Dallas Cowboys Roster Boasts Some Of Best Under 25 Talent in NFL

Key Takeaways

• Dallas’ 2026 draft class featured Caleb Downs, a Ohio State All-American, and Malachi Lawrence, a standout UCF pass rusher, both of whom have impressed during training camp and preseason.
• The Athletic’s top-25 under-25 ranking included two Cowboys offensive players, indicating the franchise’s ceiling is tied to its young playmakers beyond the veteran core.
• George Pickens posted a career year with 93 receptions, 1,429 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and highlighting the potential of Dallas’ receiving corps alongside CeeDee Lamb.
• Pickens is operating under the franchise tag and has shown heightened focus during offseason programs, aiming to validate 2025’s breakout level.
• Tyler Smith signed a four-year, $96 million extension with $81.2 million guaranteed, making him the league’s highest-paid interior lineman and a keystone for Dallas’ run game and pass protection.
• The coaching and management praise Smith as an elite road-grading blocker whose presence improves Dak Prescott’s protection and creates running lanes, even as the rest of the line remains a point of contention.
• Overall, Dallas combines a strong young core with strategic signings, seeking to convert early momentum into sustained success while navigating contract talks and line stability.