happen again. Oh, and I can't quite get over how weird it is to not be penciling in the name of CJ Goodwin, the long-time special-teams ace who is apparently no longer in the picture here.