The Dallas Cowboys have high expectations heading into the 2026 regular season.
Fowler had two Cowboys winning awards by the end of the campaign. Caleb Downs was his prediction for Defensive Rookie of the Year, while Brian Schottenheimer was the pick for Coach of the Year.
Fowler touted Downs’ ability to be a versatile weapon in the Cowboys’ revamped defense. According to an AFC executive, Downs could have a direct impact on the defense’s performance after a tough 2025.
“He will play in the middle of the defense, so he will probably have some ball production and high tackle numbers,” the AFC executive told Fowler. “And if he helps turn around Dallas’ defense, he’ll be looked at as a catalyst.”
What about Schottenheimer’s award chances? Fowler said there was no runaway favorite for the Coach of the Year award, and he admitted Schottenheimer would be a “wild card” to win it.
“I think Dak [Prescott] will have a big year; we know they can score; and the defense should be much improved,” an NFC scout told Fowler. “If they stay healthy, they have a good chance to win the NFC East.”