Where do the Cowboys land in ESPN's roster rankings?

Some criticized the Dallas Cowboys for refusing to splurge in free agency, but experts believe they still have one of the best rosters in the NFL. 

On Tuesday, ESPN analysts Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder rated the Cowboys roster as the sixth-best in the league. Clay touted their pass-rushing duo, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.

"One of the league's top defenders, Micah Parsons has led the position in pass-rush win rate each of the past three seasons," wrote Clay. "In fact, since Parsons' arrival in 2021, Dallas sits first in pass-rush wins (809) and fifth in sacks (3.0 behind first). DeMarcus Lawrence is now 32 years old but hasn't lost a step — he posted one of the top tackle rates and pass-rush win rates among edge-rushers last season." 

Still, it's surprising Dallas was frugal this offseason, especially after owner Jerry Jones claimed it would go "all-in." Per Over The Cap, the Cowboys spent $16.925M in free agency, last in the NFL. 

As a result, the Cowboys failed to address roster holes, specifically running back. To replace former Pro Bowler Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans), Dallas reunited with three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott, who averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry in 17 games with the New England Patriots last season. 

"Elliott is a franchise legend, but he's no more than the football equivalent of an innings-eater at this point in his career," wrote Clay. "Additionally, there's not much to get excited about behind Elliott (Rico Dowdle, 179-pound Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman)."

Despite questions about the backfield, the Cowboys should still make the playoffs next season. They've won 12 games for three consecutive seasons and kept their core together. 

ESPN's Football Power Index gives Dallas the fourth-best chance (8.7%) to win Super LIX behind the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.