Roster Changes

 

Key additions

WR Randall Cobb, TE Jason Witten, DE Robert Quinn, DT Christian Covington, S George Iloka

 

Key losses

RB Rod Smith, WR Cole Beasley, TE Geoff Swaim, DT David Irving, DT Caraun Reid

 

2019 draft class

DT Trysten Hill (2.58), G Connor McGovern (3.90), RB Tony Pollard (4.128), CB Michael Jackson (5.158), DE Joe Jackson (5.165), S Donovan Wilson (6.213), RB Mike Weber (7.218), DE Jalen Jelks (7.241)

 

Projected Starters

 

Offense

QB: Dak Prescott
RB: Ezekiel Elliott
WR: Amari Cooper
WR: Michael Gallup
WR: Randall Cobb
TE: Jason Witten
LT: Tyron Smith
LG: Connor Williams
C: Travis Frederick
RG: Zack Martin
RT: La’el Collins

 

Defense

DE: Demarcus Lawrence
DT: Maliek Collins
DT: Antwaun Woods
DE: Robert Quinn
OLB: Leighton Vander Esch
MLB: Jaylon Smith
OLB: Sean Lee
CB: Byron Jones
CB: Chidobe Awuzie
S: Xavier Woods
S: Jeff Heath

 

Team Outlook

 

Notable depth

QB Mike White, RB Tony Pollard, RB Mike Weber, FB Jamize Olawale, WR Tavon Austin, WR Allen Hurns, TE Dalton Schultz, TE Blake Jarwin, OT Cameron Fleming, G Connor McGovern, G Xavier Su’a-Filo, C Joe Looney, DE Taco Charlton, DE Joe Jackson, DE Dorance Armstrong, DE Rangy Gregory (suspended), DT Trysten Hill, DT Tyrone Crawford, DT Christian Covington, LB Justin March-Lillard, LB Joe Thomas, CB Jourdan Lewis, CB Anthony Brown, CB Michael Jackson, S George Iloka

 

Biggest strength: Overall depth

The Cowboys are simply loaded all over the roster, as they have arguably the best offensive line in the league with multiple starter-level options on the bench, a rotating defensive front that can play upwards of ten guys, and three stud linebackers in the middle of the defense. Plus, their first three Day 3 picks from the 2019 NFL Draft (Tony Pollard, Michael Jackson, and Joe Jackson) all look like contributors, so the roster is as strong as ever for Dallas.

 

Biggest weakness: Safety

Tight end could still be considered the team’s biggest weakness despite the return of Jason Witten, but his leadership should provide a boost to what is still mostly a younger group. At safety, former Bengals standout George Iloka enjoying a career resurgence behind Xavier Woods and Jeff Heath would be huge, but none of the three project to be a high-end, impact player.

 

Position battle to watch: Left guard

2018 second-round pick Connor Williams will be the favorite to start at left guard over 2019 third-rounder Connor McGovern, but the sophomore won’t be handed anything in a pivotal season for the franchise. Fortunately for Dallas, whoever wins the competition will be a solid option, and they have plenty of versatility either way, as Williams came into the league as a left tackle, and McGovern has the ability to play center if Travis Frederick is unable to return to form after missing all of last season.

 

One more thought

Cornerback Michael Jackson was a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but I thought he was worth a Day 2 selection, and the rookie has above-average size/athleticism to develop into the perfect option across from Byron Jones. Considering he will have Kris Richard coaching him up, Jackson’s potential emergence is certainly something to keep an eye on for a Dallas defense that continues to improve.

 

Early over/under: 9 wins (via CBS Sports)

Over. Jerry Jones has basically made it known that head coach Jason Garrett is in a do-or-die campaign, so a slow start leading to disaster is certainly possible. That said, there is simply too much talent/depth up and down the roster, and Dak Prescott (32-16) doesn’t get enough credit for being a winner.