​The Dallas Cowboys sit squarely in the middle of ESPN’s projected starting lineup rankings as the 2026 NFL season approaches. In their latest evaluation, Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder praised the team’s talent on both sides of the ball, placing Dallas 14th out of 32. The Cowboys earned that spot for good reason: this roster combines star power, depth, and high upside. Clay pointed to the receiving corps as the biggest strength among the projected starters.
Dallas led the league in passing yards in 2025, powered by a dangerous group led by CeeDee Lamb. With the addition of George Pickens, the ascendance of Ryan Flournoy as the third option, and the dynamic playmaking of KaVontae Turpin, the Cowboys can attack defenses in multiple ways. The front office also fortified the depth by signing veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Denzel Mims, providing insurance in case of injuries. On paper, this WR room might be even more potent than the one that topped the league in passing last season.
ESPN identifies cornerback as the team’s primary weakness, a fair assessment given the secondary’s struggles against some of the league’s lighter passing attacks in 2025. Dallas ranked last in defensive EPA, allowed a 58.4 QBR to opposing quarterbacks, and recorded only six interceptions all season. Outside corner spots remain a question mark, with DaRon Bland aiming to rebound from foot injuries that slowed his development and Shavon Revel Jr. entering the year a year removed from an ACL tear and a rocky rookie campaign. The Cowboys did not stand still, though, drafting and signing players to create competition and add more skill to the secondary.
This offseason, Dallas added veteran cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, who will compete with Revel for a starting job opposite Bland and can also slide into nickel duties when needed. They also bolstered depth with rookie corner Devin Moore. In the back end, safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke were added to help stabilize the coverage. Equally important, the organization overhauled the coaching staff to maximize the talent already on the roster. Upgrading the secondary was clearly a priority, and the expectation is that this unit will improve in 2026.
Walder flagged rookie nickelback/safety Caleb Downs as the Cowboys’ biggest X-factor entering the season. His versatility, instincts, and playmaking ability could yield an immediate impact. Walder also believes Bland, healthy and in form, could again lead the team in interceptions, but Downs has the talent to step into that role if Bland doesn’t. Two other potential X-factors mentioned were rookie edge rushers Donovan Ezeiruaku and Malachi Lawrence, both of whom possess the tools to generate pressure and change games.