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The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with something they haven’t had in years: genuine optimism surrounding both sides of the football. After an aggressive offseason that brought in defensive coordinator Christian Parker, added playmakers like Caleb Downs, Rashan Gary and Cobie Durant, and kept George Pickens on the franchise tag, expectations are rising in Dallas.
Of course, every NFL season delivers surprises. Here are three bold predictions that sound ambitious today, but have a realistic chance of becoming reality.
Caleb Downs wins AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
Safety isn’t typically a position that dominates Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, but Caleb Downs isn’t a typical prospect.
The former Ohio State star arrives in Dallas with elite instincts, versatility, and the ability to impact every level of the defense. Parker’s scheme is expected to emphasize turnovers and aggresive playmaking, which perfectly fits Downs' strengths.
If the Cowboys revamped defense makes the leap many expect, Downs could become its centerpiece almost immediately. He has the range to erase explosive plays, which was a big reason why the Cowboys lost close games last year. He has the football IQ to create takeaways, and the physicality to thrive against the run.
A stat line of 100-plus tackles, four interceptions, and double-digit pass breakups would put him front and center for the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation.
George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb become the NFL’s best receiving duo
Defenses already struggle to contain CeeDee Lamb by himself. Adding George Pickens' ability to win contested catches and stretch the field, and Dallas suddenly has one of the league’s most dangerous passing attacks.
Pickens bet on himself by playing under the franchise tag after the two sides failed to reach a long-term extension before the deadline. That means every catch, touchdown, and explosive play could increase his value in free agency or contract talks with Dallas next offseason.
That motivation could fuel a monster season.
Bold prediction: Lamb eclipses 1,400 receiving yards while Pickens tops 1,200-1,300 making them the first Cowboys receiving tandem since the franchise’s glory days to both post truly elite numbers in the same season.
If Dak Prescott stays healthy and this duo does as well, opposing defenses will have no easy answers yet again.
Donovan Ezeiruaku finishes with double-digit sacks
This may be the boldest prediction, but it also may be the most realistic.
Ezeiruaku quietly flashed his potential as a rookie despite finishing with only two sacks. His pressure numbers suggested he was much closer to a breakout than the box score indicated, and with a full offseason under Parker’s coaching staff, expectations are growing.
Playing alongside veterans like Rashan Gary should create more one-on-one opportunities, and Dallas desperately needs a young edge rusher to emerge after reshaping its defensive front.
If Ezeiruaku can convert more of his pressures into sacks, a 10-12 sack season isn’t out of the question.
Bold predictions are supposed to feel unlikely, but the Cowboys roster makes these scenarios surprisingly believable.
If even two of these predictions come true, Dallas won’t just be competing for a playoff spot— they could find themselves among the NFC’s true contenders in 2026.
