Dallas Cowboys 2024 Season Preview: Analyzing the Roster’s Strengths and Weaknesses
After the Dallas Cowboys completed their final roster cuts, we can now speculate on the composition of the team heading into the 2024 season. Some position groups have undergone changes, while others remain largely the same, leaving room for optimism as well as concerns.
As we evaluate the team’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the upcoming campaign, here’s a detailed breakdown of each position group.
Quarterback
Dak Prescott remains the undisputed starter, with Cooper Rush as the reliable backup and Trey Lance positioned as the developmental third-string quarterback. This trio is the same as last season, but there’s a new layer of experience with Lance, who has had more time to adapt to the Cowboys’ system. If his number is called this season, we have a better idea of what to expect from him.
Change: Slightly improved.
Running Back
The running back room has seen significant turnover. Ezekiel Elliott is back after his brief stint with the New England Patriots, while Tony Pollard has moved on. The Cowboys brought in veteran Dalvin Cook, hoping his experience will offset the loss of Pollard’s explosiveness.
Rico Dowdle is expected to see more action this season, especially if the older backs do not dominate the snaps. Deuce Vaughn, entering his second year, has shown potential and is anticipated to take a step forward. However, this group remains a question mark, with the potential for either success or failure.
Change: Major alteration. The new mix could either gel well or fall apart.
Tight End
The tight end group is anchored by young talents Luke Schoonmaker and Jake Ferguson. Ferguson has already established himself as a dependable target, while Schoonmaker is expected to continue developing.
The depth behind them is thin, but it wasn’t much better last season either. The team traded away Peyton Hendershot, an undrafted free agent, for rookies John Stephens Jr. and Brevyn Spann-Ford, who will need to prove their worth quickly.
Change: Largely unchanged, with a potential slight improvement.
Wide Receiver
Last season, the Cowboys’ wide receiver trio of Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks, and CeeDee Lamb looked formidable on paper, but Gallup’s underwhelming performance put a damper on the group’s effectiveness.
Gallup is returning with a renewed focus, and the team hopes he can bounce back. The two Jalens—Tolbert and Brooks—are expected to show progress, while rookie Ryan Flournoy has impressed in the preseason, giving the team reason to be optimistic. With a stronger connection between Prescott and Cooks, this unit could surpass last year’s output.
Change: Uncertain, but the potential for improvement is there.
Offensive Line
What initially seemed like a disaster with the departures of Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz in free agency has turned into a pleasant surprise. Rookie Tyler Guyton has emerged as one of the top young linemen in the league, while fellow rookie Cooper Beebe has excelled at center, even earning a rest in the final preseason game due to his impressive performances.
The starting five looks solid, with second-year player Asim Richards showing significant progress. T.J. Bass continues to develop, and Brock Hoffman is shaping up to be one of the best backup centers in the league. This group appears stronger than last year’s, with room for further growth.
Change: Slightly improved with the potential for more.
Defensive End
The departures of Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong in free agency were expected to hurt, but losing Sam Williams for the entire season due to injury has left the position thin. While second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland has shown promise, the team’s depth remains a concern.
The Cowboys have signed veterans Carl Lawson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, hoping they can contribute, but so far, neither has made a significant impact. The team’s strength lies in its starting duo of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, one of the best in the league, but the lack of depth is troubling.
Change: What was once a strong point is now a potential weakness.
Defensive Tackle
After years of neglecting the nose tackle position, the Cowboys have finally addressed it. Second-year player Mazi Smith has taken strides forward, and the team added seasoned veterans Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips.
With Mike Zimmer back in the fold, his defenses are known for their strong interior presence, and this group now fits that mold. Osa Odighizuwa remains a question mark, as he is in a contract year, but the present looks promising.
Change: This unit should be much improved, though it’s best to temper expectations for now.
Linebacker
This group has undergone a transformation, bringing in more size and speed. Last season’s lineup, which often featured a lone true linebacker and a converted safety, was underwhelming.
The additions of veteran Eric Kendricks and rookie Marist Liufau, along with the return of DeMarvion Overshown from injury, should provide an immediate boost. Rookie Buddy Johnson and veteran Damone Clark will provide the muscle. Overall, this group is faster, smarter, and more physical, though some questions remain.
Change: Improved, with more potential, but still areas to address.
Cornerback
The cornerback position remains solid with the All-Pro duo of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, though Bland won’t return until midseason. The team has good depth with Jourdan Lewis and rookie Caelen Carson.
When healthy, Israel Mukuamu and Andrew Booth form a formidable quartet, and the addition of Amani Oruwariye to the practice squad provides further insurance. This group is deeper than last year, though the top-end talent remains similar.
Change: Deeper, with comparable top talent.
Safety
Led by Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse, the safety group was a strength last season and remains so. Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas, who was a pleasant surprise last season, return to provide depth. Markquese Bell steps into Kearse’s role while he recovers from injury. The Cowboys have a lot of talent at safety, though it remains to be seen how each player will fit into Zimmer’s scheme.
Change: Largely unchanged, with a slight increase in speed over power.
