Here is what the Cowboys 53-man roster could look like following the draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft is over, and while the Cowboys still have a few roster spots to fill before they get to 90, they likely have most of their eventual 53-man roster in the building at this point. Which means it’s the perfect time to take a guess at who makes the final roster, with several intriguing positional battles already shaping up.
Quarterback (3)
Dak Prescott
Will Grier
Joe Milton
This position group can likely be locked in right now. Dak Prescott is obviously the starter, and he’s very close with Will Grier, who once gave serious competition to Cooper Rush for the QB2 role before an injury sidelined him. Joe Milton is a guarantee too after just being traded for.
Running back (4)
Miles Sanders
Jaydon Blue
Phil Mafah
Hunter Luepke
All eyes will be on this position battle from here on out. Jaydon Blue is probably the closest thing to a lock at running back, while Phil Mafah is probably less safe but likely would get the nod with a decent preseason. Hunter Luepke is safe so long as the Cowboys want a real fullback on the roster.
So that makes for a decision between Miles Sanders, Javonte Williams, and Deuce Vaughn. As of now, I’ll guess Sanders wins out as the most all-around back, but it’ll be a tight competition either way.
Wide receiver (5)
CeeDee Lamb
Jalen Tolbert
Jonathan Mingo
KaVontae Turpin
Ryan Flournoy
Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys go light at wide receiver. Klayton Adams was part of a Cardinals offense that used a ton of 12 and 13 personnel, and Brian Schottenheimer wants to run the ball more in general. The Cowboys may not need that many receivers just based on their offensive approach.
CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert both have established relationships with Prescott, while Stephen Jones talked up Jonathan Mingo after the draft. KaVontae Turpin is locked in as the return specialist, and should continue to have a role on offense. Ryan Flournoy will have to compete with Jalen Brooks and others for the final spot, but Flournoy’s combination of speed and strength should give him the edge.
Tight end (3)
Jake Ferguson
Luke Schoonmaker
Brevyn Spann-Ford
The Cowboys could go heavy here if Luepke isn’t part of the fold, but if they run with just three tight ends it’s pretty clear who it’ll be at this stage. Jake Ferguson needs to bounce back in the final year of his rookie deal, while Luke Schoonmaker is hoping for a healthy offseason for the first time in his NFL career.
Offensive line (10)
Tyler Guyton
Tyler Smith
Cooper Beebe
Tyler Booker
Terence Steele
Brock Hoffman
Asim Richards
T.J. Bass
Ajani Cornelius
Saahdiq Charles
The starting five is probably locked up after investing such a premium draft pick in Tyler Booker. Brock Hoffman, Asim Richards, and T.J. Bass have all been reliable depth pieces thus far. Ajani Cornelius has enough athleticism to warrant a roster spot, while Saahdiq Charles – who won a starting job last year with the Titans before unexpectedly retiring – should be able to justify a spot of his own.
Defensive tackles (5)
Osa Odighizuwa
Mazi Smith
Solomon Thomas
Jay Toia
Tommy Akingbesote
We know that Osa Odighizuwa will command the attention in the all-important 3-technique role for Matt Eberflus, and Mazi Smith is a natural fit for the 1-technique. Solomon Thomas and Jay Toia can spell Odighizuwa and Smith, respectively, while Akingbesote has the flexibility to hold down either spot in a pinch.
Defensive ends (5)
Micah Parsons
Dante Fowler
Donovan Ezeiruaku
Marshawn Kneeland
Payton Turner
This is an area where the Cowboys could go light depending on how everyone looks in preseason, but Matt Eberflus tends to prefer a deep edge rushing rotation. Micah Parsons is an obvious starter, while the trio of Dante Fowler, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and and Marshawn Kneeland should form a nice counterbalance. Payton Turner has the athleticism and pedigree to add quality depth, but might be the odd man out if Sam Williams doesn’t have to start the year on the PUP list.
Linebackers (5)
Jack Sanborn
Kenneth Murray
Marist Liufau
Damone Clark
Shemar James
The assumption here is that DeMarvion Overshown starts the season on the PUP list, therefore not counting for this exercise. Jack Sanborn is a likely starter, given his history with Matt Eberflus, while Kenneth Murray and Marist Liufau could rotate depending on the situation. Damone Clark may be in danger after getting lost in the shuffle last year, but both he and Shemar James offer special teams value.
Cornerbacks (5)
DaRon Bland
Kaiir Elam
Shavon Revel Jr.
Caelen Carson
Israel Mukuamu
Similar to Overshown, we’re assuming Trevon Diggs starts the year on the PUP list. In that scenario, we’re probably looking at DaRon Bland and Kaiir Elam as the starters in base, with Shavon Revel Jr. playing outside and Bland sliding into the slot in nickel packages.
However, don’t count out Caelen Carson, who looked great in preseason last year and projects as a more natural fit in the new zone-heavy scheme. Israel Mukuamu, while technically listed as a safety, has shown legitimate ability as a slot defender in the past and could emerge as the nickel corner to keep Bland out wide.
Safeties (4)
Malik Hooker
Donovan Wilson
Juanyeh Thomas
Markquese Bell
This room is largely set. Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson were inconsistent last year, but fit better in the new scheme. Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell are both valuable backups who could – and have – start in a pinch.
Special teams (4)
Brandon Aubrey
Bryan Anger
Trent Sieg
C.J. Goodwin
It’ll be a shock if any of these four aren’t on the team by kickoff in Week 1. C.J. Goodwin is probably the most in danger, especially with a new special teams coordinator, but Goodwin has been such a reliable special teams ace that the Cowboys are likely to keep him around until his play falls off.
