Dallas Cowboys News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Main Image: Kirby Lee Imagn Images

Dallas Cowboys Position Group Rankings: Pass-Catchers

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Samuel Massad | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 4:16 PM ET

Coming in at No. 1 in our Dallas Cowboys position group rankings are the pass-catchers—an incredible turnaround from a year ago. In 2024, this unit was arguably the team’s weakest link. Outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys struggled to find consistent production—that’s putting it kindly—and the passing game was one-dimensional.

Dallas Cowboys, meet George Pickens.

It’s amazing what the addition of one player can do to a position group. Pickens brings physicality, explosiveness, edge, and a true downfield threat that commands attention. His presence as a clear No. 2 instantly elevates everyone else, turning last year’s liability into this year’s biggest strength.

Wide Receivers And Tight Ends Lead The Way

Wide Receivers: From Limp to Lethal

In 2024, the Cowboys’ wide receiver room was a liability. Lamb single-handedly carried the passing game on his back, and when defenses inevitably rolled coverage his way, the offense was inept. Brandin Cooks battled injuries, the depth pieces couldn’t consistently win their matchups, and Dak Prescott was left to force passes to receivers he didn’t trust.

Enter George Pickens.

The moment Dallas traded for Pickens, the entire dynamic of this unit changed. He’s physical at the catch point, explosive after it, and he can stretch the field vertically in a way that really opens up the underneath. Defenses now have to respect both sides of the formation. Finally, the Cowboys have a true WR2 they’ve been missing since Amari Cooper left.

Pickens’ presence does more than just give Dak another weapon—it creates a ripple effect throughout the depth chart. Jalen Tolbert, who enjoyed his best season last year, now slides into a far more appropriate role as WR3. Jalen Brooks and Jonathan Mingo no longer have to punch above their weight as secondary options. And Ryan Flournoy, an intriguing piece, could find opportunities in favorable matchups.

The difference is night and day. What was a top-heavy unit in 2024 is suddenly balanced and dangerous in 2025. Defenses can’t load up against Lamb anymore, and Dak finally has a group that can punish single coverage across the board.

The Cowboys didn’t overhaul the entire receiving corps. But they did find the right piece to unlock it.

Tight Ends: Can Jake Ferguson Return To Form?

Main Photo: [Scott Gal] USA Today Sports

The Cowboys tight end room doesn’t have the flash of the wideouts, but it’s no slouch either.

Jake Ferguson is the engine here. Fresh off an extension, he’s proven himself as a trusted receiving option for Prescott, thriving on seam routes down the middle. Last year, he battled knee and concussion issues, but when healthy, he has top-10 tight end potential.

Behind him, there’s a little bit of intrigue. Luke Schoonmaker hasn’t lived up to his high draft slot yet, but he’s entering a pivotal year where he needs to show he can be more than a blocker and occasional check-down target. Then there’s Brevyn Spann-Ford, who has been generating a lot of buzz this offseason. He’s big—basically a sixth offensive lineman—and if he becomes even a serviceable receiving option, he could carve out a role in Brian Schottenheimer’s power-heavy run scheme.

This group works because of balance. Ferguson gives you reliability. Spann-Ford gives you a nasty edge in the run game. And if Schoonmaker takes even a modest step forward as a pass-catcher, the Cowboys’ tight end room could go from steady to genuinely versatile. With the wideouts commanding attention outside, these guys will have every opportunity to exploit favorable matchups in 2025.

From Liability To Luxury

A year ago, this group was holding the offense back. Lamb was a one-man show, defenses dictated the game, and Prescott had to force the ball into windows that were way too tight.

Now, the pass-catching group is transformed. Pickens gives Dallas the true WR2 they’ve been missing, and his presence elevates everyone else. Lamb won’t face constant double-teams. Tolbert, Mingo, and Brooks can thrive in proper roles. And the tight ends, led by a healthy Jake Ferguson, bring stability and versatility that perfectly complements the wide receivers.

This isn’t just a deeper group. It’s a group that can dictate the terms to a defense, something Dallas hasn’t had since the peak of the Cooper era. If the Cowboys’ passing game takes a leap in 2025, it will start here. With a room that went from limp to lethal with one bold trade.

That’s why the Dallas Cowboys pass catchers come in at No.1 in our position group rankings.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: