Predicting Cowboys Starters After 2023 NFL Draft
With the introduction of the Dallas Cowboys' eight-man 2023 NFL draft class, the team's major additions to the roster are most likely complete.
Sure, there are a few free agents out there who may be on the Cowboys' radar, but the players they will take to camp are already signed or, in the case of draft picks, waiting to be signed.
Dallas' draft class could best be described as "practical." It grabbed a run-stuffing defensive tackle in Mazi Smith first. Do-it-all tight end Luke Schoonmaker and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown weren't flashy picks, but they project to be serviceable players at positions the Cowboys needed to address.
Now is a good time to look at how the new pieces will fit—specifically, what the starting lineup will look like. The actual starters don't matter as much at positions that rotate, but this still gives a good starting point for what the on-field product will be.
Considering all the Cowboys' additions this offseason, here are the projected starting lineups on both sides of the ball and a position battle to watch.
Notable Offseason Additions
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Trades/Free Agency: WR Brandin Cooks, CB Stephon Gilmore, RB Ronald Jones, G Chuma Edoga, LS Trent Sieg
Draft: DT Mazi Smith, TE Luke Schoonmaker, LB DeMarvion Overshown, Edge Viliami Fehoko Jr., OT Asim Richards, CB Eric Scott Jr., RB Deuce Vaughn, WR Jalen Brooks
The Cowboys didn't do much in free agency, but they made two key trades that will shake up the depth chart. Brandin Cooks changes the complexion of the receiver room, while Stephon Gilmore gives them a veteran corner to pair with Trevon Diggs.
Ronald Jones could wind up being the replacement for Ezekiel Elliott.
In the draft, the Cowboys were even in their distribution of picks for the offense and defense. Mazi Smith is the headliner. Dallas targeted him with its late first-round pick, and the Michigan product will be expected to contribute right away.
DeMarvion Overshown and Viliami Fehoko will add depth at key spots on the defense. Fehoko could blossom into another good pass-rusher on a team that seems to be collecting them. Sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn could carve out a role in the new-look backfield.
Projected Offense
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Starting Lineup: QB Dak Prescott, RB Tony Pollard, WR CeeDee Lamb, WR Brandin Cooks, WR Michael Gallup, TE Jake Ferguson, LT Tyron Smith, LG Tyler Smith, C Tyler Biadasz, RG Zack Martin, RT Terence Steele
There's no excuse for the Cowboys not to have an elite offense. This projected starting lineup is nearly identical to the one they put on the field last year, but it's better in a couple of key areas.
For starters, Tony Pollard will no longer have to split the backfield with Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys released Elliott, and he has yet to find a new team, though they haven't closed the door on a reunion.
The biggest addition is Brandin Cooks. With Michael Gallup further removed from his torn ACL and Cooks in the fold, Dallas has a shot to get back to having a dangerous trio of receivers it hasn't had since it traded Amari Cooper.
The continuity of the offensive line is one of the most exciting things about the unit. All five starters from last season return. If they stay healthy, it will be one of the best lines in football.
Projected Defense
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Starting Lineup: DE Micah Parsons, DT Osa Odighizuwa, DT Mazi Smith, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, LB Leighton Vander Esch, LB Damone Clark, CB Trevon Diggs, CB Stephon Gilmore, NB DaRon Bland, S Donovan Wilson, S Jayron Kearse
This projected lineup makes it clear why the Cowboys spent a premium pick on a defensive tackle. The defense was good last season and has answers at nearly every position.
Nose tackle was one of the few spots that needed an upgrade, and that's what Mazi Smith will provide. Smith was No. 1 on Bruce Feldman's list of the most exceptional athletes in college football last season. That means he has the tools to be successful right away.
Smith will be a run-stopping presence from day one and can develop into a decent pass-rusher before his rookie contract is up.
An interesting position battle to watch in camp will be at nickel corner. The Cowboys played nickel and dime at a high clip last season, so it's an important position. Stephon Gilmore's arrival should push DaRon Bland inside after his five-interception rookie season.
Jourdan Lewis was the starter there until a foot injury cost him the rest of the season. The veteran should be good to go, but Bland is the kind of big (6'0", 197 lbs), physical corner who is nice to have in the box and has the coverage ability to stick with slot receivers, tight ends and running backs.
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Position Battle to Watch: Jake Ferguson vs. Luke Schoonmaker
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The free-agency departure of Dalton Schultz left a sizable hole at tight end on the depth chart. The Cowboys didn't bother to make a notable addition in free agency, signaling their belief in the young talent on their roster.
Luke Schoonmaker received a significant vote of confidence when Dallas used a second-round pick on him. He was the fifth tight end off the board overall and was picked in a round that featured five tight end selections.
Now he'll compete with 2022 fourth-round selection Jake Ferguson for the starting role. It can be difficult for rookie tight ends to contribute right away. The ability to block well enough and make an impact as a receiver is not easy, and it can take a few years for a young tight end to grow into the role.
In that regard, Ferguson has a distinct advantage. He started eight games and played 16 last season and caught 19 of his 22 targets for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
Those aren't mind-boggling numbers, but they show the Cowboys trust him to be on the field. It's worth tracking in camp how the reps are split between him and Schoonmaker.
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