Cowboys 'young core' gets middle of road NFL ranking despite untapped potential

A ranking of the "best young cores" in the NFL has the Dallas Cowboys in the middle of the pack, despite untapped potential from a highly heralded rookie class.

Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Smith goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at The Star | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025-26 NFL season looking to bounce back from a disappointing outcome a year ago. This season, Dallas will be relying heavily on its young core, including a highly touted class from the 2025 NFL draft.

Ahead of the start of the preseason, ESPN.com ranked every team in the league based on its young core -- which is classified as players under the age of 25.

While the Cowboys have invested heavily in the offensive line in recent years, it wasn't enough to crack the top half of the league. Instead, the Cowboys check in with a modest ranking of No. 17.

MORE: Cowboys not given much hope in latest NFL power rankings ahead of 2025 season

But there is still plenty of reason to be excited for the future.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Along with recent first-round picks Tyler Booker, Tyler Guyton, and Tyler Smith, the team's big-name offseason addition of George Pickens is also only 24 years old.

"The Cowboys like to pour draft resources into the offensive line. From left to right, you have left tackle Tyler Guyton at age 24, left guard Smith at age 24, center Cooper Beebe at age 24, and rookie right guard Tyler Booker at age 21," the article states. "Also on offense, new wide receiver George Pickens qualifies as a young talent -- he turns 25 next March."

MORE: Cowboys' OL dominates line of scrimmage during sixth training camp practice

On the defensive side of the ball, Dallas has defensive tackle Mazi Smith (24), linebacker Marist Liufau (24), this year's second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku (21), who has been virtually unblockable during training camp, and third-round cornerback Shavon Revel (24).

Booker, Ezeiruaku, and Revel are all rookies who have yet to show what they bring to the table in the NFL, but they all have potential to be stars at their position. If the new faces can live up to the hype, Dallas could jump up these ranking by the time next season rolls around.

Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Booker at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Best highlights & videos from Cowboys sixth training camp practice

Tyler Guyton, Cowboys avoid worst case scenario after torn ACL fear

Cowboys' OL dominates line of scrimmage during sixth training camp practice

DaRon Bland, Cowboys contract talks 'ongoing' as he reveals future plans

153-pound KaVontae Turpin levels 332-pound Tyler Smith in training camp collision

PHOTOS: Brenley Herrera, viral Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader rookie