Projecting 4 more breakout candidates for 2026
Eternally, it seems that the Dallas Cowboys have high expectations year in and year out. While Cowboys fans fight the stigma that next year is always “our year”, the Cowboys do field a pretty good team and have for the last few years, so the expectations to compete are fairly warranted.
The offense is loaded with weapons, and the defense should expect to improve with some stark changes. Looking around the NFC East, the Eagles traded away one of their premier receivers, the Washington Commanders are somewhat enigmatic, and the New York Giants are still developing under sophomore quarterback Jaxson Dart.
If the Cowboys were to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence, they will need their whole roster to step up. As we know, the top of the roster’s talent isn’t enough, and others will have to emerge to elevate the roster, but who are those others? Who are those players we should be looking to take a step forward to put this team in the playoffs, if not maybe over the top?
Earlier this year, we covered this topic, but now, with training camp approaching, the landscape has changed. Let’s revisit the topic once more. Here are four more breakout candidates in 2026.
Donovan Ezeiruaku
While the sack numbers weren’t there for Donovan Ezeiruaku, the pressures were. He had 26 quarterback pressures last year to only two sacks. That pressure-to-sack ratio should improve this year. Working with pass rush specialist Brandon Jordan, Ezeiruaku should improve more to pass rush repertoire.
With the focus on Rashan Gary as the veteran and Malachi Lawrence as a first-round pick, it should allow Ezeiruaku to emerge from the crowd and take a big leap forward. Ezeiruaku had 16.5 sacks as a senior at Boston College, so we know the potential is there. If Dallas’ offense remains potent, expect Ezeiruaku to have many more pass rush opportunities to showcase his improvement.
DeMarvion Overshown
As a talent, we know what DeMarvion Overshown is capable of. He has excellent length with exceptional speed to play horizontally. As a blitzer, his slender build allows him to find the smallest crevices to burst into the backfield to pressure the passer. Remaining healthy is the one thing keeping him from true stardom.
He has missed 32 games over his first three NFL seasons. If he can manage to stay healthy, he could be the component that elevates the defense to a new level. The Cowboys under Christian Parker may open up the possibility of Overshown rushing from more exotic looks. In a contract year, he could deliver, and cash in on the talent that everyone has been waiting for.
Caleb Downs
How can we leave Caleb Downs off this list?
His talent supersedes the role of a conventional safety, and he can do so much on the field to help his team. He can play either as a free safety or in the box. He can also defend as a slot corner, which is where it seems his versatility will pay off big time.
Dallas has three starting-caliber safeties, so Downs could slide into the linebacker spot if Dallas wants to play a big nickel defense. He’s also a very instinctual player who has a nose for the football. A few interceptions as a rookie isn’t out of the question, and he’ll help the run defense. Currently, he’s tied for the second-highest odds (+750) for Defensive Rookie of the Year, signifying how impactful he could be in his first season.
Tyler Guyton
By breakout for Tyler Guyton, it’s not to say he’ll become a Pro Bowler, while that would certainly be welcome. His breakout is defined by merely performing better than he has in the first two years. Injuries have played a factor along with subpar outings.
Aware of that, the Cowboys have thrown Guyton into a competition with Nate Thomas. That could be the wake-up call Guyton has needed. If he can be average to above average, it fortifies the offensive line and further solidifies the offense’s capabilities. The Cowboys have stockpiled elite talent offensively, but it could be a house of cards if Guyton regresses further.
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