(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout training camp, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the Dallas Cowboys 2025 season.)
It has been said by the Cowboys front office many times, 'NFL roster building is a 365-day business.' That is certainly the case in Dallas, especially when the Cowboys made an adjustment this offseason and approached the free agency and trade market with a little more emphasis.
Dallas made some newsworthy trades while addressing their linebacker and wide receiver rooms, while signing multiple veterans to deals at running back and on the defensive line. Because of these moves, the excitement level was high for a new-look Cowboys roster, that has now started the season 2-2-1 after five weeks.
Nearly a third of the way through the season, the Cowboys now have a much better indication of how those new additions fit into the current roster. Here are the five most impactful newcomers through the first five weeks of the season:
5. Solomon Thomas
The former third overall NFL Draft pick returned home to Dallas after starting his career with the 49ers and Jets. Thomas has looked right at home, making his presence felt on the interior of the defensive line. He has benefited from a reunion with former Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton and from playing next to Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark inside.
Thomas' stat line won't jump off the page with 14 combined tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and a pass breakup. However, his film has shown vast improvement and impact since making his debut with the Cowboys in Week 1. He has played over 45 percent of the defensive snaps and has kept a similar level of production as the players in front of him.
4. James Houston
Hey! It's James Houston! The under-the-radar preseason acquisition has done nothing but impress since arriving in Oxnard as a recent signee. His 3.5 sacks are most on the Cowboys this season and have all come in the last four games. Houston is one of just two players (Kenny Clark) to have more than one sack this year.
Houston's production is a welcome sight for a pass rush that needed someone to emerge. Though the unlikely hero that Dallas signed late in the offseason, he's earned the respect of the league already and has fit perfectly into Matt Eberflus' system.
3. Kenny Clark
Sticking with the defensive line, Kenny Clark has completely changed the outlook of the Cowboys front seven since joining the team in the Micah Parsons trade. His presence on the defensive line has re-energized the run defense and took it from one of the league's worst, to one of the most improved in 2025.
Additionally, his ability to control the line of scrimmage and been a key contributor to Dallas' pressure rate and overall success in the pass rush. Having already surpassed his sack total from last season, Clark is more on pace with his 7.5 sacks from 2023 instead. If he continues to dominate up front, he could continue his streak of earning Pro Bowl honors in the odd-numbered years.
2. Javonte Williams
To be completely transparent, Javonte Williams could easily be the number one player on this list, because he's been that good this season. Williams has benefited from a re-vamped offensive line and commitment to running the ball. However, his individual effort has led to a league-high 133 rushing yards over expected.
Williams has already reached a career-high with five rushing touchdowns and is one of three running backs in Cowboys history to have more rushing scores over the first five games of a season. He joins only Emmitt Smith (twice) and Calvin Hill on that list. Williams' impact has been felt all over the offense, and the confidence in his abilities has only begun to grow.
1. George Pickens
The impact from George Pickens has been felt since training camp. Dallas traded for the star wide receiver in May and added a legitimate weapon to the Cowboys receiving corps in doing so. His impact was first felt in its entirety against the Packers in Week 4, when Pickens took over the game for eight receptions, 134 yards and two crucial touchdowns against the Packers.
Without CeeDee Lamb, there has been no drop off in the Cowboys offensive firepower, which is a significant complement for Pickens' impact. He currently ranks second in the NFL with five touchdown receptions has a touchdown grab in each of his last four games, the longest streak of his career. Consistency has been the key for Pickens, and if it continues, he'll be in for an incredible year.
