Four months have passed since the Cowboys' 2022 season ended with the painful loss to the 49ers in the divisional round. In that time, the front office has been busy signing new players and re-signings.
As a result, the Dallas Cowboys have positioned themselves well in the offseason.
My expectations are high, and there is reason for optimism.
The Cowboys have what it takes to make a Super Bowl run. Here are 5 reasons to be optimistic about this Cowboys season and their chances of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Stellar Offseason
Now that the 2023 NFL Draft is over, the Dallas Cowboys have a clearer picture of their roster. While things will change until the season starts, most of the roster is complete.
Thanks to their stellar offseason, there was little to worry about heading into the draft. Essentially all starters are back on defense, including the addition of former Defensive Player of the Year, Cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
In the offseason, they also addressed their most significant offensive need by adding Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks opposite CeeDee Lamb.
They also found the perfect backup to Tony Pollard and Malik Davis by acquiring Ronald Jones.
Jones possesses physical attributes that make him a bruiser, allowing him to hit holes with force and punish defenders who dare to tackle him.
His profile and style are reminiscent of Ezekiel Elliott.
Re-signings include:
- QB Cooper Rush
- RB Tony Pollard
- EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
- DL Jonathan Hankins
- LB Leighton Vander Esch
- S Donovan Wilson
There's nothing to complain about here from my point of view.
Most importantly, offensive issues were mitigated, and they'll feature one of the league's top defenses in 2023.
In addition, the fact that they were able to keep as many players as possible is the best way to keep the momentum going and build a strong unit poised for a deep playoff run in 2023.
The interesting position to watch is running back; after Ezekiel Elliott's release, Tony Pollard is now the top choice.
However, Pollard is still recovering from his injury in the last playoff game.
Behind him, there's Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis. Davis is expected to be used much more this season.
Odds for Dallas Cowboys Winning Super Bowl LVIII
The odds of the Dallas Cowboys winning the Super Bowl are typically shaved down to insulate against the large volume of bets on the team.
The truth is, no other team has as many fans as the Cowboys, and few fan bases are as devoted.
With a true two-way team with a strong defense, Dallas has decent chances to win, according to JustGamblers Sports, who analyzed the leading US online bookmakers that offer odds for the winner market.
Dallas was one of the NFL's best teams for most of 2022.
QB Dak Prescott played the game of his life against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, only to play one of the worst games of his life against the San Francisco 49ers.
However, with a largely intact team and, in some cases, improved, Dallas might have what it needs to reach the conference finals and beyond.
Solid Draft to Bring Them Over the Thump
The Cowboys had a pretty straightforward draft, complementing the roster with talented depth.
The Kansas City Chiefs proved last season that a strong draft could be the differentiating factor between making the playoffs and a championship. The added depth from the draft can come in handy down the road.
- DT Mazi Smith, Michigan: Round 1, Pick No. 26
- TE Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan: Round 2, Pick No. 58
- LB DeMarvion Overshown, Texas: Round 3, Pick No. 90
- EDGE Viliami Fehoko, San Diego State: Round 4, Pick No. 129
- OT Asim Richards, North Carolina: Round 5, Pick No. 169
- CB Eric Scott Jr., Southern Miss: Round 6, Pick No. 178
- RB Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State: Round 6, Pick No. 212
- WR Jalen Brooks, South Carolina: Round 7, Pick No. 244
No Significant Weaknesses in the Roster
Quarterback: No changes, Dak Prescott is the starter, and Cooper Rush and Will Grier will compete for the backup spot.
Running back: Tony Pollard is the top running back, with Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Ronald Jones providing depth. Deuce Vaughn could replace Pollard, and Hunter Luepke adds versatility as a short-yardage back.
Wide receiver: Brandin Cooks was acquired via trade. CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup are the main contributors, with Jalen Tolbert and undrafted free agents providing depth.
Tight end: Luke Schoonmaker was drafted to strengthen the position. Young tight ends have potential but must prove themselves.
Offensive line: Uncertainty remains regarding certain positions, but Tyler Biadasz and Zack Martin are likely starters. Tyron Smith and Terence Steele could switch positions, and depth options are available.
Interior defensive line: Mazi Smith was drafted to address run defense, and Johnathan Hankins was re-signed. Osa Odighizuwa and Neville Gallimore need to improve their pass-rush production.
Edge rusher: Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are key players, and Viliami Fehoko provides depth.
Linebacker: Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark are expected to contribute. Jabril Cox's role is uncertain, and DeMarvion Overshown's selection indicates a fluid situation.
Cornerback: Stephon Gilmore was added, upgrading the secondary. Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis compete for starting roles, with depth competition among other players.
Safety: Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Donovan Wilson form a strong group with depth options available.
Special teams: No changes yet; rookies are expected to contribute, and there's a potential for competition at kicker.
Few Threats in the NFC East
The Dallas Cowboys had a solid 2022 season, winning 12 games in the competitive NFC East.
With the Philadelphia Eagles facing setbacks after losing key coordinators and players in free agency, the Cowboys have an excellent chance to win their division and secure a top-four seed in the NFC.
Other top teams in the conference, like the San Francisco 49ers with quarterback concerns and the Minnesota Vikings likely to regress, also provide favorable circumstances for the Cowboys.
There is a clear path to the Super Bowl for the first time in a long time.
