Dallas Cowboys pre-training camp roster projection: Notable cuts, darkhorse candidates and more - Dallas News

What the report says

The Dallas Morning News published an early Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster projection on July 22, 2026, as the team prepares for training camp. Joseph Hoyt framed the exercise as a snapshot rather than a firm forecast, noting that recent roster examples show how much can change before cutdown day. The piece focuses on roster battles, possible surprise exclusions and lower-profile candidates who could make the team.

At quarterback, the projection keeps Dak Prescott, Sam Howell and Joe Milton III, with the backup competition carrying added importance because Prescott is trying to post consecutive healthy seasons for the first time since 2019. At running back, Javonte Williams is treated as the expected starter, while Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah are described as players the team believes can develop. Malik Davis is projected to survive because of his special teams role, though Hunter Luepke’s usage is flagged as a question.

The receiver projection includes CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin and Traeshon Holden, leaving out names such as Jonathan Mingo and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. At tight end, Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford and Luke Schoonmaker make the projected roster, with Schoonmaker entering a pivotal contract-year camp after limited production through three seasons.

On the lines and defense, the article highlights questions around Tyler Guyton at left tackle, a strengthened interior defensive front led by Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, and an edge group where Marist Liufau is a notable projected cut. The broader significance is that Dallas’ camp will determine not only depth spots, but also how the club balances special teams value, positional flexibility and developmental upside.