With PFN’s Top 100 NFL players list dropping, let’s dive into each ranking to discuss whether Dalton Miller gave the Dallas Cowboys a fair amount of rankings.
Spoiler alert: Some snubs exist, but let’s review the players who made the list.
Dallas Cowboys That Made PFN’s Top 100
No. 84: Is CeeDee Lamb Inconsistent?
Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was an obvious choice to make the Top 100 list after the 2022 season, but not at 84. Lamb had his best season yet as far as stats go, with 1,359 yards for 107 receptions, which ranked him sixth among receivers in the NFL. He also had nine touchdowns for the season, the third-most amongst receivers.
Within the Top 100, Miller’s explanation for putting Lamb so low on this list was his inconsistency and key drops last season, despite still being productive.
This would be a fair point; however, one of the main issues with the Cowboys’ offense last year was the scheme was not always WR-friendly. The playbook looked to be overwhelming and confusing at times, especially for the receivers.
This season will look different for the WR room, especially with a fully healthy Michael Gallup and the addition of Brandin Cooks. The fourth WR spot will be something to watch out for at camp, which could open things up for Lamb even more.
The good news is that with Mike McCarthy taking over the play-calling and hiring offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer in the mix, we should not only see Lamb have another record-breaking season for himself but ranked higher in Miller’s list next year.
No. 69: Did Dak Prescott Have a Down Year?
Miller went on to rank quarterback Dak Prescott as the next Cowboys player on the list at No. 69. Prescott was the second to last QB on this list, just ahead of the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson as the lowest ranked at the position.
As we know, Prescott is coming off of a season where all of the chatter was about the 15 interceptions. But when deep diving into why this happened, it wasn’t because of his lack of skill or being on a decline in his career.
Prescott not only returned after breaking his thumb on his throwing hand but was working with arguably his least experienced wide receiver room to date.
Four of those interceptions were first touched by a Cowboys receiver. Others came down to a lack of separation and missed routes. It was, again, going back to what was mentioned earlier with the need for more experience within the group — which Dallas now has.
To put the cherry on top of that, Prescott was working under a confusing, offensive scheme that became too predictable to opposing defenses. The “Texas Coast” offense that McCarthy is building should help shore this issue up for Prescott.
Prescott has done a lot of work with his receivers this offseason to build chemistry and give them insight into “the why” within the reasoning of the scheme. Not only are the expectations high for him and the Cowboys’ offense this season, but so are our hopes that Miller gives Prescott a more deserving and higher rank next time.
No. 56: Was Trevon Diggs Productive Last Season?
Another spoiler alert. This one will make your blood boil a little bit.
Miller went on to rank Trevon Diggs at 56, which isn’t the worst ranking, but it’s lower than where Diggs should be. It’s the explanation, though, as to why he’s placed that low where things get murky.
Miller talked about Diggs not producing double-digit interceptions, which is a tale as old as time that Cowboys fans are tired of explaining. But this is easy to debunk because the answer to this issue is simple — quarterbacks want to avoid throwing the ball near Diggs.
Can you blame them? When given the opportunity, Diggs is an automatic ball magnet.
Miller made mention of Diggs dropping some balls when he had the opportunity, which was true at times. But Dallas’ cornerback room was not only plagued with injury last season, but younger players that put the pressure on Diggs stretched them a little thin.
The addition of Stephon Gilmore should open things up for Diggs to focus on doing what he does best, acting as a wide receiver for opposing quarterbacks.
No. 54: How Impactful Will Stephon Gilmore Be?
Speaking of Gilmore, Miller ranked him at 54 on the PFN Top 100, which solidifies what I said above about securing the Cowboys’ backfield.
Gilmore perfectly fits what Dan Quinn needed for his CB room. Between his ability to read quarterbacks, veteran experience, and his ball skills, this will create a ripple effect of what the Cowboys were lacking last season.
The veteran leadership between him and Diggs will also help DaRon Bland take a huge second-year jump, creating even more of a downfield treat. Bland’s play is anything but bland, unlike Miller’s low rankings of both Gilmore and Diggs.
No. 17: Zack Martin Keeping the Consistency
At No. 17, Zack Martin is the top-ranked guard on the Top 100 players list. There is uncertainty surrounding Martin heading into training camp, but he’s become the staple of the Cowboys’ offensive line.
Martin is now a Madden NFL 24 “99 Club” member. The last time this happened for a guard was in 2003 with former Cowboys’ guard Larry Allen. So a guy who is doing things that took 20 years to recreate, there is respect that is in order.
Miller claims that Martin is slowing down, which is not even close to being true. In fact, he has more Pro Bowl selections than holding penalties, holding true to how consistent he has been throughout his career.
He has also been a great example of veteran leadership to all players who have passed through the offensive line. Cowboys’ offensive tackle Tyler Smith, who is expected to have a big second-year jump ahead of him, is the most recent.
The only question mark about Martin heading into camp is if the Cowboys will restructure his contract and if he’ll hold out until that happens.
No. 2: Micah Parsons Being Micah Parsons
Miller hit the nail on the head by ranking linebacker Micah Parsons as the top defensive player on his Top 100 list. Parsons will continue to be a versatile threat that sets the tone for Quinn’s defense.
Last season, Parsons racked up 13.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. This is already impressive, but one of his most significant contributions to the defense is setting up everyone around him for big plays.
Miller mentioned that Parsons has bulked up in the offseason to play more of an edge position, which should be scary for opposing quarterbacks who have to watch out for a lion coming for them on every play.
