Dallas Cowboys Roster: Predict Starters for 2024 Season

Despite several free agent additions and eight total draft picks, the Dallas Cowboys' starters will look much the same as they did a season ago in all three phases of the game. For a team that went 12-5 and made the playoffs last year, having most of the starters back should be seen as a good thing, but his rookie will likely be the deciding factor in 2024.

Today, I'm going to try to project this year's Cowboys' starters in all three stages to get a better idea of ​​where they are right now and where they can still improve. After all, there's still plenty of time to make a few moves here and there before the 2024 season begins.

attack

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• QB Dak Prescott
• RB Ezekiel Elliott
• WR CeeDee Lamb
• WR Brandin Cooks
• WR Jalen Tolbert
• TE Jake Ferguson
• LT Tyler Guyton
• LG Tyler Smith
• OC Cooper Beebe
• RG Zack Martin
• RT Terrence Steele

Aside from a few rookies, the Dallas Cowboys will return most of the starting offense that finished second in EPA par play last season.

Despite being in a contract year, Dak Prescott will once again be driving the bus, with his old friend Ezekiel Elliott returning to navigate in his old role as Dallas' RB1. The question is, how much workload is Zeke likely to handle since Rico Doodle is also getting reps?

At receiver, CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks return as the Cowboys' top WR duo, with Jalen Tolbert expected to take on an expanded role following the release of Michael Gallup. However, there are several WRs behind Tolbert that could challenge for his job. And let's not forget Jake Ferguson. He should get even better in his third year after gaining experience as a full season starter.

The offensive line is the area that will see the most changes. Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe are expected to replace last year's LT and OC starters Tyron Smith and Tyler Biardash. Everything else is pretty much the same. Zach Martin and Tyler Smith are in contract years, giving Dallas perhaps the best guard duo in the league with Terrence Steele returning as the starting right tackle.

defense

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• DE Demarcus Lawrence
• DT Osa Odighizuwa
• DT Maji Smith
• DE Mika Parsons
• LB Eric Kendricks
• LB Damone Clarke
• CB Daron Brand
• CB Trevon Diggs
• CB Jordan Lewis
• S. Malik Hooker
• S. Donovan Wilson

Unlike on offense, the Cowboys have made more subtractions than additions on defense this offseason, the most notable of which may be the loss of Dan Quinn. However, there is a possibility that only a few rookies will be able to start in 2024.

Maj Smith, last year's first-round draft pick, is expected to make a big leap this year and replace Jonathan Hankins as Dallas' starting one-tech. Next to him, Osa Odighizuwa will reevaluate his role as the starting three-tech. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys try to find more help via trade or the DT waiver wire.

At linebacker, Eric Kendricks replaces the retired Leighton Vander Esch, and Damone Clark is currently the favorite to start at LB, which is the position he is best suited to play. He could be challenged by Demarvion Overshawn or this year's third-round draft pick (87th overall), Marist Liufau.

Off the edge, DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons reprized their role as one of the league's best defensive end duos. Backing them up will be Sam Williams, who is expected to take on an expanded role this year, and second-round draft pick Marshawn Nyland.

In the secondary, Trevon Diggs and Daron Brand are expected to start at outside corner for the Cowboys, with Jordan Lewis expected to play in the slot. An impressive trio. And for safety, Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson will reprise their starting roles, with Juannie Thomas likely backing up the reps.

special teams

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• K. Brandon Aubrey
• P. Brian Unger
• LS Trent Sieg
• KR/PR Cavonte Turpin

There's nothing to see here. Brandon Aubrey and Brian Unger will be the Cowboys' starting kicker and punter this year, with Trent Sieg returning as the long snapper for both. And with new rule changes regarding return games, Kavonte Turpin could become an important weapon on his own.