​We’re inching closer to the start of training camp for every NFL team, and once it arrives, all of the offseason storylines and narratives will officially fade into the background. Not quite there yet, though. This week ESPN has been rolling out their positional rankings, built from a filtered mix of opinions from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. The premise is straightforward: ESPN’s sourcing yields a ranking of each position group across the league, viewed through the eyes of the game’s most influential people right now.
So far, Dallas Cowboys involvement has been fairly predictable. DaRon Bland reportedly received at least a vote in the discussion of the league’s top cornerbacks, and Javonte Williams earned consideration among running backs as well. It isn’t shocking that either player wasn’t listed in the top 10 or even among the honorable mentions. No Cowboys pass rushers showed up in that group, which also isn’t surprising (Micah Parsons was listed as No. 2, after all). But on Thursday, the defensive tackles rankings were released, and that might be where we finally see a bit of pushback.
No. 6 Quinnen Williams, Cowboys
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 28 | Last year’s ranking: 5
After more than six seasons with the Jets, Williams should benefit from a full year with a new team. “The Jets will knock you down — the same thing happened with Leonard Williams — but I expect Quinnen to be better in Dallas, to be rejuvenated a bit,” one NFL coordinator remarked. In 2025, Williams finished fifth in run-stop win rate (43%) among 204 qualified players. As a pass rusher, his 19 pressures in seven games with Dallas surpassed his total in eight games with New York (eight) before he was traded. The Cowboys are hopeful that Williams will raise his pass-rush profile in 2026. His 2.5 sacks marked his lowest total since his rookie year in 2019. “As far as skill sets go, he’s still incredibly gifted and a matchup problem,” said a veteran NFL offensive coach.
Williams landed at No. 6 on ESPN’s list, and that placement invites discussion in its own right. It’s possible that being part of a historically poor defense in New York contributed to a narrative that Williams will have to overcome with Dallas. The most striking aspect of this ranking is the “lowest ranking” note among ESPN’s poll — that is, someone didn’t rank him at all. If that’s not obvious, it’s notable: one participant literally left him unranked.
Here is the full top 10 as presented: Quinnen Williams, Cowboys; Jordan Davis, Eagles. It’s worth noting that Kenny Clark appeared in the “also receiving votes” category, which sits just outside the top tier, and Osa Odighizuwa was mentioned as well. If we have to single out a name ahead of Williams that feels a touch unfair, it might be Chris Jones, who is four years Williams’ senior; the blurb about Jones even includes a quote for SEO purposes.