Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Dak Prescott
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Dak Prescott /

10. Dallas Cowboys

A lot has changed for the Cowboys over the last decade, but the strength of this offense remains rooted in the offensive line. Zack Martin and Travis Frederick do a lot of hard work in the trenches to make Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott look good. That’s why Martin became the highest paid guard in the league this offseason.

Elliott will continue to shoulder a heavy load for this offense. Much of what Jason Garrett does on this side of the ball is set up by his star running back’s ability to keep eyes in the backfield. When the Cowboys run the ball effectively, Prescott can get the ball out on time to his playmakers. When the running game gets stifled, nothing looks quite as crisp for this unit.

The defense is loaded with big-time talent. Sean Lee isn’t the flashiest linebacker on Earth, but he’s the unquestioned leader of this defense. DeMarcus Lawrence also gives the team a legitimate Pro Bowler off the edge. The Cowboys could use a little more depth up front, but it’s a really good unit.

The secondary is full of guys who played pretty well last season, but aren’t necessarily great bets to repeat that level of performance. Byron Maxwell was excellent last season, but he doesn’t look like much more than an average corner. The same can be said for Jeff Heath at safety.

In the end, the Cowboys are good enough to make the playoffs, but probably not good enough to challenge for a title. There are too many questions on the roster to win it all.