After an injury-hit 2020, the Cowboys bounced back nicely last season. They finished the year 12-5, taking their first NFC East title since 2018. They didn’t do much when they got to the playoffs though, losing in the Wild Card round to the 49ers. There have been some big changes to the team since then, with a number of starters moving onto pastures new. Only time will tell if this unit can meet the ever-lofty expectations of Cowboys fans in 2022.
Offseason additions and losses
The Cowboys made very few notable additions this offseason, focusing instead on bringing back a number of key starters. They re-signed safety duo Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse on two-year deals, whilst also extending Michael Gallup on a five-year $57.5 million deal. Their limited free agency moves included James Washington on a cheap one-year deal, and Dante Fowler who reunites with Dan Quinn on a one-year $3 million deal, helping to boost the team’s depth at defensive line.
There were however some big name departures. Along the offensive line they saw Connor Williams depart for Miami whilst cutting La’El Collins to save cap space. They also saw some turnover at wide receiver, trading away Amari Cooper for a fifth round pick as a salary dump, whilst losing Cedrick Wilson to the Dolphins in free agency. Randy Gregory also left the team, backing out of a big-money deal with the Cowboys due to contract language and moving to Denver instead.
2022 NFL Draft
| Pick | Player |
| 1.24 | Tyler Smith – OT, Tulsa |
| 2.56 | Sam Williams – EDGE, Ole Miss |
| 3.88 | Jalen Tolbert – WR, South Alabama |
| 4.129 | Jake Ferguson – TE, Wisconsin |
| 5.155 | Matt Waletzko – OT, North Dakota |
| 5.167 | DaRon Bland – CB, Fresno State |
| 5.176 | Damone Clark – LB, LSU |
| 5.178 | John Ridgeway – IDL, Arkansas |
| 6.193 | Devin Harper – LB, Oklahoma State |
Unlike their first round picks over the past couple of years, the Cowboys surprised plenty of people with the direction they took. Tyler Smith has huge upside on the offensive line, but he the embodiment of a project and needs a tonne of work to fix his technique before getting starting reps in the NFL. The Sam Williams pick was controversial for different reasons given his charge for sexual battery whilst at Ole Miss, though the on-field talent is undeniable. The rest of the class had some promise, especially Jalen Tolbert in the third round. DaRon Bland also has the potential to develop into a quality contributor.
Offense
The chances of success for the Cowboys start at quarterback. In Dak Prescott they have a very good starter, who finished the 2021 season with 37 touchdowns to just 10 picks. Since entering the league in 2016, Dak ranks 11th in quarterback efficiency rating ahead of players like Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford. He combines with one of the game’s brightest young coordinators in Kellen Moore to give the Cowboys a really powerful offense. In their two full seasons together the offense has ranked second and sixth in DVOA.
The heart of this team is in the trenches, as it has been for many years. They finished the 2021 season with the highest offensive line PFF composite grade and ranked second in adjusted line yards. Whilst the losses of Connor Williams and La’El Collins are sure to test them in 2022, they still have enough talent to win in pass protection and as run blockers. When paired with a backfield of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard you have the recipe for rushing success.
The question facing this unit ahead of 2022 is how they adjust to their loss of talent, particularly at wide receiver. They admittedly retain a talented core of CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup and Dalton Schultz, but it is unquestionably a worse unit than it was last season. Amari Cooper had over 3,000 yards in his three years with the team and his presence will be missed. Add in the departure of Cedrick Wilson and Michael Gallup’s injury concerns and things could look a little threadbare for the Cowboys this season.
Defense
The decision to appoint Dan Quinn as the defensive coordinator worked wonders for the Cowboys last season. The team jumped from 23rd in DVOA in 2020 to second, behind only the Buffalo Bills. Quinn’s scheme played a big part but he couldn’t have done it without Micah Parsons, who is already the star of this team ahead of his second season in the NFL. Parsons’ 67 pressures ranked ninth across the NFL and he led the league in pass rush win rate, despite playing primarily as an off-ball linebacker. The defense will no doubt run through him again in 2022.
He’s not the only talent in the front seven though. Whilst Randy Gregory’s departure will no doubt sting, the Cowboys are still blessed with some good players. Demarcus Lawrence was limited to just seven games last season but he’s a very productive edge rusher when he is on the field. They also saw some nice production from rookie interior lineman Osa Odigizhuwa, who finished the season with 37 pressures.
This quality is matched at safety with a strong trio of Jayron Kearse, Donovan Wilson, and Malik Hooker. The worry will be whether or not the team can consistently hold up at cornerback. Trevon Diggs made headlines for his ball production last season, but he was feast or famine as far as coverage was concerned. He led the league with 11 picks but allowed the most yards of any defender at 1,016 at a worrying 18.5 yards per reception. On the other side they had Anthony Brown who likewise had ball production (15 forced incompletions) but allowed 821 yards. If their turnovers dry up somewhat in 2022 it could be a tough season.
Prediction
Whilst the Cowboys continue to have a solid roster, it is difficult to ignore the fact that they have gone backwards whilst the rest of their division has improved. They should still have a fairly high floor in 2022, but concerns around depth as well as the head coach Mike McCarthy likely cap their ceiling.
