Each week we dive into each team’s rookie class and compare how they stack up against each other. (Grades for each player are the overall offensive or defensive grade handed out by PFF.com) Dallas Cowboys Tyler Booker (OG) First Round Booker’s tape against Arizona looked like grown-up guard play in a chaotic night. The Cardinals threw their […] Each week we dive into each team’s rookie class and compare how they stack up against each other. (Grades for each player are the overall offensive or defensive grade handed out by PFF.com) Dallas Cowboys Tyler Booker (OG) First Round Booker’s tape against Arizona looked like grown-up guard play in a chaotic night. The Cardinals threw their whole disguise package at Dallas and Booker mostly kept his assignment clean. While the Cowboys were chasing the game, the box score says it all with five sacks for 40 yards, but this wasn’t a meltdown for Booker so much as a long-yardage issues. On the ground, Dallas still clawed out 123 rushing yards on 21 attempts, that’s 5.9 yards-per-carry, with several of those coming behind the right-side. This shows Booker played well in both parts of the game. Zooming out, the season snapshot says Booker is a steady riser. Booker’s pass blocking grades have been getting better with each game, and his game against the Cardinals saw his highest grade yet, at a whopping 86.0. His run-block work grades at the very the top among the rookies guards (79.0), and he’s improving week-by-week. So far this year, he’s been charged with just one sack on 288 pass-block snaps, that’s the third most among the rookie guards, and the only players to have allowed less sacks all have less pass-blocking snaps than Booker. This is exactly what you want from a first-year starter and his routine is stabilizing, the splash is beginning to show up, and the rookie rescue moments are all non-existent. Now comes the next stage, Las Vegas. Maxx Crosby remains one of the league’s toughest solo assignments and is an every-down menace who wins with change of pace, a vise-grip, and a second effort that never dies. ESPN’s ranks him eighth in the league’s best edge win-rates at 18%, and the Raiders had a high of six sacks and 21-pressures against Tennessee. Grade: 71.5 Donovan Ezeiraku (DE) Second Round Donovan Ezeiruaku’s Arizona tape looked like a rookie pass rusher playing with a veteran’s plan. He pressed the corner with his insanely hot motor, used a strong long-arm to straighten the tackle’s set, and snapped back inside when the feet over-committed. The payoff landed early with one clean sack in the first half and a handful of pocket pressures that forced Jacoby Brissett into hurried throws. The box score matched the eye test and Ezeiruaku finished with three tackles, five pressures and one sack in a game where Dallas was otherwise chasing Arizona’s rhythm. Looking ahead to Las Vegas, the challenge is a split personality. If he draws Kolton Miller for long stretches, that’s a technician’s exam. Miller has been one of the league’s sturdier pass protectors, grading second among the leagues tackles in PFF’s pass-block metrics at 89.8. That means wins will come late and on second effort rather than with clean, instant edges from Ezeiruaku. On the other side, DJ Glaze has flashed but still gives rushers a window as he ranks 58th in pass blocking grade and has allowed five sacks. This makes Ezeiruaku’s long-arm-to-rip combo and inside counters especially enticing. The Raiders’ offense has struggled to sustain blocks, so disciplined rush lanes plus one or two timely counters can flip drives. Grade: 79.6 Shemar James (LB) Fifth Round Shemar James had a rough night against Arizona, and most of it traced back to eyes and reads. Working primarily as the WILL, he let the Cardinals’ pull him out of his keys. He overran the front side and opened the cutback lanes he’s supposed to close. He sat in no-man’s land between receivers in coverage, gifting easy yards. Tackling magnified the misses. He made high strikes and took flat angles on the perimeter which turned routine stops into extra yards. Add in a couple of poor exchanges with Kenneth Murray on who was supposed to cover what, and you had the kind of miscommunication that turns a crease into a freeway. He ended the game with lowest run-defense grade among Cowboys defenders (29.9), and the lowest defensive grade (27.8). After his last performance and going forward, his role is likely to contract. With Dallas acquiring veteran Logan Wilson at the deadline, the MIKE communication snaps should consolidate with a proven traffic cop, pushing James toward sub-packages while he works on his tackling form. With DeMarvion Overshown also returning at some point, expect the snap count to shrink, not his future. He now has time to work his his technique. Grade: 35.5 Jay Toia (DT) Seventh Round Arizona was a rough fit for Jay Toia, and the snap count told the story with just 20 snaps. The Cardinals lived in an up tempo game, which forced lighter fronts and asked interior linemen to play on the move. That’s where Toia’s issues showed up and his pad level drifted high, his hands landed late, and double-teams turned his body just enough to create five-yard falls. He didn’t win the first six inches and the A-gap softened. Add one goal-line slant where he vacated and Arizona punched in behind the hole he left, and that’s the kind of tape that makes coaches shorten the rotation in a hurry. Usage is now a math problem for Toia. With Quinnen Williams now in the room, and Osa Odighizuwa along with Kenny Clark taking the other roles, early downs skew to the guys who can both anchor and penetrate. Solomon Thomas is also playing extremely efficiently. That leaves Toia far down the roster, so expect to see him warming the bench a lot more for the foreseeable future. Grade: 29.5 Trikweze Bridges (CB) Seventh Round (Chargers) Bridges

The Dallas Cowboys made two huge moves at the trade deadline last week, hoping to bolster their defense. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson are both now in Dallas via trade and are anticipating making their debut Monday night against the Raiders. But they’re not the only defenders that will be added to […] The Dallas Cowboys made two huge moves at the trade deadline last week, hoping to bolster their defense. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson are both now in Dallas via trade and are anticipating making their debut Monday night against the Raiders. But they’re not the only defenders that will be added to the mix for the Cowboys. On Tuesday, DeMarvion Overshown was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. At the same time, rookie Shavon Revel was activated from the non football injury (NFI) list. While that doesn’t necessarily guarantee either will suit up in Las Vegas, it does represent both players clearing massive hurdles in their path to the field. Overshown was having a breakout year last year for the Cowboys, rapidly rising to stardom. However, his season was cut short due to a gruesome knee injury that tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL. Initial timelines for Overshown were that he may not even play this year, but the athletic linebacker has progressed way ahead of schedule and could be making his season debut very soon. Revel, on the other hand, is looking for his NFL debut. Considered by many to be a first-round talent at the start of his final year with East Carolina, Revel tore his ACL in the third game of the season. The Cowboys ultimately landed him in the third round of this year’s draft, hoping to have found another steal if Revel can reclaim his elite form. It’s certainly a boon for the Cowboys that both players fill positions of need, too. Linebacker has been a particularly sore spot, hence the trade for Wilson, and Overshown’s return could effectively reboot the team’s linebacker corps midseason. Meanwhile, the cornerback room has seen its fair share of instability, and with Trevon Diggs on the injured reserve, Revel’s return would be perfect timing for a secondary that desperately needs to turn things around. See More:

Prior to the 2025 NFL trade deadline the Dallas Cowboys added linebacker Logan Wilson and also pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Both of these moves were an attempt to upgrade their porous defense both for the present and the future. These are two savvy moves that will hopefully pay […] Prior to the 2025 NFL trade deadline the Dallas Cowboys added linebacker Logan Wilson and also pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Both of these moves were an attempt to upgrade their porous defense both for the present and the future. These are two savvy moves that will hopefully pay off, but help is still needed and free agents still on the open market could potentially help improve things further. Here are a few players still available for the Dallas Cowboys should consider signing to further improve their roster for the rest of the season. S Justin Simmons From the starters to the backups, the Cowboys safety position has been a concern most of the season whether due to performance or injuries. Dallas is did little to upgrade the position over the years and and it’s come back to bite them. Their reluctance to upgrade the position via free agency probably means they’ll stick with status quo the remainder of the season, but there are a few free agents like Justin Simmons who would be an immediate upgrade. It’s a little bit of a surprise Simmons is still available on the open market, but he might be looking at contenders only. Dallas isn’t that right now. CB Stephon Gilmore The Cowboys pass defense is currently giving up 254.4 yards per game, ranking 29th in the league. While Stephon Gilmore is on the wrong side of 30 (35 years old), he would still arguably be an upgrade in Dallas. While his best years are behind him, the five-time Pro Bowler was a full-time starter for the Minnesota Vikings just last year. His veteran savvy and experience could be exactly what the Cowboys secondary needs to help solidify things. That’s exactly what he provided in 2023 with the Cowboys and could do so once again in 2025. RB Gus Edwards Javonte Williams resurgence this year as the Cowboys RB1 has been one of the biggest surprises around the league. He’s been one of the best backs so far this season and will hopefully continue to be as productive the rest of the season. If he were to miss any time due to injuries, Dallas would be looking at Jaydon Blue or Malik Davis stepping in as the starting RB. That’s a scary thought, which could lead Dallas to sign a free agent for help/depth. Pickings are pretty slim for a free agent RB, but Gus Edwards could provide solid insurance. The 6’1”, 238-pound RB probably still has enough gas left in the tank to be an upgrade over Dallas’ current depth at the position. See More: Dallas Cowboys Free Agency

Dallas moved on from Micah Parsons in late August, bringing back two first-rounders and Pro Bowl nose tackle Kenny Clark. This past week they doubled down by trading for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. They also added linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. The offensive line had a re-tool with 2025 first-rounder Tyler Booker stepping […] Dallas moved on from Micah Parsons in late August, bringing back two first-rounders and Pro Bowl nose tackle Kenny Clark. This past week they doubled down by trading for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. They also added linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. The offensive line had a re-tool with 2025 first-rounder Tyler Booker stepping in at the vacant Zack Martin position. They’ve also recently added center Cooper Beebe, left tackle Tyler Guyton, and have the crown jewel of their line, Tyler Smith. Questions remain on whether the team will retain George Pickens and Javonte Williams after their one-year rentals, with no news on their future in Dallas beyond this year. So where does that leave the Cowboys biggest draft needs as things stand right now? EDGE Micah Parsons is in Green Bay, and the sad news around Marshawn Kneeland has impacted this position. The current answers are short-term vets like Dante Fowler and Jadeveon Clowney, or a group of developmental players, with Donovan Ezeiruaku the most promising. Even with interior studs, Dallas needs a true centerpiece edge who can win 1-on-1s, close games, and finish rushes. That’s something this defense has lacked consistently in 2025. Cornerback (outside CB1) Trevon Diggs is on injured reserve and has battled significant knee issues for two straight years, and the last few weeks before heading to IR was confusing and left more questions than answers about his future in Dallas. DaRon Bland is best in the slot and last week against the Arizona Cardinals we saw his floor (literally). Kaiir Elam is a 2025 stopgap whose option hasn’t been picked up yet for 2026. Sure, there’s Shavon Revel Jr. and hopes are high for the young defensive back, but the team still needs a true dog on the outside who’s long, physical, and can survive on an island. Safety This one is obvious having seen the problems at the safety position this season. Who’s heard that before in Dallas? Malik Hooker is on IR, Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas have missed time, and Markquese Bell is more the big nickel prototype. A true middle of the field safety lifts Matt Eberflus’ zone structures and helps the corners in a big way. The problem is Dallas very seldom looks at safety early in the draft, and here we are at it again hoping the team finds a talented center field safety. Offensive Tackle (RT more specifically) The long-term left side of the line looks set with Tyler Guyton and Tyler Smith, although Guyton needs to show more growth. Booker stabilizes the right guard position next to Beebe, but Terence Steele’s performance has dipped and his ability in pass protection bears watching the rest of the year. The team needs a legit right tackle who can either push Steele into a competition to raise the bar, or be replaced. That’s will insure the line becomes the foundation of the team once again and helps keep Dak insulated. Running Back Javonte Williams has been a strong 2025 addition and has blown fans away who had little expectation for him, but he’s on a one-year deal. Drafting a back with true home-run speed and third-down value hedges outcomes and sustains Schottenheimer’s run game. For a team that’s actually heavy on the line in terms of run blockers, drafting a 210–220 lb, one-cut back with burst and pass protection skills would fit the team perfectly if Williams is not part of the plans beyond this year. Linebacker (speed/coverage) Trading for Logan Wilson stabilizes the MIKE position, DeMarvion Overshown is the human missile, but how his performance looks after the ACL injury is still in question. The team has Shemar James along with Marist Liufau to give depth, but adding a true space backer who can run with tight ends and running backs gives Eberflus the modern sub-package range they’ve lacked this year. He would become the guy everyone had hopes for in Damone Clark. See More: Dallas Cowboys Draft

Stephen Jones said the Cowboys are getting a defensive ‘quarterback’ back, and no one is talking about it – Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports The Cowboys have really struggled at safety all season. Will getting Malik Hooker back help at all? Hooker was placed on Injured Reserve in early October after he suffered a […] The Cowboys have really struggled at safety all season. Will getting Malik Hooker back help at all? Hooker was placed on Injured Reserve in early October after he suffered a toe injury during the Cowboys’ tie to the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. Now, he’s trending toward returning from injury, though it remains unclear if he’ll be ready to go for Week 11. It sounds likely based on Jones’ comments. “Getting Hooker back is going to be a big deal,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan during an interview Monday. “He’s the quarterback back there, and he’ll make a big difference.” That’s big praise for Hooker, who specializes on being the defense’s rangy, high safety covering sideline to sideline. Paired with Revel Jr., Hooker’s return could mean two reinforcements for the Cowboys defense on the secondary. However, it remains if the rookie gets as much playing time as the fanbase would want him to. Revel is going to be a work in progress because he hasn’t played any football until the last couple of weeks,” Jones added. “We’ll see with him.” For now, one thing is clear: The Cowboys defense will look different when it takes the field against the Las Vegas Raiders come Nov. 17. Now the question is, will it look better? Final 8 games could set Cowboys up for solid draft spot – Shane Taylor, Inside The Star The best thing the Cowboys have going for them may still be their future draft picks, which stand to improve if the team doesn’t play better off the bye. The Dallas Cowboys start the second half of the season on Monday Night Football again against the Las Vegas Raiders. That is a game they should win just like we thought they should beat the Cardinals at home. Then they play the Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, Chargers and Commanders. Philly, Kansas City and the Lions are all going to make the playoffs, and teams that will be looking to stay as high up in the standings as possible. The Vikings have looked good and the Chargers are looking better every week. Dallas is 3-5-1, and the way it looks now, I think they win four more games and finish the season 7-9-1, miss the playoffs and are probably looking at the middle of the pack draft spot, but a lot of teams are going to finish with double-digit wins this year, and Dallas is losing to a lot of the middle of the pack teams, so that will allow them to stay ahead of them in draft position. Dallas has two first round picks in 2026, a 4th, 5th and 6th. I will be rooting for the Packers to lose as many games as possible so that the pick they have from the Micah Parsons trade is not near the bottom. Stephen Jones on ‘heartbreaking’ passing of Marshawn Kneeland – Tommy Yarrish, DallasCowboys.com The NFL world was all thinking of Marshawn Kneeland in week ten, before the Cowboys make an emotional return to the field in week 11. For the first time on Monday, Cowboys COO/co-owner Stephen Jones spoke on Kneeland’s passing. “This is very difficult,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “I can’t imagine for his family. And then of course, you talk about his extended family, which is his teammates and the Cowboys organization and everybody who cared and loved Marshawn so much.” Jones said that he received a phone call on Thursday night about the situation, one of the late-night phone calls that universally never are for something good. In his words, the type of call he received was “heartbreaking, tragic, and just the worst thing you can imagine.” “Any time you get news like that, your heart just, obviously it’s like a hole going through it,” Jones added. “You’re just heartbroken. Certainly hoping that that wasn’t the case… Woke up and was hoping it was a dream, but unfortunately it wasn’t.” Dating back to last Thursday, when Kneeland passed, and into Sunday’s NFL slate, teams across the league honored him with a moment of silence ahead of kickoff, which was a touching tribute. “Whenever I’ve personally been involved in losing somebody, it always is good for your heart and soul when people either observe moments of silence or they send notes or whatever their method is of letting them know you’re thinking about you,” Jones said. Cowboys to design decal, wear shirts to honor Marshawn Kneeland – Todd Archer, ESPN The Cowboys will honor Kneeland over the next few weeks. The Dallas Cowboys have several tributes planned to honor teammate Marshawn Kneeland, who died Thursday while the team was on its bye week. The Cowboys will wear helmet decals for the remainder of the season in remembrance of Kneeland; teammates will come up with the final design. They also will wear special T-shirts before next week’s game against the Raiders and the Nov. 23 game against the Eagles, which will be the Cowboys’ first at AT&T Stadium since Kneeland’s death. In addition to a moment of silence, the Cowboys will have a video tribute for Kneeland before the Eagles game, as well as other tributes before the contest. News of the planned tributes comes after the team returned to The Star on Monday for the first time since Kneeland’s death. Internal and external counselors have been made available to the players, coaches and staff. Rookie draft steal could spark Cowboys’ revamped defense post-bye: ‘You can see it’ – Todd Brock, The Cowboys Wire Shavon Revel was drafted exactly one round after the Cowboys best rookie defender Donovan Ezeiruaku, and he will be needed when fully healthy. “Having him out

The Dallas Cowboys are in uncharted waters this week as they are visiting the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. While the Cowboys have played the Raiders in Las Vegas in the preseason before, this will mark the former’s first-ever regular season trip to Sin City. While the Cowboys are doing something for the […] The Dallas Cowboys are in uncharted waters this week as they are visiting the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. While the Cowboys have played the Raiders in Las Vegas in the preseason before, this will mark the former’s first-ever regular season trip to Sin City. While the Cowboys are doing something for the first time, they are on a Monday night for the second time in as many games. Last we saw Dallas they were getting out-classed by the Arizona Cardinals in the slot and a day later traded for Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams to help matters. Those two will join Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Javonte Williams, and all of the rest as they try to win a game for the first time in quite a while. This game will also mark the first time that Dallas plays since the tragic death of Marshawn Kneeland and it stands to reason that it will be an emotional experience for them all. Below you will find our story stream for all matters related to the game. Get ready for Monday night.