It is time for 53-man roster predictions.
Mandatory minicamp happened this week for the Dallas Cowboys, but these practices are kind of like the appetizer before the main course when everybody reports for training camp toward the end of July. That’s when things get serious and tough decisions will have to be made to meet the league-mandated 53-man roster for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
As things stand right now, the Cowboys currently have 91 players on their roster thanks to the International Player Pathway exemption. If you’re doing the math at home, that means they would have to at least cut 37 players, 38 if they don’t take advantage of International Player Pathway exemption. Today, we take a shot at predicting Dallas’ final 53-man roster prior to training camp and preseason.
Quarterback (2)
Dak Prescott, Joe Milton III
There’s no need to carry more than two QBs on the 53-man roster in 2025, especially since the Cowboys can stash Will Grier on the practice squad.
Running back (4)
Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue (R), Phil Mafah (R), Hunter Luepke
Dallas’ RB position will be an interesting position battle to keep track of. Williams is the best all-round back with Blue and Mafah adding the thunder/lightning element to the backfield. Luepke sticks as long as the Cowboys want to carry a fullback.
Tight end (3)
Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford
The TE position should look much the same as it did last year, only hopefully healthier. The Cowboys could go a little deeper here if they decide not to keep Hunter Luepke.
Wide Receiver (6)
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy
The addition to Pickens significantly upgraded Dallas’ WR position, but could cause them to go a little deeper here than they normally would. With Pickens and Tolbert playing on one-year deals, Mingo and Flournoy likely stick around for future purposes.
Offensive line (9)
Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker (R), Terence Steele, Asim Richards, Brock Hoffman, Saahdiq Charles, Anaji Cornelius (R)
In Guyton, Smith, Beebe, Booker, and Steele, the Cowboys have a promising starting five. Richards will serve as the swing OT, Hoffman as the backup C/G, and Cornelius as a promising developmental talent. Charles likely sticks as a backup G as well due to his starting experience.
Defensive end (6)
Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler, Marshawn Kneeland, Donovan Ezeiruaku (R), Sam Williams, Payton Turner
There’s a chance Sam Williams could start on the PUP list, but if he doesn’t Matt Eberflus likes a heavy rotation at DE, hence going deep here. This is an intriguing group with a good mix of youth and veteran experience who could give opposing QBs nightmares.
Defensive tackle (4)
Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, Mazi Smith, Jay Toia (R)
The DT position is arguably the weak link of the Cowboys entire roster. They have a good 3-tech duo in Odighizuwa and Thomas, but could still stand to upgrade the 1-tech position. Right now they are betting heavily on Smith and Toia being able to hold up at the point of attack and stop the run.
Linebacker (6)
Jack Sanborn, Kenneth Murray, Marist Liufau, Shemar James (R), Damone Clark, Darius Harris
With DeMarvion Overshown likely starting the season on the PUP list, LB is another position Dallas could go a little heavier at than usual. Sanborn, Murray, and Liufau will compete for the starting jobs with James, Clark, and Harris providing depth and special teams value.
Cornerback (6)
DaRon Bland, Kaiir Elam, Shavon Revel (R), Israel Mukuamu, Caelen Carson, Alijah Clark (UDFA)
Trevon Diggs will start the season on the PUP list, probably forcing the Cowboys to go a little deep at CB. Bland will probably start in the slot with Elam and Revel starting on the outside, depending on Revel’s health. Mukuamu, Carson, and Clark provide much-needed depth until Diggs returns.
Safety (4)
Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas
Wilson and Hooker are the projected starters with Bell and Thomas backing them up. Dallas can go a little short here because both Mukuamu and Alijah Clark having CB/S versatility.
Special teams (3)
Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg
Nothing to see here. Everything should remain the same as it was last year.