Offseason Power Rankings for Every Player on the Dallas Cowboys' Roster

The Dallas Cowboys are currently in the midst of shaping their roster and finding out what they have as this franchise looks for improvement in 2013. Like the other 31 NFL teams, each and every offseason represents another chance at a fresh start and a step towards that improvement.

But for the Cowboys, it's a time to finally get some answers to some unresolved questions, restore this roster back to health and potentially find some new contributors. Evaluating an NFL roster is no easy task for any front office, and it is virtually a year-round process.

Talent acquisition is the usual barometer when assessing a team's chances at improvement and where it might rank collectively, but dissecting the roster very closely is a completely different tool that must be done to make correct decisions.

The 2013 season is a critical one for the Cowboys in a number of ways. First, they must deal with the pressure of coming off back-to-back 8-8 seasons. And most importantly, the results of this season will have major implications for both players and coaches going forward.

So what is the state of affairs on this current roster? Well, there certainly is a lot of talent, but just what does it all mean? And who is the most valuable to this team?

Let's take a closer look. 

1. Dez Bryant, WR

A few years ago, this would've been a complete joke. Combine that with a few not-so-memorable off-the-field situations that Bryant was at the center of, and it would've been borderline comical. But times have changed, and we are witnessing the maturation of a superstar.

Dez Bryant is the best player on this football team, and last season was more than enough proof that this was a different person. He no longer was the player who disappeared in games, he did not look confused and the light bulb was certainly lit.

Over a span of seven games in 2012, Bryant had 47 receptions, 792 yards and nine touchdowns. He finished 2012 with 92 catches, 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns. When you go back and watch some of those games, he was simply unstoppable, and his playmaking ability came naturally.

The sky is the limit for Bryant, and so are the expectations going forward. I have a feeling we should be getting more than our popcorn ready for 2013.

2. Tony Romo, QB

Say whatever you want about Romo, his propensity for coming up short under pressure and his lack of playoff wins, but he is simply one of the most valuable members of this football team.

The failures of these last two seasons should not completely fall on his shoulders, and the weaknesses on this team cannot be ignored. Injuries, inconsistency, mistakes and poor execution led to a number of games in which, if not for Romo's playmaking, the Cowboys would have teetered on a 5-11 season.

Some will ignore all of these facts and simply criticize Romo because it's convenient, but in light of his new contract, we will soon find out a lot about Romo's fate in Dallas. Romo still gives the Cowboys the best chance at any immediate success, and he knows the pressure is on.

Everyone will be waiting to see how he responds.

3. DeMarcus Ware, DE

2012 wasn't Ware's best year in terms of his usual production, but he is a true warrior for this team and an inspirational leader. The consummate professional, Ware leads by example: He plays injured, and he is still a force on defense when healthy.

Ware battled shoulder and elbow issues all season and still managed to produce 11.5 sacks. It's not a typical season by his standards, but he remains one of the top defensive players in the league. A return to health in 2013 will do wonders not only for Ware, but also for this defense.

Somewhere, Monte Kiffin is smiling knowing that Ware will be wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

4. Jason Witten, TE

Jason Witten is simply the heart and soul of this team and with good reason. He continues to be among the league's elite tight ends, he is still highly productive, he does not complain and he embodies the concept of team.

I would take 53 Wittens on this football team in a second, and so would half of the NFL. Witten is also one of the most respected leaders for this franchise, and he possesses a toughness and determination that is rare in today's NFL.

He also happens to be Romo's most trusted target, and despite the youthful combination of James Hanna and Gavin Escobar on the depth chart, Witten will undoubtedly be a recipient of numerous Romo passes.

2012 was one of Witten's most productive seasons. Does that tell you something about this player?

5. Sean Lee, LB

Last season started with so much promise for Sean Lee before he succumbed to the injury bug that plagued the Cowboys in 2012. A ligament injury involving Lee's big toe sidelined him for the majority of the season, and this defense wasn't quite the same with Dan Connor.

There is a slight cause for concern regarding Lee's propensity for injury, but he is simply a stud at the inside linebacker position. He has uncanny instincts, he sniffs out plays before they unfold, his football acumen is off-the-charts and he's like having a coach on the field.

Lee is a tackling machine and will thrive, if healthy, in this new 4-3 alignment. 2013 will be a huge year for Lee. The Cowboys are depending on it.

6. Tyron Smith, T

Since becoming the ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft, Smith has very much been on the brink of becoming one of the NFL's elite offensive lineman. In 2013, Smith will continue his rise to that status as he continues to protect Romo's blind side.

Smith is a huge left tackle and will anchor this offensive line for years to come. Another offseason to learn from Bill Callahan will only elevate his game further along with a unit that is expected to improve from the inconsistencies of last season.

If the Cowboys cannot block for Romo, create running lanes for DeMarco Murray and give this offense enough time to execute, this team is in trouble. That's how valuable Smith is to this football team.

7. Anthony Spencer, DE

While Dez Bryant was arguably the best offensive player for Dallas in 2012, Anthony Spencer was the Cowboys' best defensive player. Finally morphing into the player we've been waiting to see, Spencer displayed his talent week after week.

Spencer doesn't usually post inflated sack numbers, but he is outstanding against the run, he's athletic and he made plays when this team needed them the most. He return to the Cowboys on a franchise tender for now, but expect a long-term arrangement to take place.

2013 will be a big year for Spencer as he switches to defensive end and learns a new scheme. Expect big results.

8. DeMarco Murray, RB

The Cowboys will need to improve from their 31st ranking in the run department, but that's easier said than done when your best runner cannot seem to shake the injury bug. Murray missed  time again in 2012, and Felix Jones failed to yield the desired results.

When Murray is healthy, running well and productive, it means a world of difference to this football team. Just watch last year's opening game against the Giants as proof. If the Cowboys are going to be successful in 12-personnel or in play-action, it will be contingent on their ability to run the football.

Not being able to run the football in 2013 will be the difference between being on the outside looking in and being in the playoffs. It's that simple.  

9. Bruce Carter, LB

If Monte Kiffin is looking for his Derrick Brooks, then he may have his man in Bruce Carter. Carter is an ultra-athletic linebacker with the speed of a receiver. Many questioned the Cowboys' decision to draft him coming off an injury, but I think those questions have been put to rest.

Carter will thrive in this 4-3 defense as he hunts down ball-carriers and pursues plays with his blazing speed. Carter is arguable one of the most gifted sideline-to-sideline linebackers in this league.

10. Brandon Carr, CB

It's hard to live up to the expectations and the pressure that accompany a gigantic payday, but Carr handled himself well in 2012. He led the team with three interceptions and solidified the cornerback position. And in this new scheme, he will only become better.

The Cowboys will need more plays from Carr like his interception in overtime of the Pittsburgh game, and those will be the expectations going forward.

11. Miles Austin, WR

The fear with Austin will always be his hamstrings, but when healthy, he still remains a dangerous player who needs to be accounted for. But while Dez Bryant was enjoying a breakout year, Austin still produced 943 yards and six touchdowns.

2013 will be another critical year for Austin as the development of Dwayne Harris continues and the arrival of Terrance Williams appears to have Austin on some type of notice. Either this will motivate him enough into self-preservation mode, or 2013 will be his last season in Dallas.

12. Jay Ratliff, DT

The consensus among Cowboys nation is that Jay Ratliff is a mere shadow of what he once was: He is breaking down and playing for his job at this point. Couple that with his DUI arrest, and many are surprised he wasn't a salary cap victim.

But all things aside, Ratliff is a menace on the defensive line when healthy, and the 2013 season will give him a shot at redemption. It will be interesting to see how he performs in this new defense and if he can return to his old form.

He still remains a valuable member of this team.

13. Morris Claiborne, CB

The Cowboys moved into the upper tier of the 2012 draft to select Claiborne, but the results of his rookie campaign didn't quite match up to the status of being selected so high. That doesn't mean it was a disappointing season, but 2013 needs to be a year of progression for the former LSU Tiger.

Physically, he has all the tools to be a premier cornerback, and those are his expectations. Expect big things in 2013.

14. Jason Hatcher, DT/DE

Jason Hatcher is one of the more unheralded players on this team. He's consistent, he plays the game hard and he's a talented defensive lineman. He has a knack for getting pressure by utilizing his strength, and the Cowboys will need every ounce of that in 2013.

Great teammate, consummate professional and another leader on this football team.

15. Dan Bailey, K

Bailey was another undrafted find by the Cowboys in 2011 who has become a valued member of this football team very quickly. He connected on 29 out of 31 attempts in 2012, and there's no reason to think that this season won't produce similar results.

Maybe this is a little too high of a ranking for a kicker, but I think it's warranted.

16. Dwayne Harris, WR

If Harris starts out this season the way he ended 2012, then the Cowboys could have a budding star on their hands. Harris became an electrifying punt returner and also developed into a solid receiving threat. The Cowboys will need him to perform in 2013, and Harris has the chance to really become a weapon for this team.

I like Harris' chances of becoming the third receiver and the fact that he will keep enough pressure on Miles Austin in terms of competition. That type of scenario will only make this team better.

17. Barry Church, S

Barry Church was finally getting his chance to make his mark on this football team before an Achilles injury ended his season. He's young enough to bounce back, and that's what he's expected to do in 2013. Church did receive a contract extension despite the injury, which should be an indicator of how this franchise feels about him.

Church will get another chance to show us that he's the player this team needs at safety. 

18. Orlando Scandrick, CB

Scandrick is equipped with all the talent in the world, but inconsistent play and injuries continue to plague him. 2013 will be a big year for Scandrick as he needs to prove to management that he is part of the solution, not the problem.

If he is the latter, then his time in Dallas may not last into 2014. Anybody see the selection of B.W. Webb as a coincidence?

19. Doug Free, T

This is an appropriate slot for Doug Free's ranking, as there does remain a certain degree of hope that he will improve in 2013. How could your starting right tackle not be ranked in your team's top-20, right? Well, it was a bit of a stretch, but Free seems determined to prove people wrong.

Taking a pay cut to remain with the club and provide some financial breathing room at least shows his commitment to the team and a good attitude. Let's hope his play reflects that as well.

20. Justin Durant, LB

Durant was one of two free agent additions to the Cowboys roster in 2013. And although he wasn't a big name with gaudy statistics, Durant brings a solid skill set, consistent play and versatility. He's currently penciled in to be the starting strong-side linebacker, and I expect the Cowboys to use that versatility to their advantage.

Durant is one of those players who are constantly around the ball, and that's what this defense needs as it looks to create turnovers.

Second Tier Players: 21-30

21. Tyrone Crawford, DE- Last year's third-round pick will be expected to perform in 2013. Rod Marinelli should be instrumental in his development.

22. Nate Livings, G- A 2012 free agent addition to this team who played well at times but needs to play better in 2013. Still a solid contributor at guard who should be able to hold off players like Kevin Kowalski.

23. Will Allen, S- The Cowboys' other free agent addition who provides a nice veteran presence at safety. He could be a starter or a backup, play special teams and mentor the younger players.

24. Sean Lissemore, DE/DT- A young player who needs to show something in 2013 as he battles back from injury. Kiffin and Marinelli will certainly like his motor, speed and versatility.

25. Jeremy Parnell, T- Earned some valuable playing time in 2012, and that will be instrumental to his development as he battles Free. He has all the tools to be a solid tackle.

26. Ernie Sims, LB- Was a solid free agent pickup last year when injuries hit, and he earned another shot to contribute to this team. Solid tackler, good speed and consistent player.

27. Lawrence Vickers, FB- There is a chance that he could be expendable, but putting that aside, he was an under-utilized weapon in this offense. He does have some good qualities to his game that could benefit this team.

28. LP Ladouceur, LS- He's been a rock of consistency as a long-snapper and was rewarded with a five-year contract. Solid contributor who just does his job well.

29. Mackenzy Bernadeau, G/C- Has recently undergone another surgery and will need to prove he is healthy. He will have competition but, if healthy, should start for this team.

30. Alex Albright, LB- Very versatile player who can play defensive end, outside or inside linebacker. He earned valuable reps in 2012, and the Cowboys could have a player here.

Second Tier Players: 31-40

31. Kyle Orton, QB- Arguably the best backup quarterback in the NFL. The Cowboys should have every bit of confidence in his ability to lead this team if needed.

32. Kyle Wilber, DE- Fourth-round picks need to contribute, and Wilber's time has come in 2013 to prove what he can do. A switch to defensive end in a backup role will allow him to grow without having too much pressure to perform.

33. James Hanna, TE- Hanna started to show signs of being a productive offensive threat towards the end of 2012. Despite the selection of Gavin Escobar, there is a role for Hanna on this team and in this offense. If he makes plays, the coaching staff will have to keep him on the field.

34. Travis Frederick, C- The Cowboys' anointed starting center by draft rights, Frederick will be under the microscope big time in 2013. But my gut tells me as long as he can anchor the middle of the line, this pick could turn out just fine.

35. Danny McCray, S- His play at safety leaves much to be desired, but he is arguably one of the best special teams players in the NFL. And that is a valuable commodity.

36. Ronald Leary, G- Leary is in a prime position to make a name for himself in 2013. If his knee is fine and he gets his chance to compete, then this could be the breakout player of the year for the Cowboys.

37. Gavin Escobar, TE- I'd love to give him a higher ranking, but it's just predicated on the need to see some tangible results as the offseason continues. His hands are ridiculous, and all he needs is to gain comfort in this offense. This is a high-ceiling player.

38. Terrance Williams, WR- The same criteria as Escobar apply to Williams when evaluating his ranking. He could take hold of the third receiver position or, at a minimum, be the fourth receiver. His talent and upside are tremendous, but he needs to make the transition to NFL receiver.

39. Joseph Randle, RB- He hasn't been able to do much in the OTA sessions, but grabbing him in the fifth-round was a steal. He will be the No. 2 running back behind Murray, and he may have a significant role in this offense. 

40. Cole Beasley, WR- He made a name for himself last year at this time, and in 2013 he has a chance to possibly expand his role as a threat in the slot. He will have competition from Danny Coale, Jared Green and possibly Eric Rogers for that fifth receiver spot.

Best of the Rest: 41-50

41. Phil Costa, C/G- Costa will probably make the team now that he is healthy and that he offers some position flexibility. But the selection of Frederick in the draft was a clear sign that Costa must prove himself worthy of a roster spot. He seems to thrive in zone-blocking schemes, but he needs to handle the one-on-one battles and stay healthy.

42. Matt Johnson, S- The Cowboys went out of their way to keep Johnson's roster spot last season based on the belief that he will be the playmaker he was in college. Is he? There will be every opportunity afforded to him to prove it.

43. JJ Wilcox, S- The young safety from Georgia Southern will be called upon to contribute immediately on special teams while he transitions to the NFL. There are high hopes for this kid, and if given the opportunity to steal a job, he might force the Cowboys to take off the training wheels.

44. B.W. Webb, CB- Webb, a fourth-round draft pick, was a very productive player in college, and the Cowboys will give him opportunities on special teams and dime packages to gain valuable playing time in 2013. Keep an eye on this player. 

45. Sterling Moore, CB/S- Moore was a valuable addition to the Cowboys roster when injuries hit this team hard. He plays hard, he plays smart and he's versatile. All that adds up to solid depth.

46. Phillip Tanner, RB- It appears that Tanner has a legitimate shot to make this team as the third running back, but he'll have strong opposition from Lance Dunbar.

47. Ryan Cook, C/G- Cook really helped this team last season while Costa battled injuries. He's a solid veteran, he does his job well when asked to and he offers flexibility.

48. Rob Callaway, DT- We don't know much about this player, but we do know that he will be very much in the mix in 2013.

49. Chris Jones, P- It's his job to lose depending on the competition. He will need to be effective in directional punting to give this team another edge.

50. Kevin Kowalski, G- Another young offensive lineman with upside who needs to show something or be shown the door. He'll probably battle David Arkin for the last offensive line spot.

Best of the Rest; 51-53

51. Brandon Magee, LB- The Cowboys moved quickly to sign him after the draft, and he has a very good shot at making this team at a need position. Will he follow in the footsteps of former teammate Vontaze Burfict?

52. DeVonte Holloman, LB- The rookie sixth-round pick could be a nice fit in this 4-3 defense as a cover linebacker. His immediate job will be on special teams. Someone has to do the dirty work.

53. Anthony Hargrove, DL- What type of contribution will the Cowboys get from Hargrove? Will he make the team? I think this was a good move on a player who has a lot to prove and looking for a new start. If he can give this defensive line a boost and add depth, then it's a low-cost home run.