The Dallas Cowboys may be working to tighten things up on defense, but their offense still looks built around a trio that can carry plenty of weight: Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams and CeeDee Lamb.
That’s the setup CBS Sports used in its ranking of every NFL team’s offensive “triplets” - quarterback, running back and No. 1 pass-catcher - and Dallas landed fifth overall. CBS had the Cowboys as high as No. 3 in some evaluations and no lower than eighth, which puts them in a pretty strong spot heading into the 2026 NFL season.
Only the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals were placed ahead of them. For Brian Schottenheimer’s team, that’s elite company.
CBS also pointed out that Dallas probably would have graded out even better if the list had accounted for two receivers instead of one, since George Pickens would have entered the discussion as well. In fact, some view Pickens as the team’s alpha wideout now.
That kind of setup gives the Cowboys offense a very favorable look on paper, and it should leave Dallas near the top of the NFC in the areas that matter most.
Prescott’s recent level of play is already well known to Cowboys fans, even if critics continue to lean on his postseason record and the familiar jokes that come with wearing the star.
Still, his production should be enough to keep Dallas in the playoff picture.
Williams was one of the biggest surprises of 2025, going from a sluggish, underwhelming Broncos draft pick who could barely see the field to a dependable runner who gave Prescott the kind of balance this offense needed. If Dallas gets even 85% of that version of Williams, that would be a major boost.
Lamb, meanwhile, has to show the league the kind of player he really is. He finished with just three touchdowns last season and missed some time because of injuries.
Pickens helped keep the offense moving even without an All-Pro type of season from Lamb, but if Dallas wants to make real noise in the postseason, Lamb has to be part of the answer.
If the Cowboys stay healthy and still come up short, the offense probably won’t be the first place to look. The bigger concern is the defense, which still has questions hanging over it and could end up being the thing that keeps Dallas from getting where it wants to go.
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Cowboys May Have Found The Exact Camp Battle Fans Feared
Langston Patterson has already become one of the more interesting names in Cowboys camp, even if he arrived as an undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt. Linebacker battles tend to get crowded quickly in Oxnard, but Patterson brings a skill set that usually keeps a player in the conversation longer than expected, especially when the emphasis is on stopping the run.
His college tape gives Dallas a reason to keep watching closely. Patterson was a steady three-year starter for the Commodores and turned in strong production against the run, the kind of profile that can fit a roster fight where every rep matters. The question now is whether that strength is enough to separate him from the rest of the linebacker mix before the Cowboys have to make a tough call. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Defense Has One Camp Problem Fans Know Too Well
The Cowboys are heading into camp with a defense that looks and feels brand new, from Christian Parker taking over as a first-time defensive coordinator to the switch into a 3-4 front. The early linebacker picture is clear enough on paper, with DeMarvion Overshown set up in the middle and Dee Winters expected to handle the weak side, but the new staff is still sorting through how those pieces fit together in a scheme they are all learning on the fly.
What makes this spot worth watching is the layer underneath the projected starters. Jaishawn Barham is waiting as a rookie who could push for a bigger role, while second-year linebacker Shemar James enters camp with an uncertain fit after leading the team in tackles a year ago. For a unit trying to establish itself under a fresh coaching staff, the real question may not be who opens camp in front, but who convinces Parker he can be trusted once the reps start stacking up. [Read more 🡒]
These Under The Radar Cowboys Could Suddenly Matter A Lot More
A few Cowboys who have spent most of their time outside the spotlight could wind up drawing plenty of attention if the season breaks right. Ryan Flournoy is one of the more intriguing names in that mix, with a chance to carve out a larger role at receiver if the passing game starts looking beyond the usual top targets, while Jaydon Blue offers the kind of explosive ability that can change how quickly a backfield conversation takes shape.
Jalen Thompson also fits that under-the-radar category, even if his path is different from the others. His arrival gave Dallas another piece to sort through in the secondary, and the bigger question now is how much of a role he can claim once the competition settles in. For a team always looking for young contributors who can outplay their labels, these are the kinds of names that can move from roster depth to real relevance in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]