22-05-2025
Cowboys' Cornerstones: PFF identifies Dallas' Big 3 for 2025
Cowboys' Cornerstones: PFF identifies Dallas' Big 3 for 2025 From relentless pressure to precision routes and veteran leadership, Dallas' foundation remains intact.
The Dallas Cowboys might be facing more questions than answers as they head into the 2025 NFL season, but one thing remains clear: their top-tier talent is still among the league's best.
In Trevor Sikkema's latest rankings for Pro Football Focus, the top three players for each team, the Cowboys are represented by Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Dak Prescott. Entering the new season, it's hard to argue otherwise.
Parsons, now entering his fifth year, continues to be the heartbeat of the defense. He earned a stellar 91.6 pass-rush grade in 2024, marking his fourth consecutive year at an elite level. No matter how much the offense's game plan for him, he's still managing to disrupt plays and tilt the field in Dallas' favor. His motor, versatility, and sheer explosiveness make him one of the most feared defenders in football.
The Cowboys hope to have an extension for their cornerstone defender. Per Spotrac, Parsons' market value is $36.3 million per season, which would make him the second-highest paid defensive player behind Myles Garrett.
On the other side of the ball, Lamb has fully evolved into one of the league's premier wideouts since his second season. With a 90.8 receiving grade and a team-high 27.8% target share last season, he once again went over the 1,100-yard mark and proved to be the quarterback's most trusted weapon. Whether it's in the slot or out wide, Lamb's ability to create yards after the catch remain central to Dallas' offensive identity. No. 88 got his wish of having a quality No. 2 in George Pickens, who the Cowboys acquired earlier this month by trade.
Prescott, meanwhile, didn't quite replicate his near-MVP form from 2023. His big-time throw rate dipped to 4.5%, and his turnover-worthy plays ticked up to 4.7%. Still, he remains the steady presence under center and the emotional leader of this team. When he's on, the Cowboys are playoff contenders and even in a slightly down year, he's clearly among the franchise's most important pieces.
As Dallas looks to end its decades-long Super Bowl drought, the path forward will once again be built on the shoulders of these three stars. Parsons sets the tone, Lamb moves the chains, and Prescott keeps it all running.
