First-ever Deion Sanders draft pick making strong push for Cowboys roster spot

The Dallas Cowboys are going to have some tough decisions to make at the EDGE position.

Detroit Lions’ James Houston IV held a youth football camp at JSU in Jackson, Miss. | Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK

Before their first practice of training camp, the Dallas Cowboys added some competition at the defensive end position by signing James Houston IV.

Now in his fourth NFL season, Houston was originally a sixth-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2022. His selection was notable since he came out of Jackson State, where he was coached by Deion Sanders, and was the first player drafted after playing for Coach Prime.

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Houston was impressive as a rookie with eight sacks in just seven games played. His second season was cut short by injury and he split time with the Lions and Cleveland Browns in 2024.

While he hasn’t recaptured the magic he displayed as a rookie, Houston still has the talent to make an impact as a rotational rusher. He’s been proving that throughout Cowboys’ camp, making one play after another.

I don’t know how James Houston makes the roster with so many talented edges but he continues to flash pic.twitter.com/vQ3xXPLlYU

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) August 4, 2025

Houston has also been praised for his work ethic, often being the last player on the field working with coaches.

As impressive as he’s been, making it to the 53-man roster won’t be easy. Dallas is loaded at the position right now. Rookie second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku has been on fire while Sam Williams is also showing up during practices.

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Houston also has to contend with  Marshawn Kneeland, who looks like a different player in his second season.

Veterans Dante Fowler Jr. and Peyton Turner are there as well, making it more challenging for Houston. That said, he’s making a strong case for himself, and it’s going to be tough for Dallas to expose him to waivers if he continues to shine.

Lions linebacker James Houston looks on during warmups before the NFC championship game. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

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