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Latest player insights
Brown is another undrafted player having a strong showing in training camp with the Cowboys, even working with the second-team offense recently. He's made several impressive athletic touchdown catches, putting himself in the wide receiver mix for a roster spot.
Even though Trigg joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, he has been one of their most impressive rookies so far. With Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford roster spots secured, he could push Luke Schoonmaker off the roster and win the TE3 job.
Smith is having a pretty quiet training camp, but his deep threat ability and special teams value makes him someone to keep an eye on in preseason. He's currently in contention for Dallas' fifth and probably final wide receiver roster spot, along with several others.
Howell has had moments throughout training camp but hasn't proven to be a clear upgrade over last year's backup Joe Milton. Both are competing to be the QB2 this season, but Milton is currently running with the second team. Howell could change that with a strong showing in preseason.
Undrafted tight end making plays at training camp with notable pass-catching skills and athleticism; positioned as the athletic project in the Cowboys' tight end depth chart vision (Ferguson as TE1, Spann-Ford as TE2, Trigg as athletic project); his athleticism and preseason performance in the Cowboys' isolated Saturday night window should attract attention from other teams.
Emerging tight end option with superior blocking ability and developing pass-catching upside; positioned as the #2 tight end in the Cowboys' depth chart vision; in contract year but viewed as the more reasonable extension candidate over Schoonmaker; has flashed upside as a pass catcher and sold out on route execution for touchdown plays.
Jake Ferguson has taken control of the #1 tight end spot and earned a sizable payday, ensuring Schoonmaker has no path to surpass him; Brevyn Spann-Ford is the preferred extension candidate over Schoonmaker despite both being in contract years; undrafted Michael Trigg is being developed as an athletic project; Zack Kuntz was added off waivers after Princeton Fant's injury, further crowding the depth chart.
Second-round pick tight end with poor return on investment; drafted too high for team's ambitions given Dak Prescott's ability to elevate any tight end; hasn't provided sufficient ROI and should be on the outs with the team; the source expects the Cowboys to move Schoonmaker for a day-three pick.
Selected by the Rams in Round 6, Pick 16 (197 Overall) from Miami; provides offensive help for Matthew Stafford beyond the first round; part of the Rams' wide receiver depth alongside Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Jordan Whittington.
Selected by the Rams with the first-round pick (Round 1, Pick 13) in the 2026 draft; positioned as future quarterback help for the team, not immediate help for starting QB Matthew Stafford or the defense; the pick raised some puzzlement given the division sent three teams to the playoffs and the Rams' focus on immediate Super Bowl contention.
Selected in Round 2, Pick 29 (61 Overall) of the 2026 draft by the Rams; provides tight end depth and offensive help for Matthew Stafford beyond the first round; part of the Rams' 13 personnel heavy offensive scheme alongside re-signed Tyler Higbee.
Re-signed by the Rams in free agency; anchors the Rams' tight end depth in their signature heavy 13 personnel usage alongside Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, and draft pick Max Klare; maintains the Rams' offensive identity that other teams are now trying to replicate.
Schoonmaker could be pushed off the roster if Michael Trigg continues to shine throughout the rest of training camp and preseason; the source predicts that's exactly what's going to happen, making Schoonmaker a potential trade candidate.
Trigg is projected to make the 53-man roster if he continues to shine throughout the rest of training camp and preseason, potentially pushing Luke Schoonmaker off the roster.
Spann-Ford is a roster lock at tight end for the Cowboys on the 53-man roster prediction.
Ferguson is a roster lock at tight end for the Cowboys on the 53-man roster prediction.
The rookie is given the nod for the fifth and final WR spot due to his ability to stretch the field as well as special teams value, though this spot is noted as one that could change.
Turpin is projected to make the roster as the return specialist/gadget player in the fifth WR spot.
Flournoy is locked in as one of Dallas' top three receivers on the 53-man roster prediction.
Pickens is locked in as one of Dallas' top three receivers on the 53-man roster prediction.
Lamb is locked in as one of Dallas' top three receivers on the 53-man roster prediction.
The second-year RB has been impressive enough to probably secure a roster spot; the RB position group depth behind Williams is much deeper than expected and has been one of the bigger surprises for the Cowboys.
The second-year RB has been impressive enough to probably secure a roster spot; the RB position group depth behind Williams is much deeper than expected and has been one of the bigger surprises for the Cowboys.
Williams is projected as the lead running back on the Cowboys' 53-man roster prediction through the halfway point of training camp.
Milton has shown noticeable improvement on his touch passes and has the most upside of the two QBs competing for the QB2 spot; his encouraging development would allow the Cowboys to use that extra roster spot elsewhere, giving him a slight edge over Sam Howell in the QB2 battle.
George Pickens is impressing at Cowboys training camp despite Dallas' reluctance to sign him to a long-term contract extension. The source notes that Pickens' continued strong camp performance in the face of contract adversity is noteworthy, contrasting his professional response to contract disputes with Micah Parsons' more public holdout approach last year.
Undrafted free-agent tight end Michael Trigg finished his Baylor career with 108 catches for 1,419 yards and 14 touchdowns, including 50 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns in his final season—production that ranks in the top 3 for college tight ends in 2025. The source identifies Trigg as a potential undrafted breakout candidate for 2026 with the production to make the Cowboys' final 53-man roster, suggesting he could outperform an underachieving tight end already on Dallas' roster.
Pickens is playing on a fully guaranteed franchise tag worth $27.3 million in 2025 after the Cowboys declined to negotiate a long-term deal in the offseason. He is currently having a strong training camp as he works to demonstrate his value for a future lucrative contract.
Pickens' behavioral concerns from his Steelers tenure have not materialized in Dallas; he attributes his improved demeanor to the Cowboys' coaching environment and personnel. He credits the team's lighthearted approach, willingness to listen before forming narratives, and the support of head coach Brian Schottenheimer and teammate CeeDee Lamb for his stability and comfort, which enables him to perform at his dominant capability.
Pickens set career highs in 2025 with 93 receptions, 1,429 yards, and 9 touchdowns in his first season with the Cowboys after being traded from Pittsburgh for a third-round pick in 2026 and fifth-round pick in 2027.
Won UFL MVP honors in 2022 with the New Jersey Generals after leading the league in receiving yards. Translated that success to the NFL immediately, earning Pro Bowl honors as a returner—a first in Cowboys franchise history across 60+ years. Has earned Pro Bowls in three of his four NFL seasons, including All-Pro selections in each of the last two seasons. The source cites him as evidence of the Cowboys' successful track record mining the UFL for elite talent.
Signed by the Cowboys to replace Dominic Richardson; undrafted in 2022 after practice squad stints with Giants and Panthers. Led the San Antonio Brahmas in rushing in 2025 UFL season and finished third in rushing with the Orlando Storm in 2026. Demonstrates one-cut acceleration, good vision, receiving skills, and special teams value as a kick returner. Now competing for one of the last running back spots in a crowded backfield; the source notes his all-purpose appeal and special teams contributions could provide value in the competition.
Rookie undrafted free agent Trigg was gaining significant steam and dominating tight end room discussion heading into training camp as a potential breakout candidate, but Ferguson has since taken over the conversation in early camp practices.
Spann-Ford was gaining significant steam and dominating tight end room discussion heading into training camp as a potential breakout candidate, but Ferguson has since taken over the conversation in early camp practices.
Ferguson has dominated training camp discussion after a disappointing 2025 season (7.3 yards per reception, 3 fumbles). In early camp practices, he has been one of the better offensive players, catching multiple touchdowns and making big plays up the seams and in intermediate-to-deep portions of the field in Saturday's practice. With CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and the Cowboys running game drawing defensive attention, Ferguson has an opportunity in 2026 to put up career-high numbers in all major categories with a healthy Dak Prescott, positioning the fifth-year tight end ahead of schedule for a potentially career-best season.
Pickens is having a 'blazing hot start' in Cowboys training camp, channeling a competitive mentality inspired by NBA greats Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. The 25-year-old receiver is leaning heavily into the 'Mamba Mentality,' emphasizing his desire to perform at his best regardless of circumstances. This strong camp performance suggests positive momentum heading into the season.
Lamb addressed a persistent issue with drops during training camp; the source notes he worked to limit drops and acknowledged this as 'the most maddening aspect of his game,' suggesting corrective work has been done. The source contrasts his elite catch-making ability on difficult plays against his occasional struggles with routine catches, indicating the drop problem is being actively managed heading into the season.
KaVontae Turpin has connected with Dak Prescott on plays during training camp, indicating continued involvement in the Cowboys' offensive scheme. Turpin is part of the target group as the offense looks to maintain high-powered production in 2026.
Tight end Jake Ferguson and Dak Prescott look to be completely on the same page during training camp, with the two connecting on touchdown plays. Ferguson is part of Prescott's target group as the Cowboys' offense looks to put together another year of high-powered production in 2026.
Ryan Flournoy is poised to take a big leap in his third season and is part of Prescott's top three targets during training camp. During practice, Flournoy muscled away a difficult catch from DaRon Bland on a frozen rope from Prescott for a touchdown, demonstrating improved chemistry and confidence with the quarterback. The source frames camp as fine-tuning before the regular season, with Flournoy positioned to emerge as a more significant contributor.