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RotoBaller's Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart predictions for 2025. Who will start for the Cowboys in 2025 following the 2025 NFL Draft?
Quarterback
Starter: Dak Prescott
Backup: Joe Milton III
The Cowboys are bringing back longtime franchise quarterback Dak Prescott for another year. The nine-year NFL veteran has missed at least five games in three seasons, and the team was aggressive in adding Joe Milton III to back him up. Quarterback play should remain solid and steady.
Running Back
Starter: Quinshon Judkins (R)
Backups: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders
We’re projecting the Cowboys to select Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The physical runner took the SEC by storm as a freshman at Ole Miss and then helped the Buckeyes win a national championship behind 1,000 rushing yards in a split backfield. He has workhorse size and could be the running back of the future. Sanders and Williams are solid veteran breather backs.
Wide Receiver
Starters: CeeDee Lamb, Matthew Golden (R), Jalen Tolbert
Backups: Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin
In this scenario, the Cowboys load up on offensive talent early in the draft. With the No. 12 overall pick, Dallas selects Texas wideout Matthew Golden, who has all-world speed and would help open the passing game for Prescott and All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb. The depth at wideout will likely be an issue, but Lamb and Golden give the offense plenty of firepower.
Tight End
Starter: Jake Ferguson
Backup: Luke Schoonmaker
While the Cowboys could consider adding a tight end in the draft, we expect it to be on Day 3. That said, Jake Ferguson, who has been a steady pass-catcher and has chemistry with Prescott, remains the starter. Luke Schoonmaker has enough upside to retain his TE2 role.
Offensive Line
Starters: Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Robert Jones, Terence Steele
Backups: Asim Richards, T.J. Bass, Dakoda Shepley, Tyler Cooper (R), Matt Waletzko
The once-dominant Cowboys offensive line is no longer one of the better units in the NFL. The elite trio of Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and Travis Frederick is all gone. That said, if Tyler Guyton takes a big step forward, the left side of the line could be one of the best in the league. We project the Cowboys to pick Minnesota guard Tyler Cooper in the sixth round here.
Defensive Line
Starters: Micah Parsons, Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, Dante Fowler Jr.
Backups: Marshawn Kneeland, Jordan Burch (R), Solomon Thomas, Payton Turner
Micah Parsons is arguably a top-five player in the NFL, regardless of position, so we expect him to continue to dominate. Dante Fowler Jr. is back with Dallas after a 10.5-sack season with the Commanders in 2024, so hopefully, he can keep the momentum rolling. Osa Odighizuwa got rewarded with a massive contract this offseason and should be one of the better interior defensive linemen in the NFL, but the team needs Mazi Smith to step up.
Linebacker
Starters: Kenneth Murray Jr., Jack Sanborn, DeMarvion Overshown
Backups: Damone Clark, Buddy Johnson, Marist Liufau
Dallas traded for former Tennessee Titans linebacker Kenneth Murray this offseason, which was questionable. However, we can assume he’s going to be in the starting lineup. Jack Sanborn follows new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus from Dallas, and the team hopes DeMarvion Overshown can come back strong from his second ACL tear in two years to build on his promising 2024 campaign.
Cornerback
Starters: DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs, Kemon Hall
Backups: Caelen Carson, Kaiir Elam, Mac McWilliams (R)
DaRon Bland was a breakout star in 2023 before an injury-riddled 2024 campaign. Diggs and Bland could be one of the best cornerback duos in the NFL, but the injury bug has stopped them from playing many snaps together. Expect Dallas to invest in depth at corner. UCF’s Mac McWilliams in the later rounds fits that bill.
Safety
Starters: Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson
Backups: Juanyeh Thomas, Israel Mukuamu
Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson form a solid safety duo in the backend, and Juanyeh Thomas is one of the better depth safeties in the league. This should be a formidable group in 2025.
Kicker
Starter: Brandon Aubrey
Aubrey has connected on 89.4% of his field goal tries and made 79 of his 82 extra-point attempts since taking over kicking duties in 2023. The 30-year-old has dethroned Justin Tucker as the best long-range kicker in the NFL, and he’s a true weapon for Dallas.
Punter
Starter: Bryan Anger
Anger is entering his 14th NFL campaign in 2025, and he’s traditionally been one of the better punters in the NFL. Hopefully, the Cowboys won’t call on him often with the new offensive weapons in town.
