FRISCO, Texas -- The Cowboys have added nearly 30 new players to the roster over the last two months, from a collection of free-agent signings, draft picks, undrafted free agents and even a few trades.
All in all, a third of the 90-man roster has been overhauled since mid-March, creating quite a few changes to each position.
Over the next few weeks, we'll take a closer look at where things stand at each position. The Cowboys won't release a depth chart until the first preseason game in August, so the following order of players is simply a projection, which of course, is always subject to change.
Let's continue our series with the wide receiver position:
- CeeDee Lamb
- George Pickens
- Jalen Tolbert
- KaVontae Turpin
- Jonathan Mingo
- Jalen Brooks
- Ryan Flournoy
- Parris Campbell
- Jalen Cropper
- Kelvin Harmon
- Traeshon Holden
- Josh Kelly
Battle to Watch: Who emerges as the third wide receiver option for the Cowboys? The two names that rise to the top of that battle are Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo, who had very differing 2024 seasons. In Tolbert's case, it was the best year of his career with career highs in receptions (49), yards (610) and touchdowns (7) as he stepped up with both CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks missing time. On the flipside for Mingo, he caught just five passes for 46 yards and wasn't on the field often after Dallas traded their fourth-round pick to acquire him. Does Tolbert continue his ascension? Can Mingo finally showcase some of his potential with Dak Prescott back under center? It'll be an interesting battle to watch as the offseason moves along.
Time is Now: They may have just gotten him, but George Pickens has got a lot to prove as he heads to Dallas, especially heading into a contract year. For the first time in his career, he won't be a number one option at wide receiver as he gets to pair with CeeDee Lamb. That's not to say Pickens isn't a good wide receiver, but Lamb is one of the best in the league and Pickens' role with the Cowboys will be much different than the role he had with the Steelers. Can he prove that he can handle not getting a majority of the workload? He's only one of four NFL wide receivers ever to have at least 50 receptions, 800 yards and average 15 yards per catch in their first three seasons, so it's not like he won't get the ball at all, but what if he doesn't get it as much? That'll be the proving ground.
Trait-Mark: It's always a good thing to have one of, if not the fastest player in the entire NFL on your roster, and in Junior Adams' case, in your position room. KaVontae Turpin's speed has already changed several games for the Cowboys and with a long-term deal signed, he's set to continue to do that in an increased role at wide receiver. What does that new role look like? Who knows, but as long as Turpin has his speed, he's proven he can make things work with the ball in his hands.
Don't Forget About … It may have only been in flashes up to this point, but Jalen Brooks has steadily improved in each of his opportunities and finally made a splash with his diving touchdown catch last season against Carolina. While he may not be in the initial wide receiver rotation with all the additions to the room and Lamb returning healthy, he's a great depth piece to have in case injuries do rise to the forefront again.
