Pre TC Cowboys position groups: Strength, weakness or Question?

[Bobhaze]

When it comes to building a great NFL roster, as the old saying goes, “Hope is not a strategy.” Great NFL GMs are known for planning for “worst case scenarios” so the season isn’t tanked by a couple of injuries at thin positions and not counting too much on rookies, cast offs and getting lucky.

Looking at our 2025 roster post free agency and draft and after a big trade at WR, how much of this team’s success in the 2025 season is tied to “hope” as opposed to solid roster strengths? We need to look at each position group and determine if there’s strength or weakness or even a question mark.

With that in mind here are the position groups and my opinion on whether that group is a strength, weakness or question mark.

OFFENSE

• WR/TE- after the George Pickens trade, I believe this position has moved from bad to good quickly. The pairing of Cedee Lamb and George Pickens is excellent and takes pressure off a guy like Jalen Tolbert to be something he’s not. TEs look good not great. If Jake Ferguson returns to form and Luke Schoonmaker can develop, it’s not a bad group. STRENGTH
• RB - The FO went cheap in FA and picked up two guys who were once really good but haven’t shown much in a couple of years. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are question marks for sure. The draft gave us two Day 3 RBs in Jaydon Blue and Phillips Mafah. Blue looks like a playmaker but isn’t a guy who will have more than 8-10 touches a game. Mafah is a long shot. WEAKNESS.
• QB - Dak Prescott enters his 9th year coming off another serious injury after another disappointing playoff performance in 2023. He’s been good in the regular season. Joe Milton was added as a developmental backup with some upside. Because of Dak’s recent injury history I would have to say QUESTION MARK.
• OL - We lost a HOF G in Zack Martin but drafted a top notch rookie in Tyler Booker. We have an excellent LG in Tyler Smith and a promising C in Cooper Beebe but last yrs first round pick at LT Tyler Guyton has been a disappointment so far. RT Terance Steele has been up and down recovering from knee injury. Has to be QUESTION MARK although it could become a strength depending on how the young guys develop.

DEFENSE

• Interior DL - weakest position group we have. Osa Odighizhua is a very solid DT and it goes way down from there. Apparently we are counting on bust watch Mazi Smith, former dolphin underachiever Solomon Thomas, 7th rounders Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote and a UFL vet Perrin Winfrey. WEAKNESS. Biggest weakness on the team
• DE/Pass Rush - Micah Parsons is an All Pro, good vet pass rusher Dante Fowler is back, 2nd rd rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku is exciting and speedy vet Sam Williams makes this team deep with pass rushers. STRENGTH
• LBs - another position group with lots of question marks. Lots of new faces led by FAs Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray, Jr who both have some upside but the resumes are not long or decorated. 2nd yr man Marist Liafau will hopefully progress and last year’s best LB DeMarvion Overshown won’t be back until November at best. QUESTION MARK
• Safeties- Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are solid, not great. Israel Mukuamu and Juanyeh Thomas are decent backups who may develop into something better. STRENGTH.
• CB - A real concern. With recovering knee injuries to Trevon Diggs and rookie Shavon Revell, we start the year with some question marks. Solid Daron Bland will be handling Nickel duties while we hope former Bills CB Khair Elam, and some other prayers like Andrew Booth and Caelon Carson somehow develop quickly. WEAKNESS.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• K Brandon Aubrey has been the league’s best K two years straight and P Brian Anger is a top 10 punter. KR/PR specialist Kevantae Turpin is also the league’s best. This is the best position group we have. STRENGTH.

POSITION GROUPS IN ORDER - STRENGTH to WEAKNESS

• STs
• DEs/Pass rush
• WRS/TE
• SAFETIES

The above are all strengths.
__________________

• OL
• QB
• LBs

The above are all are question marks.
_____________________

• CBs
• RBs
• Interior DL

The above are all positions of real weakness.

IMO, the Cowboys as currently constructed are still a few players away from being considered a serious playoff contender. They are too dependent on hope as a strategy. If several young players have breakout seasons, this team can be a lot better. That’s a lot of ifs.
How do you see it?

 

[maryquality]

Good list Bob. I would have to say, IMO, the interior DL is our number one weakness. And the sad fact is, it's been our weakness for a few years now. Could this be the year it finally comes together? Stay tuned! lol

 

[Blackrain]

That is a pretty spot on analysis bullet I agree.

I think some of the question marks could surprise us in a good way such as the running back and linebacker situation.

But the defensive tackle problem is horribly glaring and really makes everything harder on everybody on the defense.

If you can't stop the run you are essentially cooked

 

[Bobhaze]

That is a pretty spot on analysis bullet I agree.

I think some of the question marks could surprise us in a good way such as the running back and linebacker situation.

But the defensive tackle problem is horribly glaring and really makes everything harder on everybody on the defense.

If you can't stop the run you are essentially cooked

Agreed Blackie. If you cannot stop the run, you have zero chance in the playoffs. It has killed this team for years and yet it still seems like a lesson not learned.

 

[JoeKing]

When it comes to building a great NFL roster, as the old saying goes, “Hope is not a strategy.” Great NFL GMs are known for planning for “worst case scenarios” so the season isn’t tanked by a couple of injuries at thin positions and not counting too much on getting lucky.

Looking at our 2025 roster post free agency and draft and after a big trade at WR, how much of this team’s success in the 2025 season is tied to “hope” as opposed to solid roster strengths? We need to look at each position group and determine if there’s strength or weakness or even a question mark.

With that in mind here are the position groups and my opinion on whether that group is a strength, weakness or question mark.

OFFENSE

• WR/TE- after the George Pickens trade, I believe this position has moved from bad to good quickly. The pairing of Cedee Lamb and George Pickens is excellent and takes pressure off a guy like Jalen Tolbert to be something he’s not. TEs look good not great. If Jake Ferguson returns to form and Luke Schoonmaker can develop, it’s not a bad group. STRENGTH
• RB - The FO went cheap in FA and picked up two guys who were once really good but haven’t shown much in a couple of years. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are question marks for sure. The draft gave us two Day 3 RBs in Jaydon Blue and Phillips Mafah. Blue looks like a playmaker but isn’t a guy who will have more than 8-10 touches a game. Mafah is a long shot. WEAKNESS.
• QB - Dak Prescott enters his 9th year coming off another serious injury after another disappointing playoff performance in 2023. He’s been good in the regular season. Joe Milton was added as a developmental backup with some upside. Because of Dak’s recent injury history I would have to say QUESTION MARK.
• OL - We lost a HOF G in Zack Martin but drafted a top notch rookie in Tyler Booker. We have an excellent LG in Tyler Smith and a promising C in Cooper Beebe but last yrs first round pick at LT Tyler Guyton has been a disappointment so far. RT Terance Steele has been up and down recovering from knee injury. Has to be QUESTION MARK although it could become a strength depending on how the young guys develop.

DEFENSE

• Interior DL - weakest position group we have. Osa Odighizhua is a very solid DT and it goes way down from there. Apparently we are counting on bust watch Mazi Smith, former dolphin underachiever Solomon Thomas, 7th rounders Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote and a UFL vet Perrin Winfrey. WEAKNESS. Biggest weakness on the team
• DE/Pass Rush - Micah Parsons is an All Pro, good vet pass rusher Dante Fowler is back, 2nd rd rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku is exciting and speedy vet Sam Williams makes this team deep with pass rushers. STRENGTH
• LBs - another position group with lots of question marks. Lots of new faces led by FAs Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray, Jr who both have some upside but the resumes are not long or decorated. 2nd yr man Marist Liafau will hopefully progress and last year’s best LB DeMarvion Overshown won’t be back until November at best. QUESTION MARK
• Safeties- Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are solid, not great. Israel Mukuamu and Juanyeh Thomas are decent backups who may develop into something better. STRENGTH.
• CB - A real concern. With recovering knee injuries to Trevon Diggs and rookie Shavon Revell, we start the year with some question marks. Solid Daron Bland will be handling Nickel duties while we hope former Bills CB Khair Elam, and some other prayers like Andrew Booth and Caelon Carson somehow develop quickly. WEAKNESS.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• K Brandon Aubrey has been the league’s best K two years straight and P Brian Anger is a top 10 punter. KR/PR specialist Kevantae Turpin is also the league’s best. This is the best position group we have. STRENGTH.

POSITION GROUPS IN ORDER - STRENGTH to WEAKNESS

• STs
• DEs/Pass rush
• WRS/TE
• SAFETIES

The above are all strengths.
__________________

• OL
• QB
• LBs

The above are all are question marks.
_____________________

• CBs
• RBs
• Interior DL

The above are all positions of real weakness.

IMO, the Cowboys as currently constructed are still a few players away from being considered a serious playoff contender. They are too dependent on hope as a strategy. If several young players have breakout seasons, this team can be a lot better. That’s a lot of ifs.
How do you see it?

You make a good point, @Bobhaze. That's what good GMs do but let's not confuse that for what Jerry is. We should be worried about this team's ability to meet goals after a few injuries.

 

[BlindFaith]

Why does this safety group keep getting a pass? They are the leagues worst.

Hooker last year was the 42nd ranked safety per pff

Wilson last year was the 97nd ranked per pff

It is a huge weakness.

And the LB group is a weakness for sure as well.

Between rain or shine prescott and this defense we will not win very many games.

 

[ArtClink]

When it comes to building a great NFL roster, as the old saying goes, “Hope is not a strategy.” Great NFL GMs are known for planning for “worst case scenarios” so the season isn’t tanked by a couple of injuries at thin positions and not counting too much on getting lucky.

Looking at our 2025 roster post free agency and draft and after a big trade at WR, how much of this team’s success in the 2025 season is tied to “hope” as opposed to solid roster strengths? We need to look at each position group and determine if there’s strength or weakness or even a question mark.

With that in mind here are the position groups and my opinion on whether that group is a strength, weakness or question mark.

OFFENSE

• WR/TE- after the George Pickens trade, I believe this position has moved from bad to good quickly. The pairing of Cedee Lamb and George Pickens is excellent and takes pressure off a guy like Jalen Tolbert to be something he’s not. TEs look good not great. If Jake Ferguson returns to form and Luke Schoonmaker can develop, it’s not a bad group. STRENGTH
• RB - The FO went cheap in FA and picked up two guys who were once really good but haven’t shown much in a couple of years. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are question marks for sure. The draft gave us two Day 3 RBs in Jaydon Blue and Phillips Mafah. Blue looks like a playmaker but isn’t a guy who will have more than 8-10 touches a game. Mafah is a long shot. WEAKNESS.
• QB - Dak Prescott enters his 9th year coming off another serious injury after another disappointing playoff performance in 2023. He’s been good in the regular season. Joe Milton was added as a developmental backup with some upside. Because of Dak’s recent injury history I would have to say QUESTION MARK.
• OL - We lost a HOF G in Zack Martin but drafted a top notch rookie in Tyler Booker. We have an excellent LG in Tyler Smith and a promising C in Cooper Beebe but last yrs first round pick at LT Tyler Guyton has been a disappointment so far. RT Terance Steele has been up and down recovering from knee injury. Has to be QUESTION MARK although it could become a strength depending on how the young guys develop.

DEFENSE

• Interior DL - weakest position group we have. Osa Odighizhua is a very solid DT and it goes way down from there. Apparently we are counting on bust watch Mazi Smith, former dolphin underachiever Solomon Thomas, 7th rounders Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote and a UFL vet Perrin Winfrey. WEAKNESS. Biggest weakness on the team
• DE/Pass Rush - Micah Parsons is an All Pro, good vet pass rusher Dante Fowler is back, 2nd rd rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku is exciting and speedy vet Sam Williams makes this team deep with pass rushers. STRENGTH
• LBs - another position group with lots of question marks. Lots of new faces led by FAs Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray, Jr who both have some upside but the resumes are not long or decorated. 2nd yr man Marist Liafau will hopefully progress and last year’s best LB DeMarvion Overshown won’t be back until November at best. QUESTION MARK
• Safeties- Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are solid, not great. Israel Mukuamu and Juanyeh Thomas are decent backups who may develop into something better. STRENGTH.
• CB - A real concern. With recovering knee injuries to Trevon Diggs and rookie Shavon Revell, we start the year with some question marks. Solid Daron Bland will be handling Nickel duties while we hope former Bills CB Khair Elam, and some other prayers like Andrew Booth and Caelon Carson somehow develop quickly. WEAKNESS.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• K Brandon Aubrey has been the league’s best K two years straight and P Brian Anger is a top 10 punter. KR/PR specialist Kevantae Turpin is also the league’s best. This is the best position group we have. STRENGTH.

POSITION GROUPS IN ORDER - STRENGTH to WEAKNESS

• STs
• DEs/Pass rush
• WRS/TE
• SAFETIES

The above are all strengths.
__________________

• OL
• QB
• LBs

The above are all are question marks.
_____________________

• CBs
• RBs
• Interior DL

The above are all positions of real weakness.

IMO, the Cowboys as currently constructed are still a few players away from being considered a serious playoff contender. They are too dependent on hope as a strategy. If several young players have breakout seasons, this team can be a lot better. That’s a lot of ifs.
How do you see it?

I think you’ve done a great job of identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Interior def line has been an issue for a long time and is why we still can’t stop the run. I’m worried about the LB corp too. Our inability to build a great defense is why we don’t go far in the playoffs.

I hope a true #1 RB emerges as we have need one for some time now.

If Tyler Guyton continues to struggle and we don’t get our running game fixed, it will be a long season for Dak. I predict the moment our #2 QB completes a preseason pass, fans will be calling for Dak to be demoted lol.

 

[Coogiguy03]

I'm also excited about this pass rush that we have, Micah, Sam, EZ and FOWLER!!! Hopefully they can make some big things happen!

 

[Bobhaze]

I'm also excited about this pass rush that we have, Micah, Sam, EZ and FOWLER!!! Hopefully they can make some big things happen!

IMO, the pass rush is the second best position group behind our ST stars. The problem is if we can’t stop the run, the pass rush is neutered.

 

[Coogiguy03]

IMO, the pass rush is the second best position group behind our ST stars. The problem is if we can’t stop the run, the pass rush is neutered.

I hope they solve the DT position issue QUICKLY!!!! Who would be the other DT on passing situations the one buff guy we picked up from the jets?

 

[shabazz]

When it comes to building a great NFL roster, as the old saying goes, “Hope is not a strategy.” Great NFL GMs are known for planning for “worst case scenarios” so the season isn’t tanked by a couple of injuries at thin positions and not counting too much on getting lucky.

Looking at our 2025 roster post free agency and draft and after a big trade at WR, how much of this team’s success in the 2025 season is tied to “hope” as opposed to solid roster strengths? We need to look at each position group and determine if there’s strength or weakness or even a question mark.

With that in mind here are the position groups and my opinion on whether that group is a strength, weakness or question mark.

OFFENSE

• WR/TE- after the George Pickens trade, I believe this position has moved from bad to good quickly. The pairing of Cedee Lamb and George Pickens is excellent and takes pressure off a guy like Jalen Tolbert to be something he’s not. TEs look good not great. If Jake Ferguson returns to form and Luke Schoonmaker can develop, it’s not a bad group. STRENGTH
• RB - The FO went cheap in FA and picked up two guys who were once really good but haven’t shown much in a couple of years. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are question marks for sure. The draft gave us two Day 3 RBs in Jaydon Blue and Phillips Mafah. Blue looks like a playmaker but isn’t a guy who will have more than 8-10 touches a game. Mafah is a long shot. WEAKNESS.
• QB - Dak Prescott enters his 9th year coming off another serious injury after another disappointing playoff performance in 2023. He’s been good in the regular season. Joe Milton was added as a developmental backup with some upside. Because of Dak’s recent injury history I would have to say QUESTION MARK.
• OL - We lost a HOF G in Zack Martin but drafted a top notch rookie in Tyler Booker. We have an excellent LG in Tyler Smith and a promising C in Cooper Beebe but last yrs first round pick at LT Tyler Guyton has been a disappointment so far. RT Terance Steele has been up and down recovering from knee injury. Has to be QUESTION MARK although it could become a strength depending on how the young guys develop.

DEFENSE

• Interior DL - weakest position group we have. Osa Odighizhua is a very solid DT and it goes way down from there. Apparently we are counting on bust watch Mazi Smith, former dolphin underachiever Solomon Thomas, 7th rounders Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote and a UFL vet Perrin Winfrey. WEAKNESS. Biggest weakness on the team
• DE/Pass Rush - Micah Parsons is an All Pro, good vet pass rusher Dante Fowler is back, 2nd rd rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku is exciting and speedy vet Sam Williams makes this team deep with pass rushers. STRENGTH
• LBs - another position group with lots of question marks. Lots of new faces led by FAs Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray, Jr who both have some upside but the resumes are not long or decorated. 2nd yr man Marist Liafau will hopefully progress and last year’s best LB DeMarvion Overshown won’t be back until November at best. QUESTION MARK
• Safeties- Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are solid, not great. Israel Mukuamu and Juanyeh Thomas are decent backups who may develop into something better. STRENGTH.
• CB - A real concern. With recovering knee injuries to Trevon Diggs and rookie Shavon Revell, we start the year with some question marks. Solid Daron Bland will be handling Nickel duties while we hope former Bills CB Khair Elam, and some other prayers like Andrew Booth and Caelon Carson somehow develop quickly. WEAKNESS.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• K Brandon Aubrey has been the league’s best K two years straight and P Brian Anger is a top 10 punter. KR/PR specialist Kevantae Turpin is also the league’s best. This is the best position group we have. STRENGTH.

POSITION GROUPS IN ORDER - STRENGTH to WEAKNESS

• STs
• DEs/Pass rush
• WRS/TE
• SAFETIES

The above are all strengths.
__________________

• OL
• QB
• LBs

The above are all are question marks.
_____________________

• CBs
• RBs
• Interior DL

The above are all positions of real weakness.

IMO, the Cowboys as currently constructed are still a few players away from being considered a serious playoff contender. They are too dependent on hope as a strategy. If several young players have breakout seasons, this team can be a lot better. That’s a lot of ifs.
How do you see it?

Very good list with fact based foundation.

When I look at the Skins list I see less question marks at positions so I dont see a path to 2nd place unless Jayden Daniels has a significant sophomore slump.

Dakota ,Ceedee, and Pickens have alot of deficiencies on the other squads to overcome this season

 

[shabazz]

IMO, the pass rush is the second best position group behind our ST stars. The problem is if we can’t stop the run, the pass rush is neutered.

If we see a repetition of the Catdinals game last season, it will be a long season.....we'll know it when we see it

 

[Ring6]

Good info!

On D, although interior DL may be weak overall, game 1 I'm most concerned about CB unless we snag a vet.

On offense, I'm just disappointed that our RB room is so poor right now due to uncertainty of injured vets and rookies. If there was a proven lead back the offense could be special.

 

[jazzcat22]

Why does this safety group keep getting a pass? They are the leagues worst.

Hooker last year was the 42nd ranked safety per pff

Wilson last year was the 97nd ranked per pff

It is a huge weakness.

And the LB group is a weakness for sure as well.

Between rain or shine prescott and this defense we will not win very many games.

The players at safety themselves are not bad, and play as a group.
They really do not get beat in the passing game, but are not ball hawks either. The CB's get burnt far more.
Maybe since they aren't getting the INT's like some teams do they get that reputation with some fans. But overall they are not horrible.

 

[Bobhaze]

Good info!

On D, although interior DL may be weak overall, game 1 I'm most concerned about CB unless we snag a vet.

On offense, I'm just disappointed that our RB room is so poor right now due to uncertainty of injured vets and rookies. If there was a proven lead back the offense could be special.

I’m genuinely surprised at how little the FO did overall to address the RB position.

We are counting on two vets who haven’t done anything in 2-3 years, two Day 3 rookie draft picks (although I like Blue) and a disappointing Deuce Vaughn and part timer Hunter Luepke. This is not currently a very reliable way to improve this position. IMO.

 

[jazzcat22]

STs - Strength
DEs/Pass rush - Strength
WRs - Strength
TE - Average, could be a strength, as the WRs can open up that part of the game.
S's - Above average.
OL - Should be a Strength, but all need to see how they gel. They need reps together.
QB - All depends on Dak's health. Above average.
LBs - Not a weakness, and could become very good.
CBs - Weakness, because of the injuries and depth, but cold become very good
RBs - Weakness until shown otherwise, but I think the potential is there. Also depends on the OL
Interior DL - Weakness, and still the biggest one on the team. Nothing we can do but sit, watch, wait, and "hope"

 

[fivetwos]

IMO, the pass rush is the second best position group behind our ST stars. The problem is if we can’t stop the run, the pass rush is neutered.

As are the corners.

It’s not a very thoughtfully built roster. The defense is very much built to play with at least a one score lead. How often are they expecting that to be the case, especially in the postseason?

They claim to want to run the ball more but have tons invested in the passing game, and RB is a question mark.

As I’ve said several times, they seem to just collect players and coaches and throw them all together and expect it to work.

 

[jazzcat22]

I’m genuinely surprised at how little the FO did overall to address the RB position.

We are counting on two vets who haven’t done anything in 2-3 years, two Day 3 rookie draft picks (although I like Blue) and a disappointing Deuce Vaughn and part timer Hunter Luepke. This is not currently a very reliable way to improve this position. IMO.

Right, it is not reliable nor the way to go. But I like this group much better than last year.
They claim the draft did not fall their way the past 2 years as for taking a RB. Though they had their chances and went in a different direction.

Maybe in 2026. As I am not expecting miracle this year.
I am interested in seeing what Blue can do, and how he develops.

 

[Bobhaze]

As are the corners.

It’s not a very thoughtfully built roster. The defense is very much built to play with at least a one score lead. How often are they expecting that to be the case, especially in the postseason?

They claim to want to run the ball more but have tons invested in the passing game, and RB is a question mark.

As I’ve said several times, they seem to just collect players and coaches and throw them all together and expect it to work.

Great points.

Regarding playing with a lead, the Cowboys ranked only 23rd in points scored in the first qtr last year. In 6 of their first 8 games they were behind at the end of the first quarter, 3 times they were down two scores! Can’t get the pass rush going as well when you’re behind.

 

[fivetwos]

Sounds right. At least three games early on…NO, Det, Bal…they were getting just mashed up the gut. No shot at stopping the run at all.

Unless Mazi takes a severe turn for the better, how is that now any different? The argument can be made that it’s worse than the last few years.

Sure sounds to me as if hope is very much part of the plan.