The Dallas Cowboys are just about ready to begin the 2026 training camp in Oxnard, and roster projections are already generating plenty of debate. After ESPN’s projected 53-man roster for the Cowboys, let’s take a look at what analyst Dan Rogers shared in his latest 53-man roster prediction on X after analyzing 90 players.
This report separates players into three categories: (1) roster lock, (2) good chance to make the team, and (3) outside looking in. And while many of the expected starters comfortably land in the roster lock category, there are still several intriguing battles across the roster that could shape Brian Schottenheimer‘s second season as head coach.
| Position | No. of players evaluated |
| Quarterback | 3 |
| Running back | 7 |
| Tight end | 6 |
| Wide receiver | 13 |
| Offensive line | 15 |
| Defensive end | 9 |
| Defensive tackle | 10 |
| Linebacker | 7 |
| Cornerback | 10 |
| Safety | 8 |
| Special team | 3 |
| Total: | 91 players |
Dallas Cowboys roster projections: Quarterbacks
Roster lock
- Dak Prescott
- Sam Howell
- Joe Milton
There are no surprises here. Prescott remains the unquestioned starter, while Howell and Milton round out the quarterback room. Barring an unexpected move, all three appear set to make the final roster.
Dallas Cowboys roster: Running backs
Roster lock
- Javonte Williams
- Hunter Luepke
- Jaydon Blue
Good chance to make the team
- Malik Davis
- Phil Mafah
Outside looking in
- Israel Abanikanda
- Dominic Richardson
Running back could become one of the more interesting competitions in camp. Williams is expected to lead the group, while rookie Jaydon Blue has already generated excitement.
The battle for the final spots may come down to Malik Davis and rookie Phil Mafah.
Tight ends
Roster lock
- Jake Ferguson
- Brevyn Spann Ford
- Luke Schoonmaker
Good chance to make the team
- Princeton Fant
Outside looking in
- Michael Trigg
- DJ Rogers
Tight end Jake Ferguson headlines the room, but Rogers also expects Dallas to keep both Brevyn Spann Ford and Luke Schoonmaker. Princeton Fant has positioned himself as a strong candidate if the Cowboys decide to carry four tight ends.
Wide receivers
Roster lock
- CeeDee Lamb
- George Pickens
- Ryan Flournoy
- KaVontae Turpin
- Marquez Valdes Scantling
Good chance to make the team
- Jonathan Mingo
- Anthony Smith
Outside looking in
- Traeshon Holden
- Tyler Johnson
- Denzel Mims
- Camden Brown
- Jaden Smith
- Jordan Hudson
The top of the receiver room appears settled with Lamb and Pickens leading the way. Ryan Flournoy earns a roster spot in Rogers’ projection, while veterans Marquez Valdes Scantling and KaVontae Turpin also make the cut. Jonathan Mingo still has work to do despite being listed as having a good chance to make the roster.
Offensive line
Roster lock
- Tyler Smith
- Tyler Booker
- Terence Steele
- Cooper Beebe
- Tyler Guyton
Good chance to make the team
- T.J. Bass
- Nate Thomas
- Drew Shelton
- Ajani Cornelius
Outside looking in
- Trevor Keegan
- Nick Leverett
- DJ Wingfield
- Chris Glaser
- Shiyazh Pete
- Marcellus Johnson
The projected starting five remains intact, while the backup competition could become one of the toughest battles throughout camp.
Defensive ends
Roster lock
- Rashan Gary
- Donovan Ezeiruaku
- Malachi Lawrence
- Sam Williams
Good chance to make the team
- James Houston
- Marist Liufau
- Tyrus Wheat
Outside looking in
- Charles Snowden
- Isaiah Land
This projection reflects the Cowboys’ improved pass rush. Rashan Gary and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku headline the group, while Sam Williams is also projected to survive ongoing trade speculation.
Defensive tackles
Roster lock
- Quinnen Williams
- Kenny Clark
- Otito Ogbonnia
Good chance to make the team
- LT Overton
- Jonathan Bullard
- Jay Toia
- Adaye Odeleye
- DJ Withers
Outside looking in
- Kelvin Gilliam
- Tommy Dunn
Defensive tackle has become one of Dallas’ deepest positions. Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark form a formidable interior duo, while several young players will battle for backup roles.
Linebackers
Roster lock
- DeMarvion Overshown
- Dee Winters
- Shemar James
- Jaishawn Barham
Good chance to make the team
- Curtis Robinson
- Justin Barron
- Langston Patterson
Overshown remains the centerpiece of the linebacker unit, while the competition behind him should be one of the storylines worth following throughout camp.
Cornerbacks
Roster lock
- DaRon Bland
- Shevon Revel Jr.
- Cobie Durant
- Devin Moore
Good chance to make the team
- Reddy Steward
- Caelen Carson
- Trikweze Bridges
Outside looking in
- Josh Butler
- Derion Kendrick
- Ameer Speed
The Cowboys have impressive depth at cornerback. DaRon Bland leads the room, while 2nd-round pick Shevon Revel Jr. is projected to earn an immediate roster spot.
Safeties
Roster lock
- Caleb Downs
- Malik Hooker
- Jalen Thompson
Good chance to make the team
- P.J. Locke
- Marquese Bell
Outside looking in
- Alijah Clark
- Zion Childress
- Julius Wood
Caleb Downs headlines one of the league’s most intriguing young safety groups. Veterans Malik Hooker and Jalen Thompson complete what could be one of Dallas’ strongest defensive units entering the season.
Special teams
Roster lock
- Bryan Anger
- Brandon Aubrey
- Trent Sieg
There is little mystery on special teams, with all three specialists expected to retain their roles.
Biggest takeaways
Rogers’ projection highlights just how much the Cowboys have upgraded their roster entering the 2026 season. The starting lineup appears settled at most positions, but several backup jobs remain up for grabs, particularly at running back, wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive tackle.
One of the more notable projections is Sam Williams making the roster despite recent trade speculation, while Mingo is not viewed as a lock. The secondary also stands out as one of the deepest units on the team with Downs, Bland, Revel Jr., Hooker, and Thompson leading the way.
With training camp about to begin in Oxnard, these projections provide an early glimpse into how the Cowboys’ roster could take shape before final cuts are made.