Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Every week, we gather the latest news about the Dallas Cowboys and seek our writer’s perspective on each headline. Welcome back to the roundtable. This week we have Jess Haynie, David Howman, Tom Ryle, Sean Martin, and Brian Martin. What’s your take on the Cowboys first round pick? On the opening day of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys made a significant, and somewhat controversial, move of selecting offensive guard Tyler Booker from Alabama with the 12th overall pick. This decision was part of their strategy to bolster the offensive line after losing veteran guard Zack Martin. Renowned for his physicality and leadership, Booker allowed just two sacks during his three seasons in Alabama and right now he’s positioned to become the team’s starting right guard. Tom: While the immediate reactions were mixed, some rated Tyler Booker as the best guard in the draft, so that’s a positive. This was clearly a need-driven pick with the Zack Martin retirement, and I’m just fine with that. On day one, it is hard to fully evaluate the impact, but what stands out about Booker is that he is seen as very strong in the run game, especially when his assignment is to work in a phone booth to open holes and cut off pursuit. The follow up moves will be crucial, because this just screams more emphasis on the running game. At the end, the addition of two RBs makes this pick really make sense. It looks like Brian Schottenheimer is serious about running the ball, and Booker should help. Just seeing a plan taking shape and having the Jones family deferring to Schottenheimer and Will McClay is cause for cautious optimism. Brian: I have some concerns about Tyler Booker’s fit because I thought he was more of a power/gap player, but after listening to some of his interviews/press conferences I’m excited about the mentality he’s going to bring to the Cowboys OL. He should be a plug-and-play starter as Zack Martin’s replacement at RG and immediately improve the pass protection for Dak Prescott and upgrade the rushing attack. Even though I’m not completely in love with the pick, I’m still excited about the immediate impact he can make as a rookie. Howman: I have no issue with the player. Tyler Booker is going to be a great fit at right guard, and he’s got the exact type of physicality that Brian Schottenheimer spoke about wanting. My issue comes down to the value of the pick, specifically with guys like Tyler Warren and Shemar Stewart still on the board. It’s hard to quibble with taking a good player, but it’s enough to keep me from being completely overjoyed. Jess: Eleven years ago, Dallas added Zack Martin to the offensive line and watched it become the tide that raised all ships. DeMarco Murray’s huge year, Dallas’ big 2014 season, another big year in 2016 with Dak and Zeke as rookies; that what the Cowboys were thinking of when they drafted Tyler Booker. They’re hoping to restore elite-level play up front and seeing the entire offense benefit from it. Strategically, I get it. But thinking anyone can match the impact Martin had in Dallas is risky. Sean: I love this pick for so many reasons. Of course, the most obvious reason is the way Dallas instantly upgraded the choices to replace a future Hall of Fame right guard from unproven swing players and career backups, to a blue-chip prospect. The second reason is his plus scheme fit in Klayton Adams’ approach to offensive line play. The criticisms of this pick are all very fair, like how the Cowboys have gone this route of building a “great wall” before but the areas they lack in because of it hinder them in big games. There is also the ongoing comparisons between Brian Schottenheimer and Jason Garrett, only getting stronger after drafting Booker. Let’s not forget though that it took Garrett multiple years to build the offensive line into the best in the NFL, and now Schottenheimer may be starting out at this point. Also, it’s easy to forget just how bad and dysfunctional the Cowboys were a year ago en route to a 7-10 finish, so some of that Garrett era stability and getting back on track to a winning season should be welcome. Continuing the process by getting better at the line of scrimmage is never, ever a bad idea. Tyler Booker helps them achieve this and then some. What do you make of the Cowboys draft picks on Day 2? On Day 2 the Cowboys focused on bolstering their defense and secondary. In the second round, they selected defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College with the 44th overall pick. Ezeiruaku had an impressive college career, tying the Boston College single-season sack record with 16.5 sacks in 2024 and earning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award. This was one of the best value picks of the draft and very few experts had anything bad to say on the Ezeiruaku pick. In the third round, with the 76th overall pick, the Cowboys drafted cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina. Revel was once projected as a first-round talent before an ACL injury but is now considered a high-upside addition to Dallas’s secondary. This pick carries the most questions out of Dallas’ first three selections, but if right Revel could make this draft class one of the best in recent Cowboys history. Tom: Lots of best player at position of need here, and that’s a very good thing. A couple of draftniks here thought these were excellent choices in terms of value. Mike Poland had Donovan Ezeiruaku as a borderline first-round talent and Shavon Revel as a solid second-round prospect on his big board. David Howman had both of them on his list of the 15 best remaining players after round one. Ezeiruaku showed a desire to build from the inside out as the follow-up to Booker.

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images The Dallas Cowboys are down to their official 90-man (sort of) roster. The Dallas Cowboys have a draft class that isn’t even a full week old and the team had some housekeeping to do. The NFL mandates that every team be down to 90 players following the draft and obviously the Cowboys had to take into consideration not only their drafted players, but the undrafted free agents that they will sign as well when trimming down to that number. On Wednesday it was revealed that the team waived four players: Malik Davis, Jack Anderson, Brock Mogensen and Earl Bostick Jr.. The #Cowboys have made the following roster moves today: Waived: RB Malik Davis OG Jack AndersonLB Brock MogensenOT Earl Bostick Jr. Utilized the International Exemption for DT Denzel Daxon. This allows them to carry 91 players on the roster. — Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) April 30, 2025 The mothership’s Tommy Yarrish noted that the team is utilizing an international exemption for defensive tackle Denzel Daxon which technically brings their number to 91. On some level it is a bit surprising to see the team waive running back Malik Davis given the general unknown at the position, but obviously the Cowboys just drafted two backs and signed two in free agency. The math suggested this was possible. With a roster now set the Cowboys can focus on getting set for football(ish) activities. As you were.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images Here are our grades for the Cowboys UDFA rookies The Dallas Cowboys really did nail this year’s NFL draft and their rookie class looks extremely promising with a number of high character players that all had productive collegiate careers. While everyone gets hyped for the nine draft picks they made during the seven rounds, they also quietly put together an interesting ensemble of free agents during the undrafted free agency period. Let’s grade the players they’ve taken and what their outlook is predicted to be at Dallas. WR, Josh Kelly, Texas Tech Kelly had a pretty productive 2024 season, recording 89 receptions for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns, leading the FBS with 32 third-down receptions. His ability to gain yards after the catch is easy to notice and his 605 yards-after-catch and 26 forced missed tackles highlights his playmaking skills with the ball in his hands. He’s an intelligent route runner with reliable hands, capable of playing both outside and in the slot. Given the Cowboys’ current depth at wide receiver, Kelly faces a challenging path to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. However, his versatility and special teams experience could make him a valuable asset for the practice squad with potential to be called up during the season. His college production and skill set suggest he could develop into a contributor for Dallas if given the opportunity. Pick Grade: B WR, Traeshon Holden, Oregon The Cowboys added a second wide receiver in their UDFA class with Traeshon Holden from Oregon. Holden, who began his collegiate career at Alabama, showcased improvement throughout his time in college. In his final year at Oregon, he recorded 45 receptions for 718 yards and five touchdowns. Notably, he had a standout performance against Ohio State with seven catches, 116-yards and two touchdowns. He certainly has reliable hands with an impressive 83.3% catch rate in 2024, and does well to make contested catches, even against some good cornerbacks. His problem is speed and explosiveness, where he really lacks both. He ran a 4.57s in the 49-yard dash and only hopped a 32” vertical. Holden’s size, hands, and willingness as a run blocker make him an intriguing addition, but his path to make the practice squad is a real test. Grade: B+ TE, Rivaldo Fairweather, Auburn Fairweather has a little more intrigue here as the Cowboys spent time with him during a private workout before the draft after watching him at the Shrine Bowl. He began his collegiate career at Florida International University (FIU) then transferred to Auburn in 2023. During his college career, he amassed 116 receptions for 1,499 yards and 13 touchdowns. He demonstrates the ability to be a reliable target, most certainly on short routes. He lacks any speed at any area of the field, but his strength and catch radius projects more as redzone player. Add his ability to be a good run blocker only reinforces his redzone capabilities. Fairweather’s combination of size, reliable hands, and blocking ability will certainly look to increase the competition at a position that was lacking last year. Grade: B+ TE, Tyler Neville, Virginia Neville was a graduate transfer from Harvard and played one season with the Cavaliers. He recorded 37 receptions for 394 yards and two touchdowns last season, and his best performance came in Week 2 against Wake Forest, when he caught four passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first UVA tight end since 2007 to achieve a two-touchdown game. He’s a dependable run blocker with toughness and a physical mentality, but Neville faces a massive uphill battle to secure a spot on the practice squad. Grade: C+ LB, Justin Barron, Syracuse At 6’4” and 225 pounds, Barron possesses the size and length that Dallas typically looks for in a linebacker. He’s a versatile defender who transitioned from safety to linebacker during his collegiate career, showcasing adaptability and athleticism on the field. They could look to use him as a hybrid linebacker and most definitely on special teams. His background as a safety contributes to his strengths in coverage, pursuit angles, and acceleration. But his areas for improvement, particularly in controlling his speed in space and shedding blocks, means he may struggle in the NFL as a full time linebacker. This signing has all the markings of a player taken for special team duty, which is something Dallas needs. Grade: B DB, Alijah Clark, Syracuse Ranked highest on the board, Clark represents the best talent in this year’s UDFA signings for Dallas. What also adds some extra sauce with Clark is the fact he’s best suited to play the slot corner or nickel back role, a position that holds many questions in Dallas since Jourdan Lewis’ departure. If Dallas utilize Clark in the right way he could stand a chance at making the final roster and carries the most potential. While playing at both Rutgers and Syracuse, Clark amassed 189 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and pass breakups. Grade: A- S, Mike Smith Jr, Eastern Kentucky Smith, a 6’1” and 206-pound safety had a pretty good 2024 season, recording 63 tackles, four interceptions, six pass breakups, and one forced fumble. His performance earned him multiple All-American honors and a unanimous First Team All-UAC selection whilst being the captain of the Colonels defense. His efforts helped Eastern Kentucky allow only 23 points per game en route to the FCS Playoffs with an 8-4 regular season record. This is quite a savvy move for the Cowboys. His proven production, leadership qualities, and versatility provide depth at a position that has a level of uncertainty beyond this season. Grade: B- CB, Zion Childress, Kentucky Childress, a Houston native, began his collegiate career at Texas State before transferring to Kentucky, where he became a two-time team captain and a versatile presence in the secondary. Over his five-year college career, he played in 62 games and amassed a whopping 283 tackles along with 13 tackles for loss, 17 pass breakups

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Who do you think will lead the Cowboys in rushing this season? The Dallas Cowboys had a huge need at running back when the offseason began and have done a number of things to give themselves options at the group. With respect to players like Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis, it stands to reason that the bulk of work will fall on the shoulders/legs of Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders and/or Jaydon Blue. Fellow rookie Phil Mafah will certainly figure into it as well. For our Wednesday discussion here on the site we are curious who you think will ultimately lead the team in rushing yards this season. It is always possible that the Cowboys add somebody else to the fold further down the road, but logic would suggest that the answer to this question is one of these names. This is the first season for the Cowboys in some time in which neither Ezekiel Elliott or Tony Pollard will be a part of the rushing attack in some way, shape or form. The last player to lead the team in rushing in a season like that was Darren McFadden in 2015. So who do you think it will be? Vote and let us know in the comments why you chose who you did!

Think you can figure out which Cowboys player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game! Hey Cowboys fans! We’re back for another day of the Blogging The Boys in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form. If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article. Previous games Tuesday, April 29, 2025Monday, April 28, 2025Sunday, April 27, 2025 Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games NFL in-5MLB in-5MMA in-5 Blogging The Boys in-5 instructions The goal of the game is to guess the correct Cowboys player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it. After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form. Enjoy!

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images The draft is over and it’s time to process everything we learned about what the Cowboys did. The 2025 NFL Draft is over. The Dallas Cowboys maneuvered through the weekend and landed nine new football players. It’s hard to formulate any opinions this soon, but many fans believe they did a pretty good job in the draft. Whether that’s true or not remains to be seen, but there are some things we do know about this draft process thanks to what they did and what they told us in their post-draft press conferences. Here are ten things we learned about the Cowboys during the draft. 1. Tetairoa McMillan was their target The Cowboys were hoping Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian slid to 12, but he never made it as he was selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers. Multiple sources have indicated McMillan would have been the team’s pick had he been there, but it wasn’t meant to be. This was a question the fanbase was most interested in during the weeks leading up to the draft, and now we know. 2. The Cowboys were looking to trade back The team was interested in moving back in the draft and had discussions with the Houston Texans, who held the 25th overall pick. It’s not clear who the Texans were targeting at 12, but whatever they were offering Dallas, it wasn’t enough. Houston didn’t like their spot in the draft and ultimately traded out of the first round later in the draft with the New York Giants, who moved up to select QB Jaxon Dart. 3. They want to own the line of scrimmage The investment the team has in Dak Prescott needs to be reinforced with better offensive line play. With the size that their NFC East foes have along the interior defensive line, upgrading the middle of the Cowboys’ offensive line is important. They want to move people, and Tyler Booker is an “alpha” who has the power to do just that. Combined with Tyler Smith and Cooper Beebe, the core of their run game just got a whole lot stronger. 4. They were prepared The day before the draft, Will McClay put the group through different scenarios so they could react quickly when they were on the clock. They didn’t specify the details of the scenario in question, but they had spent an hour rehearsing the exact dilemma they faced when pick 12 came around. 5. Walter Nolen was the other guy When talking about their decision at 12, Jones let it slip that “Nolen was on the board,” leading us to believe that it ultimately came down to Booker and Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen. It wasn’t the Sophie’s Choice they seemed to face when debating between Mazi Smith and Matthew Bergeron in 2023. Booker was clearly their guy, as this time they chose the lineman over the defensive tackle. 6. Talent took precedence over needs The Cowboys were more active this offseason in filling voids on the roster. They invested money in three defensive ends, two guards, two running backs, and two linebackers. They also traded for a cornerback. When you look at the top five positions they invested in, they were OL, DE, CB, RB, and LB. Oddly enough, those same five positions consumed their top five draft resources. That likely wasn’t the plan, as it’s more ideal to spread out the resources, but things don’t always go according to plan. The Cowboys stuck to their board and picked their best players, even if it meant re-upping on positions already covered and neglecting those that aren’t. A second guard? That’s way down the wishlist. Another pass rusher? They’re loaded already. A corner coming off a torn ACL who won’t help spell Trevon Diggs in the short term? None of that mattered. They grabbed elite talent and are playing the long game. 7. They were right about the running back depth This draft was deep at the running back position. The Cowboys knew it, and the other teams knew it as well. In total, 25 running backs were selected, and 19 (76%) were picked on Day 3. Even without a fourth-round pick, they still had good backs to choose from when pick 149 rolled around, landing them the speedster Jaydon Blue. They capitalized on the depth further by selecting Phil Mafah late in the seventh round. Their patience paid off. 8. They wanted their linebacker, so they pounced After only seeing four linebackers come off the board during the first two days of the draft, they were open for business on Day 3. The Cowboys did not want to miss out if a possible run of linebackers occurred, so they took action and traded from 174 (and giving up pick 211) to move 22 spots to 152nd overall to select Florida linebacker Shemar James. It was a good thing they did, too, because five linebackers came off the board by pick 172, two spots before their previously owned fifth-round pick. Instead of waiting and possibly missing out, the Cowboys jumped ahead of the run and got their guy. It was a great use of late-round draft capital. 9. Their draft evaluation of Jonathan Mingo still looms large The Cowboys addressed almost every position need, but the one area left out was wide receiver. Missing out on McMillan was unfortunate, but it didn’t cause them to panic. The team continues to believe that Jonathan Mingo is still going to work out. Their draft evaluation from 2023 is still relatively fresh, and they were content not having a fourth-round pick this year because of what they think Mingo will bring them going forward. Fans remain skeptical because we’ve seen this team have a heightened belief in their wide receiving position group before, only to have the wheels come off. Hopefully, they are right about him. 10. The Schottenheimer presence is already felt When the Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer to be their

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The latest news from around the division. Mayor Bowser and Washington Commanders announce historic deal to bring the team Home and activate 180 acres of opportunity at the RFK campus – Commanders.com Washington’s new era will take place in their original home. (WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders Josh Harris announced a deal to bring the team home and activate 180 acres of opportunity at the RFK campus. With a state-of-the-art roofed stadium, the team’s return to DC will catalyze and complement the transformation of the entire campus to include housing, parks and recreation, hotels, restaurants, retail, and neighborhood amenities. “We are thrilled to welcome the Commanders back home to the Sports Capital. We said that we could do it all – Commanders, housing, park space, recreation, retail, entertainment and more – and, together, that’s what we are delivering,” said Mayor Bowser. “When we got control of 180 acres of land on the banks of the Anacostia, we knew right away that partnering with the Commanders would be the fastest and surest route to bringing the RFK campus to life. As we focus on the growth of our economy, we’re not only bringing our team home, but we’re also bringing new jobs and new revenue to our city and to Ward 7.” “Today is a defining moment for the DMV and the Washington Commanders. RFK Stadium holds a legendary place in our history – it’s where the team dominated the NFL, capturing three Super Bowls and creating unforgettable memories for fans. Now, we have the opportunity to honor that legacy by building a new world-class stadium – one that is also a once-in-a-generation catalyst for uplifting and transforming our region,” said Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders Josh Harris. “Working hand-in-hand with District and community leaders, we’re focused on delivering an incredible home for our players and fans, creating a landmark venue that reflects the pride of our nation’s capital, and sparking a new era of economic opportunity across the DMV. RFK was once a place our fans loved, and opponents feared – we’re determined to make it that way again.” New York Giants depth chart: How the NFL Draft changed the roster – Ed Valentine, BigBlueView.com New York’s roster definitely shifted after the draft. The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books. The New York Giants’ draft class has been well-received by fans and analysts. Let’s look at how the class has impacted the depth chart, and eventually the 53-man roster. OFFENSE [Draft picks are in bold. Reported undrafted free agent signings are in italic.] Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston Jaxson Dart, Tommy DeVito The ultimate success or failure of what looks like a second straight quality draft by GM Joe Schoen depends upon whether or not Jaxson Dart turns into the kind of quarterback the Giants are hoping for. The success or failure of the 2025 season might be largely dependent upon whether or not Wilson can make the kind of late-game plays in close games that Giants quarterbacks could not make a season ago. Running back: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, Cam Skattebo, Eric Gray, Dante Miller Skattebo gives the Giants the kind of bruising, tackle at your own risk, back they have not had since Brandon Jacobs. The common thought is that Skattebo likely pushes the underwhelming Eric Gray off the roster. DEFENSE Defensive line: Nose tackle: Dexter Lawrence, D.J. Davidson, Jordon Riley Defensive tackle: Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Chauncey Golston, Darius Alexander, Roy Robertson-Harris, Elijah Chatman, Cory Durden, Elijah Garcia, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Casey Rogers Depth, depth, depth. Finally! And, upgraded talent with Chauncey Golston, Darius Alexander and Roy Robertson-Harris. Check out Nick Falato’s breakdown of why Alexander is a perfect fit for the Giants. Outside linebacker: Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, Victor Dimukeje, Tomon Fox, Trace Ford Yes, we will have to see how defensive coordinator Shane Bowen gets enough snaps for Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. A four-man pass rush of Carter, Burns, Thibodeaux and Lawrence should be fun to watch — as long as you aren’t the quarterback on the other side. 10 leftover Eagles nuggets from the 2025 NFL Draft -Dave Znagaro, NBC Sports Philadelphia The Eagles went for quantity on Day 3 of the draft. 1. Day 3 strategy Despite having a really talented roster already, the Eagles took a ton of players on Day 3. They entered Saturday with six picks but after a couple trade downs ended up with eight players. That seems a bit surprising given the talent already on the roster. One strategy could have been to target players and trade up, but the Eagles decided on a different strategy. With a lot of prospects they graded similarly on the board, GM Howie Roseman opted to have as many dart throws as possible on his favorite day of the draft. “We felt like on the third day, that was the right strategy for us,” Roseman said. “At this time, we want to increase competition on this team. We felt like if we took multiple darts at positions that we liked players at, it increased our chance on hitting one of those players. So, it was based on the board. That was a big reason why we traded back last night, was because we felt like there was a sweet spot here that we can get a bunch of guys that we had similarly graded, and we feel fortunate that that’s how today worked out.” There was another interesting note about Roseman’s Day 3 strategy. Ultimately, if Day 3 picks end up being viable backup and special teams contributors, that’s a fine outcome. But that’s not their goal when they make these selections, Roseman said. “When we look at the later stages of the draft, we’re shooting for starters,” he explained. “We have this meeting this morning and I tell our scouts all the time, we can find backups. We could find backups

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images 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 PrescottWill GrierJoe 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 SandersJaydon BluePhil MafahHunter 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 LambJalen TolbertJonathan MingoKaVontae TurpinRyan 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 FergusonLuke SchoonmakerBrevyn 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 GuytonTyler SmithCooper BeebeTyler BookerTerence SteeleBrock HoffmanAsim RichardsT.J. BassAjani CorneliusSaahdiq 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 OdighizuwaMazi SmithSolomon ThomasJay ToiaTommy 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 ParsonsDante FowlerDonovan EzeiruakuMarshawn KneelandPayton 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 SanbornKenneth MurrayMarist LiufauDamone ClarkShemar 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 BlandKaiir ElamShavon Revel Jr.Caelen CarsonIsrael 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 HookerDonovan WilsonJuanyeh ThomasMarkquese 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 AubreyBryan AngerTrent SiegC.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.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The Cowboys were reported interested in George Pickens. The Dallas Cowboys have a full-fledged draft class and there is not a single wide receiver among the group. Suggesting that this would have happened at any point over the last few months might have garnered a few laughs, but here we sit. In spite of not landing a receiver, the Cowboys had a very productive NFL draft. They stuck to their board and let talent come to them. If we are honest with ourselves then this is how we want to see the team approach this time of year. Sometimes it just leaves you shy at a spot or two. Thankfully, as the Cowboys have made mention of, there are other opportunities and avenues to build your roster. Free agency is among those, but the Cowboys do not like to get all too involved there. Veteran trades on the other hand is an outlet that we have seen Dallas explore. Consider that this offseason alone the Cowboys executed three trades for veteran players. Over the weekend ESPN’s Todd Archer noted that the Cowboys had discussions with “an AFC North” team regarding a veteran wide receiver for what would have been a fourth. While there was heavy speculation as to who that player was, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Dallas was among the teams interested in Pittsburgh Steelers wideout George Pickens. That seems to all make sense together. George Pickens’ name was tossed around in trade discussions this past week. The Cowboys were one of the teams that discussed bringing in the Steelers’ wideout, sources tell me. But with the draft in the rearview, expect the trade buzz to cool surrounding Pickens. pic.twitter.com/bH25A76RhX — Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 29, 2025 Pittsburgh took Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, four spots before Dallas took Sam Williams. There is no question that Pickens has talent as he has amassed 800 receiving yards in all three of his seasons to date (he led the league in yards per reception in 2023 with 18.1). The issue with him is that he seems to have fallen out of favor with the locker room and might be viewed as someone who could cause an issue or two. Without saying this is exactly why Dallas didn’t trade for Pickens, there are obviously a number of reasons for the potential cause, if we live in this idea for a moment then it is indeed an idea that runs counter to what we are seeing the Cowboys build in the Brian Schottenheimer era, as young as it is. The draft showcased how Dallas is prioritizing leaders and players who are capable of rallying locker rooms in the interest of the common good. It isn’t the most wild leap of assumptions to say that the Cowboys, or any NFL team based on Pickens’ career to date, would not view him as somebody who falls in lockstep with that. Considering that on Monday we saw Amari Cooper’s name floated out as a possible option for the Cowboys (he is a free agent so no trade compensation would be required, likely another factor with Pickens especially entering a contract year) it also doesn’t feel like a leap to suggest that the Cowboys are very aware that their receiver room needs work. To their credit, they seem focused on righting that wrong.

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images Which NFC East draft pick did you like the least as a Cowboys fan? Last week’s NFL Draft saw the Dallas Cowboys get better as a football team, but unfortunately it also provided an opportunity for the rest of the NFC East to improve their roster as well. With the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl and the Washington Commanders losing to them in the NFC Championship Game they did not have draft picks near the top of the draft. The Cowboys picked at 12 in the first round, but the New York Giants were right at the beginning with the third overall pick. In terms of notable selections the Giants came away with Abdul Carter and Jaxson Dart. I am also particularly upset about them selecting Cam Skattebo. Philadelphia landed Jihaad Campbell while the Commanders took Trey Amos in the second round, a name many people had connected to the Cowboys for a while. For our Tuesday discussion post we want to know which NFC East draft pick are you most concerned by? Quarterback is an easy direction to go in so maybe your answer is Dart if you think he is going to succeed, but perhaps you feel another way. Let us know in the comments below!