Dallas Cowboys Key Players

A look at the key players for the Dallas Cowboys.

Dak Prescott

Forgetting the disappointing season for the Dallas Cowboys, their star quarterback produced his best season to date. Dak Prescott finished second behind Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson in the MVP voting.

The 30-year-old threw for 4,516 yards including a league-high 36 touchdowns, whilst only throwing nine interceptions – outstanding figures. Additionally, in 2023 he ranked second in passer rating (105.9) and completion percentage (69.5) for starting quarterbacks.

Prescott is a hot topic and has previously been one of the highest paid throwers in the NFL. Entering the final year of his deal, Jerry Jones, per NFL media, is prepared to extend him again. The Los Angeles native will no doubt already be thinking about making amends for next season.

After eight years in the NFL and producing the best football of his career, the 2016 draft pick will dream of delivering the Dallas Cowboys success that everyone associated with the team craves.

CeeDee Lamb

When being a first round pick in the NFL Draft there is undoubtedly an added pressure as expectations are raised. However, this has not seemed to bother CeeDee Lamb one bit and has accelerated on an upwards trajectory since being drafted in 2020.

Lambs consistent and exceptional performances have invited him into the conversation of being one of the best wide receivers currently. During the Cowboys Week 17 victory over the Detroit Lions, Lamb broke Hall of Famer Michael Irvin’s franchise record for receptions and receiving yards in a single season.

Rewind back to week 10, the receiver out of Oklahoma became the first player to record at least 10 catches for over 150 yards in three consecutive games.

Personal achievements such as the 2023 First Team All-Pro and making three Pro Bowl appearances, just solidify the argument that Lamb is indispensable to any future Cowboys success.

Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons is a defensive linebacker who was selected in the first round by the Cowboys after graduating from Penn State University.

Since breaking into the NFL, he has been a nightmare for offensive linemen and opposition quarterbacks. One of the hottest defensive prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons lived up to expectations as he captured the title of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Since then, has thrown his name into the ring for NFL Defensive Player of the Year the proceeding seasons. Despite his starting position being a linebacker, the 24-year-old will strategically position himself on the exterior defensive line.

As a result, the three-time Pro Bowler has registered 40.5 sacks in just 3 seasons. Being selected for three Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pro teams is testament to the raw talent he boasts.

Trevon Diggs

All the players on this list thus far have been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Trevon Diggs (cornerback) is no different, as he was drafted as their second pick in the NFL Draft behind Lamb.

The Alabama draft selection made a steady start to life in Dallas as he led the team in interceptions (3) and passes deflected (14) at the conclusion of the 2020 NFL season.

The Cowboys defence struggled immensely that season, with Diggs reported to have played through multiple games carrying minor injuries, as well as missing an entire month of football with a fracture.

2021 saw Diggs’ breakout season which earned him a First-Team All-Pro selection. Registering 11 interceptions over the course of the season which tied Cowboys legend Everson Walls for the single season record.

Amongst the interceptions, the Maryland born star started the first six games with an interception, which tied an NFL record held since 2003 by Brian Russell.

Roy Woodson, Hall of Famer, would also be accompanied by Diggs as the Dallas star matched his record of seven interceptions in his first six games of a season.

In 2023, his performances rewarded him with a five-year contract worth up to $104 million including bonuses.

To Diggs and the Cowboys dismay, the cornerback would tear his ACL in practice ruling him out for the entire season. Once healthy, Diggs will look forward to a return for the 2024 season and get back to his best.

DaRon Bland

America’s Team possesses the best cornerback of the 2023 season on their roster, DaRon Bland. The 24-year-old is a perfect example that there is always exceptional hidden talent in the later rounds of the draft.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the cornerback had an immense rookie season as he registered five interceptions – a number which some veteran corners will not hit. For what the 2023 season had in store for Bland caught the entire NFL by surprise.

The former Sacramento college star scored five defensive touchdowns in a single season setting a new NFL record. Pick-sixes against the New York Giants, New England Patriots, LA Rams, Carolina Panthers and the Washington Commanders saw the Cowboys defensive star win NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November, whilst also setting a franchise pick-six record in the regular season.

Overall, Bland finished the season with 11 interceptions – he could not replicate that season in 2024, could he?