Current Strengths and Weaknesses of the 2025 roster

[Bobhaze]

This list is based on this roster as of June 6, 2025 but things can and will change. The off-season isn’t over, so I expect there will be several new roster additions before TC and also the season opener.

But as of today, (IMO) here are the roster strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS

• We have the makings of an outstanding pass rush with Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Osa Odighizhua who is a good pass rusher for a DT.
• Strong Interior OL with the Tylers - Smith and Booker sandwiching Cooper Beebe at C. If they can improve pass protection they will really be solid.
• Special Teams- Brandon Aubrey is the best K in the league, KR/PR Kavonte Turpin is arguably the best too and P Brian Anger is outstanding. This is a very underrated strength because Aubrey and/or Turpin can the be the difference in any close game.
• With the acquisition of WR George Pickens the Cowboys have an excellent 1-2 punch at receiver now with Lamb and Pickens, which gives the running game a better chance to open up.
• A good mix of young up and coming assistant coaches have been added and a proven DC in Matt Eberflus. New doesn’t always mean better but changes were needed.
• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.
• A backup QB in Joe Milton who has more athletic ability and upside than Cooper Rush. He’s still unproven but the athleticism is there.

WEAKNESSES

• Having an owner who continues to keep the same GM in place for decades with only 13 playoff appearances and 5 wild card wins in the last 30 years. He is literally the biggest problem the team has.
• History shows having a rookie HC like Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a HC at any level, may struggle. Rookie NFL HCs who don’t inherit a juggernaut usually struggle their first year.
• Matt Eberflus is the 4th defensive coordinator the team has had in 6 seasons. The defense may take some time to develop.
• DI - defensive interior linemen - Great to have Odighizhua re-signed but this has to be the overall weakest position group on the team. A team who hasn’t stopped the run in over a decade.
• RB. I like the Jayden Blue draft pick but he’s not an every down back. Stats over the last two years show FAs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have little tread left on the tires and 7th round RB Phil Mafa has to be considered a long-shot. The team still really needs help here.
• LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.
• LB- This may be more a ? than a weakness but until proven otherwise, this crew of LBs is not better than average. Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and at some point of-injured DeMarvion Overshown bring more questions than answers.

Still a long way to go to the Final 53. What do you think are the S’s and W’s at this point?

 

[ColoradoCowboy]

Can't argue with any of that. Pretty much sums it all up.

 

[ShortRound]

Spotlights going to be bright on Shotty this year. I wish him luck, doesn’t have an easy task ahead of him.

 

[pitt33]

it appears to be the same type of Cowboys team for many years running now.

They’ll beat lousy teams and lose to better teams with the roster makeup.

I really don’t see much difference at all Bullet.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

This list is based on this roster as of June 6, 2025 but things can and will change. The off-season isn’t over, so I expect there will be several new roster additions before TC and also the season opener.

But as of today, (IMO) here are the roster strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS

• We have the makings of an outstanding pass rush with Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Osa Odighizhua who is a good pass rusher for a DT.
• Strong Interior OL with the Tylers - Smith and Booker sandwiching Cooper Beebe at C. If they can improve pass protection they will really be solid.
• Special Teams- Brandon Aubrey is the best K in the league, KR/PR Kavonte Turpin is arguably the best too and P Brian Anger is outstanding. This is a very underrated strength because Aubrey and/or Turpin can the be the difference in any close game.
• With the acquisition of WR George Pickens the Cowboys have an excellent 1-2 punch at receiver now with Lamb and Pickens, which gives the running game a better chance to open up.
• A good mix of young up and coming assistant coaches have been added and a proven DC in Matt Eberflus. New doesn’t always mean better but changes were needed.
• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.
• A backup QB in Joe Milton who has more athletic ability and upside than Cooper Rush. He’s still unproven but the athleticism is there.

WEAKNESSES

• Having an owner who continues to keep the same GM in place for decades with only 13 playoff appearances and 5 wild card wins in the last 30 years. He is literally the biggest problem the team has.
• History shows having a rookie HC like Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a HC at any level, may struggle. Rookie NFL HCs who don’t inherit a juggernaut usually struggle their first year.
• Matt Eberflus is the 4th defensive coordinator the team has had in 6 seasons. The defense may take some time to develop.
• DI - defensive interior linemen - Great to have Odighizhua re-signed but this has to be the overall weakest position group on the team. A team who hasn’t stopped the run in over a decade.
• RB. I like the Jayden Blue draft pick but he’s not an every down back. Stats over the last two years show FAs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have little tread left on the tires and 7th round RB Phil Mafa has to be considered a long-shot. The team still really needs help here.
• LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.
• LB- This may be more a ? than a weakness but until proven otherwise, this crew of LBs is not better than average. Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and at some point of-injured DeMarvion Overshown bring more questions than answers.

Still a long way to go to the Final 53. What do you think are the S’s and W’s at this point?

I would add Safties as a weakness.

Also, maybe another category. undecided. still waiting or what ever you want to call it.

TE - Will fergi have a bounce back year. it is a contract year, so perhaps, specially benefiting from Pickens/CD/Tolbert WR group
CB- Top 3 CBs coming off major injuries. will they be ready. can Bland man the slot

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

This list is based on this roster as of June 6, 2025 but things can and will change. The off-season isn’t over, so I expect there will be several new roster additions before TC and also the season opener.

But as of today, (IMO) here are the roster strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS

• We have the makings of an outstanding pass rush with Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Osa Odighizhua who is a good pass rusher for a DT.
• Strong Interior OL with the Tylers - Smith and Booker sandwiching Cooper Beebe at C. If they can improve pass protection they will really be solid.
• Special Teams- Brandon Aubrey is the best K in the league, KR/PR Kavonte Turpin is arguably the best too and P Brian Anger is outstanding. This is a very underrated strength because Aubrey and/or Turpin can the be the difference in any close game.
• With the acquisition of WR George Pickens the Cowboys have an excellent 1-2 punch at receiver now with Lamb and Pickens, which gives the running game a better chance to open up.
• A good mix of young up and coming assistant coaches have been added and a proven DC in Matt Eberflus. New doesn’t always mean better but changes were needed.
• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.
• A backup QB in Joe Milton who has more athletic ability and upside than Cooper Rush. He’s still unproven but the athleticism is there.

WEAKNESSES

• Having an owner who continues to keep the same GM in place for decades with only 13 playoff appearances and 5 wild card wins in the last 30 years. He is literally the biggest problem the team has.
• History shows having a rookie HC like Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a HC at any level, may struggle. Rookie NFL HCs who don’t inherit a juggernaut usually struggle their first year.
• Matt Eberflus is the 4th defensive coordinator the team has had in 6 seasons. The defense may take some time to develop.
• DI - defensive interior linemen - Great to have Odighizhua re-signed but this has to be the overall weakest position group on the team. A team who hasn’t stopped the run in over a decade.
• RB. I like the Jayden Blue draft pick but he’s not an every down back. Stats over the last two years show FAs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have little tread left on the tires and 7th round RB Phil Mafa has to be considered a long-shot. The team still really needs help here.
• LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.
• LB- This may be more a ? than a weakness but until proven otherwise, this crew of LBs is not better than average. Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and at some point of-injured DeMarvion Overshown bring more questions than answers.

Still a long way to go to the Final 53. What do you think are the S’s and W’s at this point?

Yeah, I feel this way. But, I actually feel a little more optimistic. I like what I'm hearing about and from Schotty so far. He's not being cliche, which helps. I think the team actually has a vision. Now to get Parsons signed and maybe upgrade the Linebacker spot a bit more.

 

[Bobhaze]

Spotlights going to be bright on Shotty this year. I wish him luck, doesn’t have an easy task ahead of him.

Being a rookie head coach in the NFL is very difficult
In the 57 years of the modern Super Bowl era, there are only two rookie HCs who have ever won a SB:

• Don McAffrey, Baltimore Colts, 1971 won SB V against the Cowboys.
• George Seifert, SF 49ers, 1989 won SB XXIV against the broncos.

They both inherited complete juggernauts.

There have been 12 rookie HCs in the 57 year modern SB era who have led their teams to a conference championship game. One of them was Barry Switzer, who like the other highly successful rookie head coaches to achieve quickly, inherited a powerhouse roster.

 

[gimmesix]

LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.

I feel a little better about LT than you do, because we do have some options. I've liked what I've seen from Richards when he's been given the chance, and I do feel that Tyler Smith could kick out to LT if needed and settle in to be good if not great.

The question is whether that first weakness you mentioned would allow that to happen. They spent a first-round pick on Guyton to be the next LT and I think it would take a lot of failure for them to pull the plug. I'm in favor of best man plays, but not sure the Joneses see it that way.

 

[Rayman70]

On paper. In reality? Who knows anything really til we start seeing a trend during preseason. Much will depend on injury.

 

[gimmesix]

Being a rookie head coach in the NFL is very difficult
In the 57 years of the modern Super Bowl era, there are only two rookie HCs who have ever won a SB:

• Don McAffrey, Baltimore Colts, 1971 won SB V against the Cowboys.
• George Seifert, SF 49ers, 1989 won SB XXIV against the broncos.

They both inherited complete juggernauts.

There have been 12 rookie HCs in the 57 year modern SB era who have led their teams to a conference championship game. One of them was Barry Switzer, who like the other highly successful rookie head coaches to achieve quickly, inherited a powerhouse roster.

I view all head coaches the same now: They have five years to get it done and if they can't, you move on. That doesn't mean No-Schott should be given five years if he sucks, but five years if he shows progress each year. So first would be a winning season, second would be making the playoffs, third would be winning a playoff game, fourth would be winning a second playoff game, fifth would be winning the NFC Championship Game and making the Super Bowl. Do that and you get more time. Take a step back, especially before reaching the NFCCG and you're out.

Based on my research, reaching the Super Bowl within five years is the standard for coaches who are going to get a team there. The ones who do not do that and eventually make a Super Bowl are rare (although I admit that it is partially because they often don't get retained beyond five years if they are not successful).

 

[CCBoy]

While the saga continues, it becomes more obvious by the day that Parsons deserves his new deal and probably deserved it months ago.

Tom Blair at NFL.com continues to drive the campaign, listing Parsons as one of the veterans most deserving of a raise heading into next season.

"Just three guys since 1960 have collected 50-plus sacks, nine-plus passes defensed and nine-plus forced fumbles in their first four pro seasons, and Parsons is one of them. The other two: Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware and imminent Hall of Famer J.J. Watt."

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/arti...th_stunning_ware_comparison/s1_17615_42295381

Contracts are still the biggest need.

 

[zekecowboy]

This list is based on this roster as of June 6, 2025 but things can and will change. The off-season isn’t over, so I expect there will be several new roster additions before TC and also the season opener.

But as of today, (IMO) here are the roster strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS

• We have the makings of an outstanding pass rush with Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Osa Odighizhua who is a good pass rusher for a DT.
• Strong Interior OL with the Tylers - Smith and Booker sandwiching Cooper Beebe at C. If they can improve pass protection they will really be solid.
• Special Teams- Brandon Aubrey is the best K in the league, KR/PR Kavonte Turpin is arguably the best too and P Brian Anger is outstanding. This is a very underrated strength because Aubrey and/or Turpin can the be the difference in any close game.
• With the acquisition of WR George Pickens the Cowboys have an excellent 1-2 punch at receiver now with Lamb and Pickens, which gives the running game a better chance to open up.
• A good mix of young up and coming assistant coaches have been added and a proven DC in Matt Eberflus. New doesn’t always mean better but changes were needed.
• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.
• A backup QB in Joe Milton who has more athletic ability and upside than Cooper Rush. He’s still unproven but the athleticism is there.

WEAKNESSES

• Having an owner who continues to keep the same GM in place for decades with only 13 playoff appearances and 5 wild card wins in the last 30 years. He is literally the biggest problem the team has.
• History shows having a rookie HC like Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a HC at any level, may struggle. Rookie NFL HCs who don’t inherit a juggernaut usually struggle their first year.
• Matt Eberflus is the 4th defensive coordinator the team has had in 6 seasons. The defense may take some time to develop.
• DI - defensive interior linemen - Great to have Odighizhua re-signed but this has to be the overall weakest position group on the team. A team who hasn’t stopped the run in over a decade.
• RB. I like the Jayden Blue draft pick but he’s not an every down back. Stats over the last two years show FAs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have little tread left on the tires and 7th round RB Phil Mafa has to be considered a long-shot. The team still really needs help here.
• LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.
• LB- This may be more a ? than a weakness but until proven otherwise, this crew of LBs is not better than average. Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and at some point of-injured DeMarvion Overshown bring more questions than answers.

Still a long way to go to the Final 53. What do you think are the S’s and W’s at this point?

I agree with your analysis except the strength at quarterback. Its more middle of the road, not a strength or weakness. Quarterback should be making the team better, not expecting the team to make Dak look good.

• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.

 

[gimmesix]

This list is based on this roster as of June 6, 2025 but things can and will change. The off-season isn’t over, so I expect there will be several new roster additions before TC and also the season opener.

But as of today, (IMO) here are the roster strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS

• We have the makings of an outstanding pass rush with Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Osa Odighizhua who is a good pass rusher for a DT.
• Strong Interior OL with the Tylers - Smith and Booker sandwiching Cooper Beebe at C. If they can improve pass protection they will really be solid.
• Special Teams- Brandon Aubrey is the best K in the league, KR/PR Kavonte Turpin is arguably the best too and P Brian Anger is outstanding. This is a very underrated strength because Aubrey and/or Turpin can the be the difference in any close game.
• With the acquisition of WR George Pickens the Cowboys have an excellent 1-2 punch at receiver now with Lamb and Pickens, which gives the running game a better chance to open up.
• A good mix of young up and coming assistant coaches have been added and a proven DC in Matt Eberflus. New doesn’t always mean better but changes were needed.
• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.
• A backup QB in Joe Milton who has more athletic ability and upside than Cooper Rush. He’s still unproven but the athleticism is there.

WEAKNESSES

• Having an owner who continues to keep the same GM in place for decades with only 13 playoff appearances and 5 wild card wins in the last 30 years. He is literally the biggest problem the team has.
• History shows having a rookie HC like Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a HC at any level, may struggle. Rookie NFL HCs who don’t inherit a juggernaut usually struggle their first year.
• Matt Eberflus is the 4th defensive coordinator the team has had in 6 seasons. The defense may take some time to develop.
• DI - defensive interior linemen - Great to have Odighizhua re-signed but this has to be the overall weakest position group on the team. A team who hasn’t stopped the run in over a decade.
• RB. I like the Jayden Blue draft pick but he’s not an every down back. Stats over the last two years show FAs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have little tread left on the tires and 7th round RB Phil Mafa has to be considered a long-shot. The team still really needs help here.
• LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.
• LB- This may be more a ? than a weakness but until proven otherwise, this crew of LBs is not better than average. Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and at some point of-injured DeMarvion Overshown bring more questions than answers.

Still a long way to go to the Final 53. What do you think are the S’s and W’s at this point?

I'm still concerned about cornerback, although I believe No-Schott's scheme protects the position to some extent by using a lot of Cover 3 and keeping them from having to chase receivers all over the field.

I know we have an All-Pro in Bland, but the rest of the position is a question mark.

Elam was a first-round bust whom Buffalo didn't even want on the field.

Revel is a rookie coming off injury who may not be ready until after the season starts, and then we're asking a lot of him to play at a high level right off the bat.

Diggs isn't expected to return until late in the season.

Carson did not play well as a rookie before being wiped out by injury.

I thought Butler played better than Carson did, but he's also coming off injury.

We may be asking a safety (Thomas or Mukuamu) to take over slot duties, but is it because we don't have enough capable corners?

I mean, I know it's just OTAs, but Andrew Booth lining up as one of our starting outside corners in practice is concerning.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

This list is based on this roster as of June 6, 2025 but things can and will change. The off-season isn’t over, so I expect there will be several new roster additions before TC and also the season opener.

But as of today, (IMO) here are the roster strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS

• We have the makings of an outstanding pass rush with Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Osa Odighizhua who is a good pass rusher for a DT.
• Strong Interior OL with the Tylers - Smith and Booker sandwiching Cooper Beebe at C. If they can improve pass protection they will really be solid.
• Special Teams- Brandon Aubrey is the best K in the league, KR/PR Kavonte Turpin is arguably the best too and P Brian Anger is outstanding. This is a very underrated strength because Aubrey and/or Turpin can the be the difference in any close game.
• With the acquisition of WR George Pickens the Cowboys have an excellent 1-2 punch at receiver now with Lamb and Pickens, which gives the running game a better chance to open up.
• A good mix of young up and coming assistant coaches have been added and a proven DC in Matt Eberflus. New doesn’t always mean better but changes were needed.
• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.
• A backup QB in Joe Milton who has more athletic ability and upside than Cooper Rush. He’s still unproven but the athleticism is there.

WEAKNESSES

• Having an owner who continues to keep the same GM in place for decades with only 13 playoff appearances and 5 wild card wins in the last 30 years. He is literally the biggest problem the team has.
• History shows having a rookie HC like Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a HC at any level, may struggle. Rookie NFL HCs who don’t inherit a juggernaut usually struggle their first year.
• Matt Eberflus is the 4th defensive coordinator the team has had in 6 seasons. The defense may take some time to develop.
• DI - defensive interior linemen - Great to have Odighizhua re-signed but this has to be the overall weakest position group on the team. A team who hasn’t stopped the run in over a decade.
• RB. I like the Jayden Blue draft pick but he’s not an every down back. Stats over the last two years show FAs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have little tread left on the tires and 7th round RB Phil Mafa has to be considered a long-shot. The team still really needs help here.
• LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.
• LB- This may be more a ? than a weakness but until proven otherwise, this crew of LBs is not better than average. Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and at some point of-injured DeMarvion Overshown bring more questions than answers.

Still a long way to go to the Final 53. What do you think are the S’s and W’s at this point?

Geez, when you lay out names of the linebackers in such a concise and clear way, it’s scary.

 

[BoyzBlaster]

Good writeup except Dak is average at this point IMO.

 

[Bobhaze]

I view all head coaches the same now: They have five years to get it done and if they can't, you move on. That doesn't mean No-Schott should be given five years if he sucks, but five years if he shows progress each year. So first would be a winning season, second would be making the playoffs, third would be winning a playoff game, fourth would be winning a second playoff game, fifth would be winning the NFC Championship Game and making the Super Bowl. Do that and you get more time. Take a step back, especially before reaching the NFCCG and you're out.

Based on my research, reaching the Super Bowl within five years is the standard for coaches who are going to get a team there. The ones who do not do that and eventually make a Super Bowl are rare (although I admit that it is partially because they often don't get retained beyond five years if they are not successful).

Good post.

And I would add that all but one NFL owner gives his GM 4-5 years to reach goals set or he finds someone else to be the GM.

Our owner choosing to not ever have “someone else” is the biggest weakness this organization has.

 

[CCBoy]

While the saga continues, it becomes more obvious by the day that Parsons deserves his new deal and probably deserved it months ago.

Tom Blair at NFL.com continues to drive the campaign, listing Parsons as one of the veterans most deserving of a raise heading into next season.

"Just three guys since 1960 have collected 50-plus sacks, nine-plus passes defensed and nine-plus forced fumbles in their first four pro seasons, and Parsons is one of them. The other two: Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware and imminent Hall of Famer J.J. Watt."

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/arti...th_stunning_ware_comparison/s1_17615_42295381

Contracts are still the biggest need.

Parsons’ role became a bit more defined with Mike Zimmer last year, but not restrictively so. While the 2024 season saw Parsons’ highest percentage of snaps on the line of scrimmage, Zimmer essentially built his scheme around Parsons having the discretion to line up wherever he wanted, with the star pass rusher saying this early in the season:

The fact that I got the creativity to control things where I know I got to be on my A-game always because I got these other guys depending on me now to like controlling that [alignment]. It kind of gets me more excited, it gets me more into it. It gets that drive, that hunger just a little bit more. Now I feel like I just can’t let this guy [Zimmer] down. He’s giving me the keys to the system.

 

[Ranching]

This list is based on this roster as of June 6, 2025 but things can and will change. The off-season isn’t over, so I expect there will be several new roster additions before TC and also the season opener.

But as of today, (IMO) here are the roster strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS

• We have the makings of an outstanding pass rush with Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Osa Odighizhua who is a good pass rusher for a DT.
• Strong Interior OL with the Tylers - Smith and Booker sandwiching Cooper Beebe at C. If they can improve pass protection they will really be solid.
• Special Teams- Brandon Aubrey is the best K in the league, KR/PR Kavonte Turpin is arguably the best too and P Brian Anger is outstanding. This is a very underrated strength because Aubrey and/or Turpin can the be the difference in any close game.
• With the acquisition of WR George Pickens the Cowboys have an excellent 1-2 punch at receiver now with Lamb and Pickens, which gives the running game a better chance to open up.
• A good mix of young up and coming assistant coaches have been added and a proven DC in Matt Eberflus. New doesn’t always mean better but changes were needed.
• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.
• A backup QB in Joe Milton who has more athletic ability and upside than Cooper Rush. He’s still unproven but the athleticism is there.

WEAKNESSES

• Having an owner who continues to keep the same GM in place for decades with only 13 playoff appearances and 5 wild card wins in the last 30 years. He is literally the biggest problem the team has.
• History shows having a rookie HC like Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a HC at any level, may struggle. Rookie NFL HCs who don’t inherit a juggernaut usually struggle their first year.
• Matt Eberflus is the 4th defensive coordinator the team has had in 6 seasons. The defense may take some time to develop.
• DI - defensive interior linemen - Great to have Odighizhua re-signed but this has to be the overall weakest position group on the team. A team who hasn’t stopped the run in over a decade.
• RB. I like the Jayden Blue draft pick but he’s not an every down back. Stats over the last two years show FAs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have little tread left on the tires and 7th round RB Phil Mafa has to be considered a long-shot. The team still really needs help here.
• LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.
• LB- This may be more a ? than a weakness but until proven otherwise, this crew of LBs is not better than average. Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and at some point of-injured DeMarvion Overshown bring more questions than answers.

Still a long way to go to the Final 53. What do you think are the S’s and W’s at this point?

Great post, but the Jerry obsession isn't warranted as much as before. They have put together a good young roster. Quietly rebuild much without to much noise. He's not as involved as many think, anymore.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Great post, but the Jerry obsession isn't warranted as much as before. They have put together a good young roster. Quietly rebuild much without to much noise. He's not as involved as many think, anymore.

Yes, and I appreciate the fact that they are showing that they are trying. I also appreciate that they've been relatively quiet compared to last year. The only thing I'd like to see from them is to get Parsons done. But I also get that they're probably waiting on Watt and Hendrickson. That said, I'd like them to be a little proactive there to get Parsons done while it might be cheaper.

 

[shabazz]

This list is based on this roster as of June 6, 2025 but things can and will change. The off-season isn’t over, so I expect there will be several new roster additions before TC and also the season opener.

But as of today, (IMO) here are the roster strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS

• We have the makings of an outstanding pass rush with Micah Parsons, rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Osa Odighizhua who is a good pass rusher for a DT.
• Strong Interior OL with the Tylers - Smith and Booker sandwiching Cooper Beebe at C. If they can improve pass protection they will really be solid.
• Special Teams- Brandon Aubrey is the best K in the league, KR/PR Kavonte Turpin is arguably the best too and P Brian Anger is outstanding. This is a very underrated strength because Aubrey and/or Turpin can the be the difference in any close game.
• With the acquisition of WR George Pickens the Cowboys have an excellent 1-2 punch at receiver now with Lamb and Pickens, which gives the running game a better chance to open up.
• A good mix of young up and coming assistant coaches have been added and a proven DC in Matt Eberflus. New doesn’t always mean better but changes were needed.
• An experienced starting QB in Dak with a regular season record of 76-46 and a 9-4 record against the eagles (playoffs not so much) If healthy and he has a running game, he can be effective. If not…this team goes nowhere. He’s not great but he’s not nearly as bad as some believe here.
• A backup QB in Joe Milton who has more athletic ability and upside than Cooper Rush. He’s still unproven but the athleticism is there.

WEAKNESSES

• Having an owner who continues to keep the same GM in place for decades with only 13 playoff appearances and 5 wild card wins in the last 30 years. He is literally the biggest problem the team has.
• History shows having a rookie HC like Brian Schottenheimer, who has never been a HC at any level, may struggle. Rookie NFL HCs who don’t inherit a juggernaut usually struggle their first year.
• Matt Eberflus is the 4th defensive coordinator the team has had in 6 seasons. The defense may take some time to develop.
• DI - defensive interior linemen - Great to have Odighizhua re-signed but this has to be the overall weakest position group on the team. A team who hasn’t stopped the run in over a decade.
• RB. I like the Jayden Blue draft pick but he’s not an every down back. Stats over the last two years show FAs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders have little tread left on the tires and 7th round RB Phil Mafa has to be considered a long-shot. The team still really needs help here.
• LT - we are currently penciling Tyler Guyton in again at LT after really struggling last year. Maybe he grows a ton this off-season but if he’s not way better than last year, we are vulnerable at a very important position.
• LB- This may be more a ? than a weakness but until proven otherwise, this crew of LBs is not better than average. Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn and at some point of-injured DeMarvion Overshown bring more questions than answers.

Still a long way to go to the Final 53. What do you think are the S’s and W’s at this point?

One of the things we live with as Cowboys fans, is that we are accused by some in the national media as well as the fans of the other 31 teams, as being the most delusional and unrealistic fan bases in all sports.

If they read this post they would see that at least there are a few of us that are not, because this is a measured, realistic and patient post.....and yet a hopeful one where there is evidence for hope in some instances.

Well done