Dallas Cowboys’ Donovan Ezeiruaku stretches during the NFL football team’s rookie camp, Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)
The Dallas Cowboys had playoff aspirations from opening week, knowing their offense would be able to drive down the field in most games. The Cowboys were competitive throughout the season despite a struggling defense, falling just short of a wild-card playoff berth.
Rookies Tyler Booker, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Shavon Revel Jr. and Shemar James enhanced the team on both sides of the ball, making 2026 look bright after a 7-9-1 campaign in 2025.
Tyler Booker, Guard
Booker was selected 12th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. His selection came as a surprise to some, but he fit in quickly after returning from a high ankle sprain that kept him off the field for three weeks. Replacing Zack Martin, who retired ahead of the season, is no easy task, let alone for a first-year player. Martin was a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time First-Team All-Pro.
However, Booker generated spectacular numbers as a rookie. He finished the year with a 93.7% pass block win rate and a 76% run block win rate. The football world noticed, as he was named to the All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers of America.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Defensive End
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said this rookie is a future star. The defensive end logged 604 snaps, which ranked second-most on the defensive line, but he finished with two sacks. The Boston College product posted 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 42 pressures and a forced fumble while playing 54.6% of snaps. It may not be a surprise, as Ezeiruaku led Boston College in sacks (16.5). Solidifying a defense that had holes is a priority this offseason, but Ezeiruaku will surely be an impact player now and in the future.
Shavon Revel Jr., Cornerback
The Dallas defense, notably in the secondary, was weak. It allowed teams to march down the field, wiping out momentum the offense would build up. Although Revel Jr. did not debut until the middle of November due to injury, he finished the season with 334 snaps across seven contests, making his time on the field count. He finished with 36 tackles, one tackle for loss and three pass deflections. New coordinator Christian Parker has developed stars in the secondary, and with Revel Jr.’s raw talent, it’s a distinct possibility.
Shemar James, Linebacker
James was inactive for Weeks 1 through 3 but racked up tackles in 14 total game appearances. The fifth-round selection finished second on defense with 85 tackles and started in six games. James was credited with 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss, six pressures, one fumble recovery and two pass deflections. The University of Florida product, should he stay a fixture in the defense, would manage the inside alongside linebackers DeMarion Overshown and Marist Liufau.
Mike is originally from Berkeley Heights, NJ. He attended The University of Scranton where he earned a BS in … More about Michael Mazzuca Tags: Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys Football Donovan Ezeiruaku Jerry Jones Tyler Booker
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