These three Dallas Cowboys have to take the next step this season if they have any hope of competing for a Super Bowl appearance.
The Dallas Cowboys boast one of the most talented all-around rosters in the NFL, but in order to advance to their first Super Bowl since 1995, they will need some current players on the roster to make major leaps forward.
The Cowboys lost some significant contributors this offseason, including tight end Dalton Schultz, guard Connor McGovern, and running back Ezekiel Elliott. As a result, some players will be thrust into larger roles this season.
Without further ado, here are three Cowboys who have to take the next step this season.
Cowboys who have to take the next step this season: 3. Tristan Vizcaino
Kicker remains one of the most underrated positions in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers ranked last in the NFL in field goal accuracy (70.6 percent) last season; their 10 missed field goals added up to a 30-point swing, which potentially would have leapfrogged them over four teams in total points.
After last postseason, Cowboys' fans recognize the value of the position. Kicker Brett Maher was good during the regular season for the Cowboys; he converted on 29 out of 32 attempts, including a long of 60 yards. In the playoffs, he went through a rough two-game stretch, hitting only one out of five extra-point tries.
Right now, Tristan Vizcaino is the only kicker on the roster. He joined the Cowboys' practice squad in January, and he was re-signed in February.
The journeyman kicker has been on eight teams in five years. For his career, he has made 11 out of 12 field goal attempts, including a long of 47 yards, and he has made 15 out of 20 extra-point attempts.
Given the current circumstances, Vizcaino appears to have a real shot at being the starting kicker, and he has been performing well this offseason:
The Cowboys are lacking a clear answer at kicker, and Vizcaino seems primed to be a critical piece for the organization this season.
Cowboys who have to take the next step this season: 2. Jabril Cox
Currently, linebacker Anthony Barr remains on the free agent market. Barr was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Last offseason, he signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys.
The veteran ended up playing a sizeable role for the team, starting 10 games and playing 63 percent of their defensive snaps.
With Barr's projected departure, 25-year-old Jabril Cox is forecasted to move into the starting lineup. The 2021 fourth-round pick was a standout at North Dakota State; he was the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2018), a two-time FCS All-American, and a three-time FCS champion.
However, he has played sparingly in his first two NFL seasons, logging a total of 45 defensive snaps and recording eight combined tackles.
Nevertheless, Cox has been generating some positive buzz during training camp:
The young linebacker will play a key role for the Cowboys' defense, and he could be in store for a breakout year.
Cowboys who have to take the next step this season: 1. Jake Ferguson
Ferguson was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In his rookie campaign, he exceeded early expectations. Ferguson was often utilized as a blocker, but in limited action, he was an efficient pass catcher. He hauled in 19 out of his 22 targets for 174 yards and two touchdowns, and he led the team in passer rating when targeted (129.9) and catch percentage (86.4).
He displayed impressive athleticism in the open field, as well:
Yes, Ferguson's play last season was impressive, but remember, he was only targeted 22 times. With Dalton Schultz in Houston, Ferguson will have the opportunity to be the go-to tight end in Dallas.
If Ferguson can produce at the same level in a larger role, the Cowboys' passing offense will become even more dynamic.
