After the Dallas Cowboys finished their last roster purge, we can now predict the makeup of this new group of players for the 2024 campaign. Certain position groups have had some modifications, while others still need work. As we assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the upcoming season, here is a summary of each position group.
QUARTERBACK
Dak Prescott is the starting quarterback, Cooper Rush is the backup, and Trey Lance is the developmental emergency quarterback. This is the same trio as previously. The only thing that is different this time is that, should his number be called, we know what to anticipate because Lance has a bit more experience.
Change: Slightly improved.
DATING RETURNING
Ezekiel Elliott is back, and Tony Pollard is gone. Veteran Dalvin Cook was also brought into the equation by the team. If the older backs do not eat up Rico Dowdle’s playing time, he should play a bigger part this season. Deuce Vaughn, in his second year, is also said to be better. There is not much in this group to get us enthused about overall, so TBD.
Alteration: More severe. It might not be as terrible as we believe, but it might also go horribly wrong.
TINY END
Luke Schoonmaker and Jake Ferguson, their young players, are only going to get better—Ferguson is already very good at this point. The team that follows him does not have many options, but neither did they have much the previous season when they traded Peyton Hendershot, an undrafted free agent, for John Stephens Jr. and Brevyn Spann-Ford.
Modification: Mostly unchanged, potentially with a small enhancement.
Broad Receiver
Broad Receiver
When the Cowboys started Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks, and CeeDee Lamb as their receiving trio last season, it looked very promising. We had no idea that Gallup was malfunctioning. He put in for an early retirement because he was so invested. Not much work should be required to duplicate his efforts. Tolbert and Brooks, the two Jalens, are expecting to make progress, and based on what rookie Ryan Flournoy has shown thus far, there are reasons to be optimistic. Together with Cooks and Prescott having a stronger relationship, this ensemble should be an improvement over the one from previous year.
Change: Not sure, but it should not become worse.
SUBTLE LINE
After Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz left the squad in free agency, it seemed like this group was doomed to ruin, yet look how things have turned around. Tyler Guyton, a rookie, finished the preseason rated as the best rookie lineman. How absurd is that? Cooper Beebe, a fellow rookie, has improved greatly at center. He even received seasoned treatment and was scratched from the season’s last game. Not only does the starting five appear impressive, but Asim Richards, a second-year player, is also making excellent improvement. T.J. Bass keeps getting better, and Brock Hoffman could be the league’s greatest backup center. Though it is early, this squad appears to be even more improved than it was in 2017.
Change: A little better now, with room for improvement
Defensory end
The departures of Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong in free agency were always going to be painful, but the depth was suddenly in dire straits when Sam Williams was lost for the whole season. Although Marshawn Kneeland, a rookie selected in the second round, has looked impressive so far, there is not much else to say that is exciting. With the addition of senior players Carl Lawson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, the squad has flung some darts, but nothing has stuck so far. The good news is that they still have Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, one of the greatest starting tandems in the league, but their supporting cast is weak.
Change: This team’s once-strong point is now questionable.
Defensory tactic
The squad has finally taken the nose tackle position seriously after years of waiting. Mazi Smith, a second-year player, has not only improved, but the squad has also added Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips, two veterans. A Mike Zimmer defense is never complete without beef in the middle, and they currently have some. 3-tech Although Osa Odighizuwa’s future is uncertain, the “right now” appears to be considerably better. He is currently in his contract year.
Change: They should be much better this season, but we will limit our excitement.
LINEBACKER
This group provides a wide range of options. They are bigger today, they still move quickly, and they have a ton of young players who are eager to succeed. Although the group from the previous season, which consisted primarily of one genuine linebacker and one converted safety, is easy to surpass, the arrival of Eric Kendricks, Marist Liufau, a rookie, and the return of DeMarvion Overshown from injury could offer an immediate improvement. The muscle will come from rookie Buddy Johnson and veteran Damone Clark.
Change: Enhanced. Overall, this group is faster, smarter, and larger, but there are still some issues to be resolved.
CORNERBACK
No issue, Stephon Gilmore. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, the Cowboys’ All-Pro outside corner tandem, will be available, though Bland’s return will not be until the middle of the season. They have the always-entertaining Jourdan Lewis in the spot and Caelen Carson, a promising rookie, in the interim. When fit, Israel Mukuamu and Andrew Booth make for a formidable quartet, and they also bring some depth. They just acquired Amani Oruwariye to their practice squad in addition to Josh Butler and Kemon Hall. That group is really deep.
Change: Much better depth than the previous year, but similar overall.
HEALTH
Led by Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse, this bunch was already formidable the previous year. Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas, the surprising depth player from the previous season, are remain with the squad. While Kearse is out, Markquese Bell takes over his previous role. The Cowboys have a lot to work with here, though it is unclear exactly what responsibilities each of them will play in Zimmer’s system.
Change: Not much different from last year, but a touch more speed in place of some pop.
