Pro Football Network (PFN) recently released its list of the top 100 players in the NFL entering the 2023-24 season, and six players from the Dallas Cowboys made the cut.
Micah Parsons, Zack Martin, Stephon Gilmore, Trevon Diggs, Dak Prescott, and CeeDee Lamb all appear on the list, which is based on “talent relative to the player’s position” and their “standing amongst peers” but does not take “positional value” into account.
Parsons is the highest-ranked Cowboy on the list, coming in at No.2 behind Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and ahead of Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The third-year linebacker has been named an All-Pro in each of his first two seasons, amassing 26.5 sacks and prompting a move to more of a full-time defensive end this season.
“Yes, that’s right. Nobody is more valuable to their defense than Micah Parsons,” PFN wrote. “And while [Cleveland’s Myles] Garrett was the top EDGE in the positional rankings, Parsons is not simply a one-trick pony. While his days on the second level are fleeting, and he’s added a little bulk to handle a full-time EDGE role, Parsons does it all on defense. In Year 3 of Dan Quinn’s defense, and with a great secondary behind him, Parsons has the chance to accomplish something special in 2023.”
Six-time All-Pro guard Zack Martin is listed at No.17, taking the top spot among guards. One of the unquestioned leaders of the offensive line, along with tackle Tyron Smith, Martin has been a mainstay in the trenches. He is currently considering holding out amid contract concerns but remains among the elite at his position when on the field.
Half of Dallas’ expected starting secondary — Gilmore and Diggs — is listed in the mid-50s. Diggs has been a crucial part of the Cowboys’ defensive turnaround and increased ability to force turnovers. The fourth-year corner has 17 career interceptions, including 11 during the 2021 season. Gilmore is entering his first season with the team after establishing himself among the NFL’s best defensive backs with the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is ranked No.69, sixth among quarterbacks. Prescott struggled with turnovers last season, but his overall skillset and talent fits the mold of the modern NFL quarterbacks that present a dual threat — running and passing — for which opponents must account. He has put those abilities to good use in the past, and the Cowboys have voiced their belief in him as their starting quarterback all offseason.
Rounding out the Cowboys group is wide receiver CeeDee Lamb at No.84. Lamb has emerged as Dallas’ top receiver since being selected by the team with the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The wideout has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in two of his three seasons, scored 20 touchdowns, and caught a career-high 107 passes last season.
Overall, the NFC East has 19 players on the list, led by the Philadelphia Eagles with eight. The New York Giants have three, while the Washington Commanders have two.
Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (No.23) is the only Houston Texans player on the list, while former Texans star receiver DeAndre Hopkins landed at No.90.
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EXTRA POINTS
— The Cowboys head to Oxnard, California, for training camp on Monday. Camp will start Tuesday as players begin to report, and the first practice will be held Wednesday.
— Some of the NFL’s elite running backs held a Zoom meeting to discuss the state of the position, according to ESPN. The meeting comes on the heels of the league’s official deadline to sign long-term deals with players given the franchise tag. The deadline passed with three-star running backs, including Dallas’ Tony Pollard, failing to reach long-term agreements with their respective clubs.
— Dallas safety Malik Hooker could miss the start of training camp as he continues to recover from thumb surgery.
— Former Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley has signed with the New York Giants, while ex-Cowboys kick Brett Maher has agreed to join the Denver Broncos.
