When training camp rolls around later this summer, the time will come for everyone to have their “favorite” players. For the Dallas Cowboys, many players could make the lists. From rookie draft picks and new outside acquisitions to veterans looking to make some noise, soon there will be buzz about certain players. Before those players are revealed, let’s get an early jump on some potential names we start hearing more about. Here are six players to buy stock in before they rise.
RT Terence Steele
Steele is everyone’s favorite player to hate. Since returning from his bad knee injury at the end of the 2022 season, he just hasn’t been the same player. Prior to that, he was on the up and up and was looking at Pro Bowl level. With another year removed from injury, the new offensive line coaches, and some added muscle next to him, we could see Steele return to form in 2025.
C Cooper Beebe
Last season, the former Kansas State guard took over the starting center job from Tyler Biadasz, and he put together a solid rookie season. But Beebe is just getting started. More experience at the position will help, but he’ll also reunite with his former college coach, Conor Riley, who helped turn him into a star. Beebe is a strong player who can move people, and he’ll now be sandwiched in between two other strong players who are maulers. Don’t be surprised if we see a breakout season from him.
TE Brevyn Spann-Ford
The Cowboys didn’t add a tight end in either free agency or the draft, which is odd considering Jake Ferguson is entering the last year of his contract. One reason for this could be the faith the coaching staff has in second-year undrafted free agent Brevyn Spann-Ford. Last month, we identified Spann-Ford as a potential breakout player because of how new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams utilizes tight ends. He is coming off a solid rookie year where he played in all 17 games. His blocking skills are what keep him on the field, and he’s bulked up a bit. Look for Spann-Ford to take on a larger role in the Cowboys’ offense this year.
Switching over to the defense…
LB Jack Sanborn
The team made a splash this offseason when they made a trade with the Tennessee Titans for former first-round linebacker Kenneth Murray, but in a less splashier move, they also signed Bears’ linebacker Jack Sanborn to a low-cost one-year deal. New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is familiar with his work during his time in Chicago, and it’s already evident that he trusts him. He’s already earning high praise, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this backup-turned-starter led the Cowboys in tackles this season.
CB Kaiir Elam
Another player who’s garnering attention in camp is former first-round cornerback Kaiir Elam. After three underwhelming seasons in Buffalo, the Bills traded him to the Cowboys for a late-round draft pick. Elam is looking for new life in Dallas, and he has been impressing in practice. While it’s understandable to temper expectations for someone who’s showing out in practice, it cannot be overstated how valuable it would be if Elam gave the team a solid presence on the outside while several of their other corners are recovering from injury.
S Alijah Clark
Every year, there is an UDFA that comes out of nowhere to impress, and that player could be former Syracuse safety Alijah Clark. He’s the team’s highest-paid UDFA, which already tells us what the team feels about him, but it’s starting to show on the field as well. Clark has impressed during the rookie minicamp and OTAs, earning first-team reps with the defense. He’s an athletic player with a real opportunity to earn not just a roster spot but some meaningful reps on defense and special teams.