Rock solid starters at this position mean Cowboys can gamble a bit

· Yahoo Sports

The NFL is a here-and-now kind of league. While a league like the NBA may have the time to “trust the process” and MLB may be content with building their respective farm teams year after year, the NFL doesn’t have that sort of patience. For teams like the Dallas Cowboys whose window is open right now, it’s all about 2026 so sacrificing for the future isn’t a luxury they currently enjoy.

When building a 53-man roster the Cowboys have to prioritize the present, which means even high-ceiling developmental prospects need to contribute something to the 2026 campaign. This usually involves mandatory service on special teams and/or the ability to slide into a start role if injuries demand it. But one position group that enjoys a star-studded cast of playmakers at the top of the depth chart may be the exception to the rule this year.

Visit goldparty.lat for more information.

The Cowboys wide receiver room this year is quite possibly the best in the NFL. Big names like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens headline the marquee but breakout candidate Ryan Flournoy ensures depth across all three starting receiver positions. Even gadget-man KaVontae Turpin ensures immediate depth from a down-roster role.

This unnaturally solid top four means the Cowboys might be able gamble a little in the lower ranks. Instead of forcing in veterans like Denzel Mims and Marquez Valdez-Scantling onto the roster for emergency depth or gifting places for special teams’ standouts who don't much of an offensive future, the Cowboys can gamble on potential and do the unthinkable, which is invest in the future.

Anthony Smith, Dallas’ seventh round rookie out of East Carolina, doesn’t have special teams experience in college. Blessed with size and speed, Smith has all the physical traits to be starter one day, but that day probably isn’t coming in 2026.

Jordan Hudson, and undrafted free agent out of SMU, is another promising prospect with starter potential. Much like Smith, he’s unrefined and will likely take time to develop. While Hudson has some special teams experience, it’s not exactly inspiring. Dane Brugler pointed out in his scouting report, Hudson has more missed tackles than tackles, indicating it’s going to be his receiver ability, not special teams, that gets him on an NFL roster.

With such a rock-solid starting unit, the Cowboys probably won’t need their WR5 or WR6 to play much meaningful offense in 2026. Provided special teams work is handled by linebackers and defensive backs, Dallas may be able to bet on the future a little by securing roster spots to one or two promising receivers.

You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Rock solid starters at this position mean Cowboys can gamble a bit

Read full story at source