Ranking the Top 10 Dallas Cowboys going into 2017

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Nov 20, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

6: Sean Lee – Weakside Linebacker

Sean Lee is without a doubt the best player on the Dallas defense. His football IQ and preparation are put on display every week, as he seems to know where the play is going to go before the snap. His ability to track down ball carriers from behind is second to none. Lee is the perfect weak side linebacker for the Cowboys’ defense.

Over the last two seasons, Lee has avoided the constant injuries that plagued the early years of his career. As a result, he’s turned into an All-Pro level linebacker for Dallas. With Lee getting into his thirties, it’ll be interesting to see if he can continue his high level of play and avoid injuries.

5: Dez Bryant – Wide Receiver

When Dez Bryant is healthy, he is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL. Over the last two seasons he has been hampered by foot and knee injuries, lowering his stats. However, towards the end of last season Bryant was able to regain his All-Pro form. This was evident in the Cowboys’ playoff loss to Green Bay as he caught two touchdowns and was impossible to defend.

For the first time in two years, Bryant will go into OTAs fully healthy. The benefit of going through all of the offseason workouts is immeasurable, as he’ll be able to hit the ground running this season. Look for Bryant to return to full strength this year and regain his place among the elite wide receivers in the league.

4: Ezekiel Elliott – Running Back

Last season, Ezekiel Elliott surpassed all expectations Cowboys’ fans placed on him. He was phenomenal, leading the league in rushing and changing the course of the franchise. Elliott became the focal point of the Dallas offense, giving them the perfect running back for head coach Jason Garrett’s ball control offense.

Elliott has breakaway speed, the power to break through tackles, the vision to see the hole open up, the lateral quickness to make sharp cuts, can catch the ball out of the backfield, will hurdle defenders, and a killer spin move. But what should really keep the NFL scared is that he can still get better.

Going into 2017, Elliott can still improve a few areas of his skill set. Of note, getting better at running routes down the field, ball security, and evading defenders at the second level. If he can improve in these areas, Elliott may be number one on this list as soon as next year.

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