Cowboys All-Pro set to be unleashed like never before: 5 winners from Brian Schottenheimer's coaching hires so far
There's a new coaching staff in town and though there are still positions that need a coach, we already have a clear idea of what Brian Schottenheimer is up to as the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Though the front office has used "continuity" as a big reason why Schottenheimer got the job, recent […]
There's a new coaching staff in town and though there are still positions that need a coach, we already have a clear idea of what Brian Schottenheimer is up to as the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Though the front office has used "continuity" as a big reason why Schottenheimer got the job, recent coaching hires suggest changes to the scheme are in the horizon.
That inevitably produces winners and losers across the roster. Some players fit a scheme better than others. Let's dive into players whose stock is up following the Cowboys' hires.
LG Tyler Smith
This really applies to all starting offensive linemen the Cowboys have but it's likely to be most impactful for Smith thanks to his caliber: With Klayton Adams (previously Cardinals OL coach) on board as offensive coordinator, Dallas is likely to use pulling blockers way more often.
In 2024, the Cowboys ranked 22nd in rush attempts using pulling blockers. The Cardinals were first, per Sports Info Solutions. Just imagine No. 73, a violent blocker already, pulling into open space or in the phone booth to bury some defenders. Dallas will be tapping into what he does best. If the team does buy into counter and other gap schemes, Smith will be unleashed like never before.
TE Brevyn Spann-Ford
Speaking of Adams' influence, the Cowboys could be using many more personnel groupings featuring multiple tight ends. The Cardinals ranked 2nd in 13 personnel usage (three tight ends) and 9th in 12 personnel (two tight ends).
That should naturally raise the bar for Spann-Ford, who served as TE3 last year with a 26% snap count. Spann-Ford is arguably a better blocker than Luke Schoonmaker and maybe even starter Jake Ferguson. I expect his value to increase.
FB Hunter Luepke
Many times, the Cardinals would use line up a tight end at fullback. The Cowboys might not feel the need to do so thanks to Luepke, who blurred the line between the two positions last year and might do even more of it in 2025.
Luepke has proven his versatility already, now it's a matter of the coaching staff leaning in on it.
RB Rico Dowdle
All of the above is expected to boost the running game and though he's a pending free agent for now, Dowdle is expected to be RB1 until someone else walks into The Star eyeing for his job (maybe Ashton Jeanty?).
The Cardinals ranked 6th in EPA per rushing attempt and had the second-highest explosive play rate on the ground per SIS. The Cowboys will want to run the football consistently and Dowdle should love the idea. But first, he's got to be re-signed.
DT Osa Odighizuwa
Speaking of pending free agents, Odighizuwa could be considered a winner if he sticks around. Though he had already been well used under Mike Zimmer and Dan Quinn, he'd be ushered into the spotlight on Matt Eberflus' scheme.
Eberflus' defenses heavily relies on rushing with four and avoiding blitzes and it uses a one-gap approach to make that happen. Zimmer often used a two-gap approach. It's not that one is better than the other, each has its advantages. But a one-gap style will allow Osa to be more aggressive attacking his assigned gap as he won't be reacting to the play. He'll just be attacking.
And of course, the importance of getting him re-signed goes through the roof. He's got even more leverage now.
