Blogging The Boys
Dallas moved on from Micah Parsons in late August, bringing back two first-rounders and Pro Bowl nose tackle Kenny Clark. This past week they doubled down by trading for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. They also added linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. The offensive line had a re-tool with 2025 first-rounder Tyler Booker stepping in at the vacant Zack Martin position. They’ve also recently added center Cooper Beebe, left tackle Tyler Guyton, and have the crown jewel of their line, Tyler Smith. Questions remain on whether the team will retain George Pickens and Javonte Williams after their one-year rentals, with no news on their future in Dallas beyond this year. So where does that leave the Cowboys biggest draft needs as things stand right now?
Micah Parsons is in Green Bay, and the sad news around Marshawn Kneeland has impacted this position. The current answers are short-term vets like Dante Fowler and Jadeveon Clowney, or a group of developmental players, with Donovan Ezeiruaku the most promising. Even with interior studs, Dallas needs a true centerpiece edge who can win 1-on-1s, close games, and finish rushes. That’s something this defense has lacked consistently in 2025.
Trevon Diggs is on injured reserve and has battled significant knee issues for two straight years, and the last few weeks before heading to IR was confusing and left more questions than answers about his future in Dallas. DaRon Bland is best in the slot and last week against the Arizona Cardinals we saw his floor (literally). Kaiir Elam is a 2025 stopgap whose option hasn’t been picked up yet for 2026. Sure, there’s Shavon Revel Jr. and hopes are high for the young defensive back, but the team still needs a true dog on the outside who’s long, physical, and can survive on an island.
This one is obvious having seen the problems at the safety position this season. Who’s heard that before in Dallas? Malik Hooker is on IR, Donovan Wilson and Juanyeh Thomas have missed time, and Markquese Bell is more the big nickel prototype. A true middle of the field safety lifts Matt Eberflus’ zone structures and helps the corners in a big way. The problem is Dallas very seldom looks at safety early in the draft, and here we are at it again hoping the team finds a talented center field safety.
The long-term left side of the line looks set with Tyler Guyton and Tyler Smith, although Guyton needs to show more growth. Booker stabilizes the right guard position next to Beebe, but Terence Steele’s performance has dipped and his ability in pass protection bears watching the rest of the year. The team needs a legit right tackle who can either push Steele into a competition to raise the bar, or be replaced. That’s will insure the line becomes the foundation of the team once again and helps keep Dak insulated.
Javonte...
