There’s already enough words on the Dallas Cowboys below. Let’s cut the small talk and jump right in.

Quarterback (3)

1. QB Dak Prescott: You already know enough about him but know this, Prescott is one of the best quarterbacks entering the season and a legitimate MVP candidate.
2. QB Joe Milton: Milton’s arm talent is undeniable but we’ll be keeping a close eye on his accuracy come preseason games.
3. QB Sam Howell: He’s a gunslinger for better and worse, ranking Top 10 in big-time throws in 2023 while leading the league in turnover-worthy plays.

Running back (7)

4. Javonte Williams: He proved he’s one of the most efficient runners in the NFL last year, now it’s about finding ways to be more impactful as a pass-catcher, too.
5. Hunter Luepke (FB): He has a clear role on offense but will also likely be one of the aces of the Cowboys’ special teams.
6. Jaydon Blue: At this point, Blue is the odds-on favorite to be RB2 but he has to overcome the fumbles. His speed is impactful and he’s the perfect 1-2 punch complement to Williams’ playstyle.
7. Phil Mafah: Per Schottenheimer, he’s in a “tight battle” with Blue for the RB2 spot. He is probably the top substitute for Williams.
8. Malik Davis: The Cowboys know what Davis can bring them, which is solid production with limited upside.
9. Israel Abanikanda: He’s had a strong training camp and a strong preseason could be the way to make the 53-man roster. He’s a longshot but he’s earned the attention.
10. Jashaun Corbin: Corbin led the UFL in rushing yards in 2025 and is the longshot of the group. He was added earlier in August.

Wide receiver (13)

11. CeeDee Lamb: Lamb remains an elite wide receiver and has been a clear standout in training camp.
12. George Pickens: With the way Pickens is looking in camp, I am tempted to say he will lead the Cowboys in receiving yards again. He’s locked in and continues to draw praise for his work ethic.
13. Ryan Flournoy: The Cowboys waived him at last year’s roster cutdown day and by December we has getting play calls designed for him in the red zone. Dallas has a legit WR3 to pair with Lamb and Pickens.
14. KaVontae Turpin: Beyond his special teams value, training camp made it clear the Cowboys have a plan for him on offense. Expect him to rotate in often and Dallas to capitalize on his speed.
15. Jonathan Mingo: After missing most of the offseason program, Mingo has been solid in camp and as of right now appears to be the favorite for WR5.
16. Traeshon Holden: He was one of the biggest standouts from last year’s training camp but has been quiet this year. Maybe a strong preseason gets him back in the running.
17. Anthony Smith*: As a seventh-round draft pick, he may hold an edge over other rookies at the position. He still needs to earn a spot though. His speed, which has been as advertised, is his best bet.
18. Camden Brown**: Brown has probably been the rookie WR with the most highlights out of camp. If he can pair that with a strong preseason, he’ll have a legit roster case.
19. Jordan Hudson**: A four-star recruit out of high school, Hudson is a balanced player who can do a little bit of everything. He has a high floor but has a lot to prove before being considered a 53-man roster candidate.
20. Marquez Valdes-Scantling: MVS’ calling card has always been his speed but his overall play has declined over the last few years. Unless he can show something on special teams, he’s a roster long shot.
21. Tyler Johnson: He’s a six-year NFL veteran with six teams on his resumé. A depth piece more than anything else.
22. Denzel Mims: A former second-round pick that was playing in the UFL earlier this year, Mims is trying to pull off a career comeback.
23. Jaden Smith: Talk about a big target. Smith stands at six-foot-six tall, tied for the fourth-tallest player in the locker room.

Tight end (6)

24. Jake Ferguson: The Cowboys want Ferguson to be his explosive self again in 2026 and it’s looking like he will be based on training camp. Regardless, he’s a threat in the red zone, scoring seven of his eight touchdowns from inside the 20-yard line last year.
25. Luke Schoonmaker: Schoonmaker knows this is his last chance to make a good impression. If he’s playing deep into preseason games, it will be a bad sign.
26. Brevyn Spann-Ford: BSF is on track to be the Cowboys’ TE2, as indicated by the team’s first unofficial depth chart. His run blocking is top-tier and he’s starting to evolve as a pass catcher.
27. DJ Rogers**: An undrafted free agent, Rogers is a well-rounder player who can play a traditional Y-tight end role.
28. Michael Trigg**: He was the highest-paid Cowboys undrafted free agent and seems to be a threat as a pass catcher.
29. Zack Kuntz: Signed after Princeton Fant’s season-ending injury, Kuntz has two games under his belt since entering the NFL in 2023.

Offensive line (16)

30. Tyler Guyton: He looks solid in training camp and the Cowboys need him to stay consistent. And healthy.
31. Tyler Smith: Best left guard in football? I think so.
32. Cooper Beebe: He may not be elite but he’s a tone-setter upfront and perfect for the Cowboys’ run game.
33. Tyler Booker: This kid will be an All-Pro very soon after dominating top-tier opponents last year.
34. Terence Steele: Perhaps the biggest question mark on the Cowboys offense. He struggled versus the Los Angeles Rams in joint practice.
35. TJ Bass: Per the Cowboys’ unofficial depth chart, he’s the backup center. I also think he’s the backup guard.
36. Trevor Keegan: Backup interior lineman with some center experience.
37. Ajani Cornelius: Second-year offensive tackle with only one NFL game under his belt.
38. Marcellus Johnson: Unexperienced third-year player who will play a lot at tackle during the preseason.
39. Nick Leverett: Per the Cowboys’ depth chart, he’s the backup at left guard.
40. Nate Thomas: Schottenheimer put him in the running to start at left tackle earlier in the year, but has since said Thomas needs to do more to spark a battle.
41. Drew Shelton*: The fourth-round rookie has upside thanks to his athleticism, but my guess is he’s a Year 1 redshirt type of player.
42. Shiyazh Pete**: The first Navajo player to ever sign with an NFL team. He’s the tallest player on the team at 6-foot-9.
43. DJ Wingfield**: An older rookie at 25 years old, Wingfield hasn’t played since 2024 after missing a full year due to eligibility issues.
44. Chris Glaser: This is Glaser’s second stint with the Cowboys and after a solid run in the UFL, he could be a roster surprise. His ability to play center helps.
45. Sebastian Gutierrez: One of the latest additions to the Cowboys roster, he’s a been a league journeyman since 2022.

Interior defensive line (10)

46. Kenny Clark: Clark was very solid last season and that should only improve having spent the entire offseason with the team.
47. Quinnen Williams: The best player on the Cowboys defense and it’s not even close. He’s a superstar and fans who didn’t fall in love with him last season probably will in 2026.
48. Jay Toia: A nose tackle, Toia needs to have a strong preseason. The scheme change might not have been the best news for him so he needs to adapt.
49. Otito Ogbonnia: A starter for the Cowboys in base defense (three defensive linemen, two outside linebackers), Ogbonnia is going to be a bigger part of the team than many realize.
50. Adeyayo Odeleye: He’s the Cowboys’ international player and as such doesn’t count toward the 90-man roster.
51. Jonathan Bullard: He’s been out for a while with a groin injury in camp but is seen by many as a legit roster candidate.
52. Kevin Gilliam**: He’s a practice squad candidate more than anything else, and is better built to be a three-technique.
53. Tommy Dunn Jr**: A nose tackle with little pass rush production to his name, Dunn Jr.’s path to the 53-man roster will take time.
54. DJ Withers**: Another practice squad candidate, Withers needs to prove he is a well-rounded player.
55. LT Overton*: The fourth-round rookie’s camp has been quiet but it’s clear the Cowboys view him as an interior defensive lineman and not an outside linebacker. That fits Overton’s playstyle.

EDGE / Outside linebacker (8)

56. Rashan Gary: He’s become one of the biggest voices in the locker room and the clear-cut starter at EDGE.
57. Donovan Ezeiruaku: The Cowboys badly need Ezeiruaku to take that sophomore jump. He’s had some moments in practice as a run defender, a big area where he must show improvement.
58. Malachi Lawrence*: Easily one of the biggest mysteries entering the preseason. The first-round rookie has had good moments and bad.
59. Sam Williams: I like Williams’ roster chances much better now than when camp started. He fits Christian Parker’s scheme.
60. James Houston: A productive pass rusher who could make his way to the team for obvious passing downs.
61. Isaiah Land: One of the Cowboys players Dan Quinn brought to Dallas, we’ll see if he can put together another strong preseason.
62. Tyrus Wheat: I wonder if his versatility to play off the ball leads to him getting a shot at the practice squad.
63. Marist Liufau: He changed positions earlier in the year and needs to prove he can make an impact, one of the top players to watch in the preseason.

Linebacker (7)

64. DeMarvion Overshown: One of the best athletes on the Cowboys defense, but the team seems to still be figuring out where to play him. Is he physical enough to play MIKE?
65. Justin Barron: He had three interceptions in joint practice versus the L.A. Rams and can provide special teams value. He’s a long shot but he’s making a name for himself.
66. Shemar James: James got most of his work with the second-team defense in camp after leading the defense in tackles in 2025. They believe in him but probably won’t start.
67. Jaishawn Barham*: The Cowboys’ biggest training camp darling, Barham is a do-it-all player on the rise. He will likely miss the preseason opener to a groin injury.
68. Langston Patterson**: He’s competing for a spot on the practice squad and will likely need to be a special teams standout to make it.
69. Dee Winters: The Cowboys got a true veteran in Winters. He’s shown solid play in camp and even got multiple pass breakups this week.
70. Curtis Robinson: An underrated roster candidate, Robinson has been one of the players practicing with the green dot.

Cornerback (10)

71. DaRon Bland: The Cowboys are high on Bland entering the season. The best news right now is he looks healthy after another foot surgery.
72. Cobie Durant: He raises the floor of the Cowboys secondary thanks to his football IQ. He’s competing with Revel Jr. but can also play in the nickel (and has been practicing there, too).
73. Shavon Revel Jr: Revel Jr.’s stock is on a meteoric rise. He’s been a PBU magnet throughout camp and is on track to make a serious push for the starting job outside.
74. Reddy Steward: A nickel specialist who has also been playing a little safety, Steward needs to show up on special teams.
75. Caelen Carson: He’s consistently gotten work with the first and second team since the offseason program. He’s not a starting candidate right now but certainly a depth piece likely to make the roster.
76. Josh Butler: He’s done good with the chances he’s gotten in the past, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a strong preseason.
77. Trikweze Bridges: He’s had a quiet camp and is looking like a roster longshot right now.
78. Ameer Speed: He recently made a highlight diving PBU, could compete for a spot in the practice squad.
79. Derion Kendrick: One of the biggest mysteries at the position. The Cowboys signed him in free agency but his spot on the depth chart has been tough to figure out. The preseason should help.
80. Devin Moore*: This dude had a clinic rep against CeeDee Lamb in the end zone. If he stays healthy (a big problem in college), he could wind up being a surprisingly good player.

Safety (8)

81. Caleb Downs*: Schottenheimer keeps saying Downs doesn’t make the same mistake twice. After seeing him hold on in the slot with Lamb, I believe him. He’s doing it all in camp.
82. Jalen Thompson: Downs steals the attention but the Cowboys have plenty of hopes in Thompson at safety. He even made the leadership council.
83. Malik Hooker: Don’t get it twisted, the Cowboys scheme still calls for a good centerfielder and Hooker can be that guy.
84. Markquese Bell: Bell’s best chance at a roster spot at this point may be special teams. It’s just a very crowded room, but we know he’s got the talent.
85. PJ Locke: A “Christian Parker guy,” Locke keeps getting chances with the first and second-team defense and I don’t think he’s going anywhere. Downs consistently talks about him as a mentor.
86. Alijah Clark: With C.J. Goodwin gone, I wonder if Clark can rise as a special teams ace following that wild play he had against the Eagles last year.
87. Julius Wood: A training camp surprise, Wood can make a push for the 53-man roster. If the Cowboys waive him, don’t be surprised if he’s claimed.
88. Zion Childress: He was already a roster longshot and missing time with an injury isn’t helping his case. Hopefully, he returns soon. He looked good in last year’s preseason.

Specialists (3)

89. Bryan Anger (P): He’ll be 38 years old very soon, can the two-time Pro Bowler remain a standout?
90. Brandon Aubrey (K): The best kicker in the NFL. Hopefully the Cowboys need him a little bit less this year because they’re scoring touchdowns.
91. Trent Sieg (LS): This will be Sieg’s fourth year on the Cowboys. I don’t know him but I bet he’s one of the funniest dudes in the locker room.