Dallas Cowboys Roster Boasts Some Of Best Under 25 Talent in NFL

The Dallas Cowboys spent the offseason working hard to revamp the roster and address the team's biggest weaknesses, which were primarily on the defensive side of the ball.

Dallas put together a stellar 2026 draft class, which included Ohio State All-American Caleb Downs and standout UCF pass rusher Malachi Lawrence, and both first-rounders have impressed throughout training camp and the NFL preseason.

But while the Cowboys have been bringing in new talent and promising young players, the team already has some of the best rising stars in the league.

The Athletic recently ranked the top 25 NFL players under 25 years old, and two members of the Cowboys' offense made the list. One of the best players in the entire league at his position cracked the top 15, while breakout star wide receiver George Pickens slid in at No. 25.

No. 25: George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens catches the ball at training camp at River Ridge Playing Fields. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pickens is coming off of a career year where he finished eighth in the league with 93 receptions, third in receiving yards (1,429), and eighth in receiving touchdowns (9) last season. All were career highs, and resulted in a Pro Bowl nod.

Now, playing under the franchise tag, Pickens is aiming to prove that 2025 was no fluke. He has been present throughout the team's offseason program and appears as focused as he's ever been.

It's no secret that Pickens and CeeDee Lamb form arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league.

No. 12: Tyler Smith

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Smith signed a massive contract extension with the Cowboys last September, agreeing to a four-year, $96 million deal. The new contract included $81.2 million in guaranteed money and $24 million average annual salary, making him the highest-paid interior lineman in league history.

"Regarded by most talent evaluators as the top interior lineman in the NFL, Smith is an elite road-grading run blocker and is consistently effective in pass protection," The Athletic's Mike Jones wrote.

The Cowboys' offensive line is one of the biggest question marks on Dallas' roster, but there is never a question when it comes to Smith's talent. If there is one thing you can be sure of when it comes to the inconsistent unit, it's that Smith will show up and protect Dak Prescott, while opening lanes in the running game for whoever is carrying the rock.

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