Cowboys provide big hint about WR3 battle, rookie rises, and other takeaways from newly revealed preseason depth chart

Jalen Tolbert is WR3 for now

The No. 3 wide receiver spot is still up for grabs ahead of the regular season but for now, Jalen Tolbert is the starter. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said Monday that Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, and KaVontae Turpin had the best shot at getting the job. However, Turpin is still expected to have a limited role, albeit a larger one than in 2024.

The Cowboys' unofficial depth chart shows that, as Tolbert's name is followed by "or" KaVontae Turpin, making it clear the latter is expected to have a specific role at wide receiver.

As for Tolbert, Schottenheimer praised his ability to "do everything right." It might not be flashy, but as long as he keeps being consistent at practice he's got the inside track for the starting role.

Jaydon Blue looking to climb up the depth chart but he's already above Deuce Vaughn

Not that it's any big surprise considering the hype Blue carried with him the moment he became a Cowboy but him rising above Deuce Vaughn on the depth chart is telling. He's had a very strong training camp and will now get the chance to show off his speed and explosiveness in the preseason, as well. For what it's worth, a hamstring injury has kept Vaughn out of a few practices over the last week.

Blue is listed below starter Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. The veterans will likely play very few snaps in August if any. This will be a big month for the rookie.

Tyler Booker keeps getting starter treatment and that's a good thing

The moment he was drafted, Schottenheimer didn't try to hide the Cowboys' intentions: Booker was on his way to be a surefire Day 1 starter. Training camp has done little to change that fact. And now with the unofficial depth chart, the starting treatment continues: Booker is listed as the starting right guard with Saahdiq Charles behind him.

Recent free agent signing La'el Collins is interestingly listed at guard. The Cowboys added him as depth following multiple injuries across the offensive line. Collins told reporters he plans to play wherever the team needs him.

DaRon Bland named outside cornerback but we'll see about that

It remains a mystery what the Cowboys' plan for DaRon Bland is. Through the offseason program and training camp, Bland has lined up outside and in the slot. The unofficial depth chart suggests he will line up outside with Kemon Hall taking over the nickel.

However, even on Monday, Bland was still seen taking some reps at inside cornerback while Troy Pride lined up outside, per Nick Harris from Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Marshawn Kneeland is looking over his shoulder

If you need a reminder of how "unofficial" the depth chart is, I would point toward the defensive ends. Donovan Ezeiruaku is buried as a fourth-string DE despite getting good burn with the starters in Oxnard, California.

However, second-year DE Marshawn Kneeland being listed as the starter opposite of Micah Parsons is noteworthy. Kneeland might be the best run defender on the team and with DeMarcus Lawrence leaving in free agency earlier in the year, he could have an advantage over Ezeiruaku, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams, and others. But the competition is clearly there and it won't be easy fending it off. Kneeland needs to be on his toes.