As we slowly inch closer to the summer months, Pro Football Focus released their rankings for the top 25 players under 25 entering the 2023 NFL season.
The NFL is filled with young generational talent, and three Dallas Cowboys players landed on PPF’s list.
We should see all three players take the field for the Cowboys over the next handful of years.
Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons sits atop the list, ranking first overall. He edged out Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
We all know how great Parsons has been for the Cowboys in his first two seasons. We don’t need to dive into all the numbers we have seen repeatedly.
I will be the first to tell you, though, I was worried about him being able to stay on the field for them when he was drafted.
That was my only concern!
He opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and because of that, I was hesitant if he could hold up.
I loved him as a player, but the year off from football scared me.
We shouldn’t have to wait long before Parsons wins the Defensive Player of the Year award. Let’s hope it’s in 2023.
CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb is the second Cowboys player on the list. Dropping in at No. 9.
Lamb is the third-ranked wide receiver on the list behind Jefferson and Chase.
Many of us, including myself, spent a lot of time during the offseason a year ago wondering if Lamb could step into the role of a true No. 1 wide receiver.
I am unsure what else he needs to do if he didn’t make any of you a believer.
He finished the year with 1,359 yards and nine touchdowns. Lamb now gets Brandin Cooks and a healthy Michael Gallup instead of Noah Brown and T.Y Hilton to take the pressure off.
He might have an even bigger year in 2023.
Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs is the third and final Cowboys player rounding out the 25 players under 25 entering the 2023 NFL season at No. 25.
Diggs, at least during the 2021 season, was a swing-or-miss corner, and he took a lot of chances to capture his 11 interceptions.
He grew a lot last season with holding off on jumping routes, etc.
Diggs now gets the luxury of having Stephon Gilmore on the other side of the field. Another great trade the Cowboys made in March to bring in the former Defensive Player of the Year.
In 2022, Diggs allowed fewer yards against, but his coverage grade increased from 65.0 to 67.0.
He belongs on this rankings, and they got it right. He is 24 years old and right at his peak.
He has done enough through two seasons, allowing him to sneak onto the list.
The Cowboys have a lot of young great talent under 25 that didn’t even make the list, but all these guys are on it for a reason.
Here’s to the hope they live up to the expectations in 2023.