Despite the Dallas Cowboys’ aggressive efforts to improve their pass rush, ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz argues that the team still has significant vulnerabilities at the edge.
The trade of Micah Parsons has left a substantial gap that the organization is trying to fill by drafting UCF standout Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick and acquiring Rashan Gary.
However, Schatz points out several concerning issues: Gary did not record a sack in his last 10 games last season, Donovan Ezeiruaku is recovering from hip surgery, and Sam Williams recorded just 1 sack in 2025.
And looking ahead, Ari Meirov recently confirmed on X that the Cowboys will officially kick off the 2026 season against the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.
This continues a longstanding tradition, marking the eighth time in the last fifteen years that these rivals have met in Week 1.
Cowboys fans likely remember the last season opener in 2023, which resulted in a dominant 40-0 victory that set a high standard for this year’s prime-time matchup in the NFC East.
Article Continues Below
Just announced: The #Cowboys will take on the #Giants on Sunday Night Football in Week 1. pic.twitter.com/wTZcNaaNYk
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 11, 2026
Despite these high expectations, The Athletic's post-draft roster rankings placed the Cowboys at a surprisingly low No. 13.
The evaluation acknowledges a league-leading wide receiver tandem in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Still, it emphasizes that the defensive edge is a “major hole.” Still, there is optimism surrounding the interior defensive line, with a fully integrated Quinnen Williams, who is coming off four consecutive Pro Bowl selections, expected to anchor Christian Parker’s defense alongside Kenny Clark.
With the recent No. 11 pick Caleb Downs bolstering the secondary and a healthy DeMarvion Overshown returning to the linebacker corps, Dallas believes its roster is far more potent than the rankings suggest.
Despite the Dallas Cowboys’ aggressive efforts to improve their pass rush, ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz argues that the team still has significant vulnerabilities at the edge. The trade of Micah Parsons has left a substantial gap that the organization is trying to fill by drafting UCF standout Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick and acquiring Rashan Gary.