For the first time in a long time, it feels like the Dallas Cowboys have some quality depth on their roster. For years, we have talked about how top heavy the Cowboys were over training camp, preseason, and the regular season. This year, things feel a bit different.
The defensive side of the ball has been praised for most of training camp, especially after a nice day of practice against the Los Angeles Rams. While it’s unlikely we will see a ton of the starters over the course of the Cowboys three preseason games, it sounds like we will see some of them, even if it’s limited action.
What we will see for sure is the Cowboys’ new and improved depth compete for roster spots for Dallas, or the other 31 teams if they are waived ahead of the start of the regular season. One of the biggest differences between 2026 and the last few seasons is how much depth the Cowboys’ have in the secondary. In previous seasons, the Cowboys lack of depth in the secondary was an Achilles heel for the team in preseason and regular season action. With Christian Parker running the show on defense now, that changed, and quickly.
This offseason the Cowboys made a ton of additions to their secondary by bringing in Cobie Durant, Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, Derion Kendrick, Ameer Speed, Caleb Downs, and Devin Moore. All of whom may have been significant upgrades over what the Cowboys had on the field at times in regular season games last season. But it doesn’t stop there.
Along with their additions to the secondary, the Cowboys raised their floor on the defensive line over the offseason as well. After bringing in Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, Otito Ogbonnia, Jonathan Bullard, LT Overton, Kevin Gilliam Jr., D.J. Withers, and Tommy Dunn Jr. over the offseason, the Cowboys finally leaned into an identify on the defensive line. With a lot of young, new blood on the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys should compete well in preseason games given their uptick in talent down their depth chart.
While it’s unlikely we see much of Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, DeMarvion Overshown, DaRon Bland, Jalen Thompson, Rashan Gary, or Donovan Ezeiruaku in preseason games, the Cowboys’ coaching staff should get some good evaluations done to finalize their roster over the next three weeks, and these preseason games should be much more interesting to watch with much better depth filling out the roster.
Which defensive players are you most interested in seeing Saturday night?