Frisco, Texas – The NFL will not play games in March. There's nothing in April or May, and preseason doesn't start until August.
This is nothing new, just repeated to discuss the actual importance of what the roster should look like at this point in the season.
Yes, there are holes to fill. It looks like there's a lot left to do for the Cowboys, who have more players leaving the building than entering. There's no doubt that next month's NFL Draft will be even more interesting. There are many positions on the Cowboys' roster right now that are underserved and still need improvement, even in a starting role.
But for reference, let's take a look at what the Cowboys' starting lineup would look like if they had to at the moment.
Here's the Cowboys' offensive starting lineup in late March:
- QB – Dak Prescott
- RB – Rico Doodle
- FB – Hunter Luepke
- WR – CeeDee Lamb
- WR – Brandin Cooks
- TE – Jake Ferguson
- LT – Matt Waletzko/Asim Richards/Josh Ball
- LG – Tyler Smith
- C – Brock Hoffman
- RG – Zack Martin
- RT – Terrence Steele
unpleasant note: Let's start with the left tackle. Because many of our readers are probably wondering why Tyler Smith isn't moved to left tackle and maybe TJ Bass will play guard. That could certainly be the approach, but the Cowboys haven't hinted at that possibility at this point. Stephen Jones even said he expects Tyler Smith to remain at left guard. Obviously, left tackle is a spot the Cowboys will tackle in the draft, likely in the first round. And while Lupke was added at fullback, they knew Luke Schoonmaker could play more as a second tight end and/or Jalen Tolbert would be the WR3.
The expected defensive formation looks like this.
- DE – Micah Parsons
- DT – Osa Odigizuwa
- DT – Maji Smith / Chauncey Golston
- DE – DeMarcus Lawrence
- OLB – Demarvion’s Overshow
- MLB – Eric Kendricks
- OLB – Damone Clark
- CB – Trevon Diggs
- FS – Malik Hooker
- SS – Donovan Wilson
- CB – Darron Brand
- Attention – Jordan Lewis
defensive notes: Yes, I listed Parsons as a defensive end. The NFL will likely do something similar if the Cowboys pick up his fifth-year option. If he plays outside linebacker, we're going to make a change, but for most snaps at Parsons linebacker, he's dominant. With Hankins and Gallimore gone, the defensive tackle spot is thin. Diggs and Overshawn are currently not ready to practice as they are rehabbing from torn ACLs, but are expected to be able to start practicing by training camp. Don't forget that the safety spot is interchangeable, with Juane Thomas and Marquez Bell returning to the mix there. Lewis was added as an extra nickel back given the amount of snaps the Cowboys typically play at three corners. And while linebackers are still up in the air for now, the Cowboys will likely find a way to get Kendricks and Clark on the field.
There are no changes here, but experts do not expect any changes.
- PK – Brandon Aubrey
- P – Brian Unger
- LS – Trent Sieg
- KR/PR – Cavonte Turpin
