Current Strengths and Weaknesses of the 2025 roster

[Coogiguy03]

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?

Could the Cowboys give up on their 1st round pick after 2 years, (guyton) if they do, he may not be in the nfl much longer

 

[CowboysLakerBamaFan]

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 subtract the last "strength" . MILTON WILLIAMS? C'mon. He's not a strength nor a weakness. He's just a non factor

I'd add the Weakness of "culture" i.e. a soft, squishy, podcasting trash-talking but surrender once they're punched in the mouth kind of mentality. Though perhaps you consider this part of the GM weakness, as He's the root cause of weak culture.

 

[Ranching]

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

Well done???? Make mine Medium.

 

[shabazz]

Well done???? Make mine Medium.

Strictly rare for this guy.

One of my pet peeves are people that order a filet mignon "well done"......may have just as well ordered a cheap sirloin since its gonna be killed anyway

Different strokes though....

 

[shabazz]

Could the Cowboys give up on their 1st round pick after 2 years, (guyton) if they do, he may not be in the nfl much longer

You could say this about Mazi as well but at least Guyton is playing a much harder position and does show some growth

 

[75boyz]

My opinion is this:
-Proven talent and numbers is DEs.
-Hopeful talent and numbers is IOL.
-Decent talent and numbers is TEs.
-Proven talent but weak backups is WRs.
-Weak group is QBs.
-Weak group is DTs.
-Weak group is OTs.
-Weak group is RBs.
-Weak group is LBs.
-Injured group is CBs but with potential to be strong group with returning good health and potential good depth.
-Average talent at safeties.

jmo

 

[Creeper]

For me this team is more about question marks than strengths and weaknesses. Is Guyton improved? Is Steele going to return to form? Will Booker need a year to learn the NFL ropes? The OL could be a strength or a weakness depending on the answers to those questions.

CB is also a question mark. Who will be ready and when? Elam is a former 1st round pick but he hasn't played like one. What can we expect from him? Will Bland return to form? When will Diggs return and what will he look like.

DT is a weaknesses until proven otherwise. But I don't see anything there to make me think we will be okay at that position. Of course Mazi is another question mark. This is his 3rd year. We need to see a big improvement in his play. Will we?

LB is another question mark or weakness.

I am not worried about WR or RB. I think we can get a lot out of the RBs we have if the OL can open some holes.

Dak is a question mark. Can he stay healthy? Will he look like the 2023 Dak or the 2024 Dak? If he is the 2024 Dak, then QB is a weakness.

I think we will be okay at TE, but Fergie needs to play better than he did post injury last year.

 

[75boyz]

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).

Nice methodical approach to coaching success progression and expectation attached to that fluid progression.

 

[Bobhaze]

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

I have a cousin who is an eagles fan unfortunately. When the eagles have been bad over the years, he never hesitates to say, “We suck”, then can recite all the position groups where his team is vulnerable. He is a unique fan(atic) because he seems to have a realistic handle on what his team is and is not.

When he asked me recently what I thought the Cowboys would be this year, I paused and said, “On paper we can be better in a couple ways but the trenches remain a big question”.

He never fails to mention (while laughing) that he hopes Jerry lives to be 100 and that the eagles should build a statue of him outside the Linc because of his “contributions” to the eagles success.

 

[Coogiguy03]

You could say this about Mazi as well but at least Guyton is playing a much harder position and does show some growth

well everyone said Mazi needed about 2-3 years anyways so he should be aaron donald this season!

 

[jazzcat22]

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?

The RB's could be much better, and not a weakness, if the OL becomes that strength. But we will have to see. I think it may take 3 to 6 games before we can say what both groups are.

Then again, if they had an elite RB, he could make the OL better as well.

 

[jazzcat22]

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

I don't see the Safties as a weakness. They are a solid group, just not elite. Yes there could be improvement. But I am ok with where they are at for now. I want to see how they are under Eberflus and his style.

TE's, and CB's, yes agree. TE's, no one stands out as a threat, and CB's need to get healthy.

 

[Bobhaze]

The RB's could be much better, and not a weakness, if the OL becomes that strength. But we will have to see. I think it may take 3 to 6 games before we can say what both groups are.

Then again, if they had an elite RB, he could make the OL better as well.

You’re right that the RB position “could be much better”. It certainly could. It also could be a problem too.

My approach with every team every year is to not count possibility as a strength. As you said, it could be. But it also could be a problem. At this point we don’t know.

No one has to agree with my takes of course, but I adhere to the philosophy that nothing is really a “strength” until it is proven to be on the field. In that sense we have a ton of question marks.

 

[tromofan]

If the goal for this team is a championship, Dak is not the guy and he never will be. He came into this league a dual threat and now he’s a relegated to being a pocket passer who rarely runs and btw, has the biggest, most undeserving contract in all of football. It is NOT his fault however, it is JJ’s. His cap hit this year is the reason we will not contend again.

 

[noshame]

Strengths: Discipline and execution =above 10 wins
Weaknesses: Discipline and execution = below 8 wins and DC becomes HC.
Team has enough talent with the exception of 2 huge question marks that must be overcome both behind center.
Dak can win, without pressure
Joe? Got to be out of pocket.

 

[blueblood70]

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 75% of that, but I'm sorry I think our linebackers are going to be better than expected , I think it'll surprise you so much i'm saying it's a strength, and I believe it's possible the running back room at running back by committee if done correctly with the offensive line being a strength on the interior like you mentioned, it's going to be better than people expect..


But the weaknesses it's corner absolutely 100 percent really can't be debated how can anybody be comfortable with the corners I mean they're all injured or they're rookies and they're injured and we have one guy who's not happy that he might be moving back to the slot in his contract year, there's where the help is needed if they were going to bring in another veteran, it would be at corner..

I know there's a lot of bodies there but with Butler ,Diggs, and Revel all coming back from injuries and didn't Carson have some kind of shoulder injury that he had a little maintenance done to???

I mean it just seems like the whole entire corners room is pretty much a giant question mark...

counting on revel, and i hear good things on Hall right now, we might have Elam step up, but Pride and MUk etc i mean seriously? a lot of hope and prayer here IMO giant weakness.

It would be nice if they did more than one move but if it was only one it has to be a veteran corner I believe they know that that's why they looked into trading for Jalen Ramsey's it's why they had Gilmore stop in and visit there's Hilton is out there too so yeah. I mean I know people would rather have Nick Chubb or someone in the middle of the defensive line but I disagree I think there's enough bodies that they'll figure it out with competition in camp and get something will rise to the top I really believe that, but I don't see much of anything from the corner room...

And when I look at the tackles, I agree they are a slight weakness but it's worse, because I don't think the tight ends are doing much at least they didn't do much last year they weren't very good in blocking they didn't seem to be used enough in the passing game so on offense I'm picking tight end I know strange out of left field.

so ,

on d weakness-Corner; O- TE

I'll let competition work everything else out, but I just don't see any strengths in those rooms...

.

 

[CCBoy]

Strictly rare for this guy.

One of my pet peeves are people that order a filet mignon "well done"......may have just as well ordered a cheap sirloin since its gonna be killed anyway

Different strokes though....

So as soon as it hits the flames pull it off...

 

[deerhunter11]

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?

Excellent Post very informative.I believe Lamb and Pickens will be a major factor in the success of this offense.Teams will not be able to simply stack the box and double Cee Dee Lamb like years past.With these two premium wide receivers on the field together, I predict Dallas will see much more space than in the past to operate their offense.The result should be more space for the running game to operate in,if these backs can get past the line of scrimmage.What used to be 2 to 3 yard runs will become 6 to 8 yard runs.Dallas will be able to spread defenses out , for instance Philadelphia's big defensive line will be much less effective against this offense.I think this coaching staff will be much better than the McCarthy era showed,these players are having fun under Schottenheimer,I don't believe they believed in McCarthy's schemes.On defense one key will be defensive tackle play if this improves this will be a top defense this season.These players having fun playing the game of football will be huge.Let's win number 6 finally.

 

[fivetwos]

I don’t think there’s much weakness on offense at all….provided Dak isn’t severely limited physically. If he is every bet is off.

I’d call it more of a question mark than a weakness ….both tackle spots. But, they DO have a known capable LT, they just seem to want him to play guard for now. Ok.

I have no problem with corner. In similar fashion, I wouldn’t worry about getting a manicure if I wasnt bothering to treat cancer.

If they invested more in the DLine, specifically inside (ya know like the teams that we watch play deep into the playoffs do), this group of corners would be fine.

 

[deerhunter11]

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.

I believe this team is having fun again playing a game they have been playing their whole lives that is the difference.