Next Man Up | 2025

After two years with limited reps, Deuce Vaughn enters his third season with something to prove. Maybe being reconnected with his college coach at KSU will help him take that necessary leap forward.

The last time Malik Davis was given an opportunity to show what he could do for the Cowboys, he flashed potential; and the unsettled RB depth chart means a new chance has arrived.

While the Cowboys have a huge void to fill at right guard with Zack Martin retired, players such as T.J. Bass should get plenty of chances to compete, not only at right guard but backup spots all across the interior of the line.

It's one thing to be the Cowboys' first defensive lineman picked in the first round since Russell Maryland, but it's another thing to prep for a third coordinator in just three years.

The Cowboys gave a three-year deal to Markquese Bell this offseason, suggesting he could have a much bigger role in the defense, like he had two years ago when he went over 100 tackles.

An offseason of promise turned disastrous for Sam Williams in 2024, and considering the latest changes on the D-line, the Cowboys know he's licking his chops for 2025.

Acquired via trade in 2024, Jonathan Mingo couldn't hit the ground running with a backup quarterback at the Cowboys' helm, but that also means things could look way up for him in 2025.

Compared to DeMarcus Lawrence since he was drafted, defensive end Marshawn Kneeland now gets the chance to shine even brighter in his second year as he'll compete for a starting spot.

Zack Martin has officially retired from the NFL and as he gets ready for the Hall of Fame, Brock Hoffman prepares to try and fill his shoes — at least that's the plan right now.

When the Cowboys opted to wisely retain Juanyeh Thomas this offseason, they did it knowing what he might become for them as early as 2025, and certainly beyond. 

While the WR position will likely get more additions, it's a big year for Jalen Brooks, who now has two years of experience and has shown the ability to be a possession receiver and a down-field threat.  

Not since the pre-Cooper Rush days has the battle at QB2 been so wide open in Dallas, and Will Grier is in a unique position to take the early lead behind Dak Prescott. 

As a first-round pick in 2024, Tyler Guyton immediately got a taste of what it feels like to be thrust into the Cowboys' limelight at a key position, and he'll need to lean on lessons learned for 2025.

 Listed as a fullback, Hunter Luepke proved to be valuable in different spots on the field. While the running back room has yet to be defined, there should be a role for Luepke as he enters Year 3.

Appropriately nicknamed "Seat Belt", Caelen Carson will need to buckle up and lock in for what the Cowboys will require of him in his second year in the NFL.

Undrafted at a position that was already crowded, Brevyn Spann-Ford managed to play in every game last year as a rookie. Now, it's time for him to take the next step for the Cowboys' offense in 2025.

As DeMarvion Overshown continues to recover from injury and despite the addition of two veterans in free agency, the stage is set for Marist Liufau to possibly break out in 2025.