Ranking Cowboys players 53-to-1 going into Week 1 vs Bucs
Every week during the season, Cowboys Wire presents the Player Power Rankings, our look at who is trending in the right direction on the team. It’s a mixture of both past performance and promise, balancing experience against expectations.
The Dallas Cowboys have settled in to their roster and on Monday are conducting their first practice of the regular season. It is Week 1 and all preparations to take on Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have begun. Dallas’ roster, like many around the league, look much different than the last time fans saw it in game action that counts. The Cowboys kept their stars and the majority of their starters out of the preseason, so it’s time to get acclimated to what the new roster is.
Biggest Risers (from final 2021 rankings)
DT Quinton Bohanna +16
Safety Isreal Mukuamu +15
Center Matt Farniok +14
WR Noah Brown +13
Ranking Debuts, Rooks and Free agents
Outside Top 50
WR Dennis Houston
WR Simi Fehoko
WR James Washington
Top 50
OT Matt Waletzko
LB Devin Harper
TE Peyton Hendershot
Top 40
RB Rico Dowdle
Safety Makquese Bell
WR Jalen Tolbert
CB DaRon Bland
Top 30
DE Dante Fowler, Jr.
TE Jake Ferguson
WR KaVontae Turpin
DE Sam Williams
LB Anthony Barr
Top 20
OL Tyler Smith
Biggest Drops (from final 2021 rankings)
CB Kelvin Joseph -17
LB Luke Gifford -11
CB Nahshon Wright -11
DE Tarell Basham -11
53 ) WR Dennis Houston (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
52 ) WR Simi Fehoko - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
51 ) WR James Washington (FA) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
50 ) OT Matt Waletzko (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
49 ) LB Devin Harper (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
48 ) LB Luke Gifford - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 37 ) Change : -11
47 ) CB Nahshon Wright - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 36 ) Change : -11
46 ) DE Tarell Basham - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 35 ) Change : -11
45 ) OT Josh Ball - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
44 ) OL Connor McGovern - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 39 ) Change : -5
43 ) DE Chauncey Golston - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 38 ) Change : -5
42 ) TE Peyton Hendershot (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
41 ) P Bryan Anger - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 33 ) Change : -8
40 ) CB Kelvin Joseph - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 23 ) Change : -17
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A horrible offseason off the field followed by an uninspired camp and preseason, Joseph will have to earn his way back up the rankings.
39 ) LB Jabril Cox - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Returning from an ACL injury is possible in a year, but it’s normally Year 2 before full mobility returns.
38 ) S Israel Mukuamu - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 53 ) Change : +15
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A fringe guy who should up and showed out in the preseason with two interceptions and multiple big plays.
37 ) C Matt Farniok - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 51 ) Change : +14
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Showed position flex and a high floor in the preseason at both center and left guard.
36 ) RB Rico Dowdle - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Most don’t expect it, but Dowdle is going to play a major role in 2022 after missing all of 2021.
35 ) DT Trysten Hill - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 32 ) Change : -3
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
One of the best motors on the ball club, part of a solid DT rotation now.
34 ) FS Markquese Bell (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The UDFA who doesn’t play like one, Bell looks every bit the part of the big-time recruit he was at Maryland before having to transfer.
33 ) WR Jalen Tolbert (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
No consistency during camp and preseason, the third-round rookie has a way to go to develop into a big-time player.
32 ) DT Quinton Bohanna - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 48 ) Change : +16
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
A big-body guy who certainly seems to have found his NFL strength going into Year 2.
31 ) CB DaRon Bland (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Looks like Dallas may have found a steal in the fifth rounder from Fresno State; not afraid to mix it up and shows ability to stay in phase in coverage.
30 ) DE Dante Fowler (FA) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
Fowler may be the most volatile ranking this season, as there are flashes of why he was a third overall pick along with evidence why he’s bounced around the league.
29 ) TE Jake Ferguson (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
The Wisconsin rookie seems to have fit right in where Dallas had a gaping hole. Now it has to translate when it matters.
28 ) WR Noah Brown - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 41 ) Change : +13
(AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)
While it feels like it’s taken forever, Brown is just 26 and appears to be coming into his own as a bona fide NFL threat.
27 ) ST C.J. Goodwin - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 27 ) Change : 0
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Special teams ace, Goodwin’s role is obvious and needed.
26 ) WR KaVontae Turpin (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Sneaking suspicion this is the lowest Turpin will be ranked all year as return ability will soon turn into gadget guy in Kellen Moore’s offense.
25 ) S Donovan Wilson - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 29 ) Change : +4
(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
The talent is there but health is always a question and now he’ll have to fight to keep the young bucks away from his snap share.
24 ) DE Sam Williams (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
The Mississippi rookie showed speed, power and relentless spirit in the preseason finale. He could be ready quicker than many expect.
23 ) LB Anthony Barr (FA) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
On paper a tremendous addition but the four-time Pro Bowler has to prove he has something left in the tank in 2022.
22 ) OL Tyler Biadasz - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 20 ) Change : -2
(AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Cowboys fans want him replaced, but there he is, still starting in 2022. Can he stay there, though?
21 ) LB Leighton Vander Esch - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 25 ) Change : +4
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A strong camp on the heels of being healthy for the first time since being a rookie. Playing next to Micah Parsons can be rejuvenating.
20 ) OT Terence Steele - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 26 ) Change : +6
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Entrenched as a starter for the first time in his career, will the confidence boost his stability or will the expectations make him wither?
19 ) DE Dorance Armstrong - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 21 ) Change : +2
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Armstrong has big pressure shoes to fill as the new starter to replace Randy Gregory.
18 ) CB Anthony Brown - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 15 ) Change : -3
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Most observers say Brown was one of the top players in training camp this year, color us intrigued.
17 ) CB Jourdan Lewis - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 24 ) Change : +7
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Lewis is nursing a hamstring, but he played a phenomenal slot corner in 2021 and looks to continue ascending.
16 ) OG Tyler Smith (R) - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
(AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Things might be rough to start for Smith as he goes back to left tackle after being a guard all camp, but the talent is clearly there.
15 ) DT Neville Gallimore - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 22 ) Change : +7
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Expect big things from the big man from Jamaica by way of Canada as he’s healthy and ready to attack the gaps.
14 ) DT Osa Odighizuwa - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 19 ) Change : +5
(AP Photo/Brett Duke)
Odighizuwa should now on the other side of the rookie wall that stunted his impressive 2021 campaign about six games in.
13 ) S Malik Hooker - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 18 ) Change : +5
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
An afterthought in 2021 free agency, Hooker is healthy and ready to assume the accolades that made him a first rounder.
12 ) TE Dalton Schultz - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 16 ) Change : +4
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Playing on the franchise tag, Schultz is going to see a massive amount of targets in this trimmed-down Dallas offene.
11 ) WR Michael Gallup - ( Final 2021 Ranking: #N/A ) Change : #N/A
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
More hope than fact? Returning from a January ACL is amazing, but it’s just one part. Returning to a plus level of play is wholly another ask.
10 ) OT Tyron Smith - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 11 ) Change : +1
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Done until December, this ranking is an homage to better days. Salute.
9 ) S Jayron Kearse - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 12 ) Change : +3
(AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Kearse earned his way into a starring role in 2021, can he boost his stock even higher with a follow-up campaign?
8 ) RB Tony Pollard - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 10 ) Change : +2
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Is less more when it comes to Pollard? The additions of Dowdle and Turpin should allow Pollard’s usage to truly catch opponents off guard.
7 ) RB Ezekiel Elliott - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 9 ) Change : +2
(AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Based on how 2021 started for Elliott and how he powered through a knee injury that would’ve sidelined most, we’re not doubting a resurgence is on the way.
6 ) WR CeeDee Lamb - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 8 ) Change : +2
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Lamb should be among the league leaders in targets and catches and his ranking is fitting for someone with those expectations heaped upon him.
5 ) CB Trevon Diggs - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 5 ) Change : 0
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
See ball. Get ball. Repeat x11. Doubt him if you want to.
4 ) DE DeMarcus Lawrence - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 3 ) Change : -1
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Lawrence was robbed of the opportunity to play opposite Micah Parsons for much of the year. Now? Lookout.
3 ) QB Dak Prescott - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 4 ) Change : +1
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
After a myriad of injuries the last two seasons, Prescott should be poised to flourish as he enters the sweet spot of his career.
2 ) OL Zack Martin - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 2 ) Change : 0
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
One of the league’s best lineman and possibly the best guard, Martin is a foundational piece and future Hall of Famer.
1 ) LB Micah Parsons - ( Final 2021 Ranking: 1 ) Change : 0
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
That’s not a 1 for his ranking, it’s the horn of the unicorn.
