The NFL is a here-and-now kind of league. While a league like the NBA may have the time to “trust the process” and MLB may be content with building their respective farm teams year after year, the NFL doesn’t have that sort of patience. For teams like the Dallas Cowboys whose window is open right now, it’s all about 2026 so sacrificing for the future isn’t a luxury they currently enjoy.
When building a 53-man roster the Cowboys have to prioritize the present, which means even high-ceiling developmental prospects need to contribute something to the 2026 campaign. This usually involves mandatory service on special teams and/or the ability to slide into a start role if injuries demand it. But one position group that enjoys a star-studded cast of playmakers at the top of the depth chart may be the exception to the rule this year.
The Cowboys wide receiver room this year is quite possibly the best in the NFL. Big names like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens headline the marquee but breakout candidate Ryan Flournoy ensures depth across all three starting receiver positions. Even gadget-man KaVontae Turpin ensures immediate depth from a down-roster role.
This unnaturally solid top four means the Cowboys might be able gamble a little in the lower ranks. Instead of forcing in veterans like Denzel Mims and Marquez Valdez-Scantling onto the roster for emergency depth or gifting places for special teams’ standouts who don't much of an offensive future, the Cowboys can gamble on potential and do the unthinkable, which is invest in the future.
Anthony Smith, Dallas’ seventh round rookie out of East Carolina, doesn’t have special teams experience in college. Blessed with size and speed, Smith has all the physical traits to be starter one day, but that day probably isn’t coming in 2026.
When building a 53-man roster the Cowboys have to prioritize the present, which means even high-ceiling developmental prospects need to contribute something to the 2026 campaign. This usually involves mandatory service on special teams and/or the ability to slide into a start role if injuries demand it. But one position group that enjoys a star-studded cast of playmakers at the top of the depth chart may be the exception to the rule this year.
The Cowboys wide receiver room this year is quite possibly the best in the NFL. Big names like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens headline the marquee but breakout candidate Ryan Flournoy ensures depth across all three starting receiver positions. Even gadget-man KaVontae Turpin ensures immediate depth from a down-roster role.
This unnaturally solid top four means the Cowboys might be able gamble a little in the lower ranks. Instead of forcing in veterans like Denzel Mims and Marquez Valdez-Scantling onto the roster for emergency depth or gifting places for special teams’ standouts who don't much of an offensive future, the Cowboys can gamble on potential and do the unthinkable, which is invest in the future.
Anthony Smith, Dallas’ seventh round rookie out of East Carolina, doesn’t have special teams experience in college. Blessed with size and speed, Smith has all the physical traits to be starter one day, but that day probably isn’t coming in 2026.
2 months ago
