We know the Cowboys have talented players on both sides of the ball, but are they set up for the next handful of years?
One of the tough things for an NFL team is building a roster capable of winning now while also keeping an eye on the future, and the Dallas Cowboys are trying to juggle that right now.
We know the roster has some supremely talented players in Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and the list could go on.
But is this Dallas roster built for some long-term stability?
A good mix of veteran and younger players to help push this team forward without having to bottom out completely in a couple of years? That is an interesting question.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz has decided to rank all 32 NFL teams based purely on the players on their roster who are 25 years old or younger.
Schatz lists the "blue chip" players as Tyler Booker and Downs, while also giving a shout-out to Tyler Guyton, Pickens, and Tyler Smith.
And Schatz has Dallas ranked 24th.
"Most of Dallas' offensive line graduated from our list this year, but right guard Booker is still only 22 years old, as is fourth-round offensive tackle Drew Shelton," Schatz wrote. "The rest of the young talent is mostly on defense.
"On the edge, Donovan Ezeiruaku is 22, and Malachi Lawrence is 23; but their birthdays are only two months apart (Sept. 25 for Ezeiruaku, July 21 for Lawrence). First-rounder Downs is 21. Linebacker Shemar James, who started six games last season, is 22."
So that is a good young core, but it is a little light on, right?
Well, CeeDee and Jake Ferguson are 27, Javonte Williams is 26, so they are close enough, and out of the Cowboys' current roster, just eight are 30 or older.
So, it isn't like Dallas is full of veterans.
Still, it appears that most of Dallas' long-term wealth is on the defensive side of the ball if everything works out.
Offensively, Booker already looks like a stud along the offensive line, and we know what Tyler Smith is, and to a lesser extent, Pickens. So, there are some pieces that could stick around long-term and be building blocks for Brian Schottenheimer.
But ranked 24th for your young talent isn't ideal; still, it is worth noting the Buffalo Bills are at No. 29, and the Los Angeles Rams are at No. 32. Two Super Bowl contenders.
So, you can take this list with a grain of salt if you like, and while the Cowboys do have some young talent, it might just not be as much as others.
