With the Dallas Cowboys set to hold their first open practice of training camp on July 22, we thought this might be a fun time to predict what first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer's initial 53-man roster could look like once he makes his final cuts.
America's Team is undoubtedly deeper as a whole than it was a season ago, which means things are going to get in tight in certain areas.
So, while Schottenheimer won't have to make any decisions at some positions, he's going to have plenty of challenging choices at others. This first one, though, obviously falls into the former category.
Quarterback (2)
- Dak Prescott
- Joe Milton III
There isn't much to dive into here, as Dak Prescott, who's now the highest-paid player in the NFL, is the clear-cut QB1, while Joe Milton III has replaced the departed Cooper Rush at QB2.
There are some who believe Will Grier may challenge Milton for the backup spot, but that doesn't seem very realistic at this point. Grier could be on the 55-man roster on a week-to-week basis for emergency purposes, but he'll be relegated to the practice squad at the end of camp.
Running back/Fullback (5)
- Javonte Williams, RB
- Miles Sanders, RB
- Jaydon Blue, RB
- Deuce Vaughn, RB
- Hunter Luepke, FB
Yes, we're rolling with four running backs here, with Hunter Luepke taking up the lone slot at fullback.
The Cowboys signed veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders during the early days of free agency, and it was those two who split first-team reps at minicamp. So, one would assume they're both locks for the 53-man roster.
Fifth-round draft pick Jaydon Blue seems to be a lock as well. I'd put him at RB3 on the depth chart at the moment, but don't be surprised if that changes sooner rather than later. He could easily move to RB2 before camp concludes and could crack the starting lineup at some point this season if he continues to impress the way he already has.
If Dallas decides to go with four running backs, we see Deuce Vaughn beating out Phil Mafah for the final slot. If Schottenheimer needs a spot elsewhere, though, that fourth slot might be one he cuts.
Regardless, many do not expect Vaughn to make the team. However, Schottenheimer likes RBs who can catch passes out of the backfield, and Dallas' new offensive line coach, Conor Riley, used to be Vaughn's offensive coordinator at Kansas State. We wouldn't go writing off the beloved running back just yet.
Wide receiver (6)
- CeeDee Lamb
- George Pickens
- Jalen Tolbert
- KaVontae Turpin
- Jonathan Mingo
- Jalen Brooks
Six wide receivers may not be necessary after adding George Pickens to the mix, but when you're paying your quarterback $60 million per year, you want to give him as many options as possible.
CeeDee Lamb, Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin are locks. And Jonathan Mingo might be as well, given what the Cowboys gave up to get him.
That leaves Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy, and Parris Campbell to fight for the sixth slot, and we see Brooks coming out on top in that battle.
Tight end (3)
- Jake Ferguson
- Luke Schoonmaker
- Brevyn Spann-Ford
The starter at tight end is simple, as Jake Ferguson is the clear-cut TE1 from this trio.
But Brevyn Spann-Ford may give Luke Schoonmaker a fight at TE2. Spann-Ford doesn't have the pass-catching abilities Schoonmaker has, but he's proven to be a valuable run blocker, and that could very well give him the edge.
Offensive line (10)
- Tyler Guyton, LT
- Tyler Smith, LG
- Cooper Beebe, C
- Tyler Booker, RG
- Terence Steele, RT
- Asim Richards, T
- Robert Jones, G
- Brock Hoffman, G/C
- Nate Thomas T/G
- Ajani Cornelius, T
This number could change by one in either direction, but we like the 10 we've got here.
The first five on the list are obviously the starters at this point, and the five that follow gives Dallas depth at every position. Sixth-round rookie Ajani Cornelius, who we like at tackle but can play multiple positions, just made the cut, edging out T.J. Bass and Saahdiq Charles.
Defensive line (10)
- Micah Parsons, DE
- Dante Fowler Jr., DE
- Osa Odighizuwa, DT
- Mazi Smith, DT
- Marshawn Kneeland, DE
- Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE
- Payton Turner, DE
- Sam Williams, DE
- Solomon Thomas, DT
- Jay Toia, DT
Some might like to see Tommy Akingbesote on this list, but we're rolling with the 10 we've got here, as we're projecting the Cowboys to start the season with six on the edge and four tackles.
From left to right, your starters will likely be Dante Fowler Jr., Mazi Smith, Osa Odighizuwa, and, of course, Micah Parsons. The depth here was already solid, but with the addition of second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku, who could end up being one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft class, this unit could be one of the best the Cowboys have on either side of the football in 2025.
Linebacker (5)
- Kenneth Murray Jr.
- Jack Sanborn
- Marist Liufau
- Shemar James
- Damone Clark
With DeMarvion Overshown expected to miss a large chunk of the season, maybe even all of it, as he continues to recover from ACL, PCL, and MCL tears, we've obviously opted not to include him on the 53-man roster at this time.
As such, we've got the Cowboys going with these five linebackers to start the season, with second-year stud Marist Liafau and new acquisitions Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn as the starters.
Dallas drafted Shemar James in the fifth round, so one would assume he'll get a spot, and we've got Damone Clark currently sneaking in at No. 5, although his slot could end up going to undrafted free agent Justin Barron, whom the Cowboys really seem to like heading into camp.
Defensive back (9)
- DaRon Bland, CB
- Kaair Elam, CB
- Shavon Revel Jr., CB
- Caelen Carson, CB
- Donovan Wilson, S
- Malik Hooker, S
- Markquese Bell, S
- Juanyeh Thomas, S
- Israel Mukuamu, CB/S
With Trevon Diggs possibly starting the season on the PUP list, we've chosen not to include him here. If that changes, of course, then one of these guys obviously has to go, and one would think it'd come down to Caelen Carson and Israel Mukuamu.
But let's also not rule out the possibility of the Cowboys adding another corner before the season starts, so a name not even listed here could be in the mix as well. This group could end up being one of the most difficult from an overall standpoint for Schottenheimer and new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to figure out.
Special teams (3)
- Brandon Aubrey, K
- Bryan Anger, P
- Trent Sieg, LS
Lock, lock, and lock. There's nothing to ponder here.