Questions remain at every level of the Cowboys defense for 2025. In this rundown of the day’s news, we’ll explore several of them: nickel cornerback and defensive tackle among them. We’ll also look at why one veteran on the back end may be looking over his shoulder, and we wonder if a rising star could enter a whole new stratosphere if he’s allowed to do just one thing more often. But there’s uncertainty on the other side of the ball, too; what if the mercurial George Pickens puts up monster numbers and is a good fit in the Dallas locker room? The Cowboys say they’ll put him in situations for growth. So could that translate to a place in Cowboys stat history and even a new contract with the club?

Meanwhile, the NFL is considering several rule changes this week, including banning the favored short-yardage tactic of one division rival as well as a reshuffling that would affect postseason home-field advantage. We’ll explain how a new contract for one NFC passer led to more Dak Prescott skepticism, we’ll salute a Cowboy who’s been named one of the league’s top young talents, and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders get a date… on Netflix.

Three lingering Cowboys roster questions ahead of OTAs :: ESPN

Nickel cornerback is up for grabs, with Kaiir Elam and Caelen Carson having experience there. Would the Cowboys move DaRon Bland there? Or ask Shavon Revel, Jr. to take it on as a rookie coming off injury? That’s just one question that OTAs should start to answer; deciding on a swing tackle and sorting out the DT depth are stories to watch, too.

If Cowboys get George Pickens’ best, what would that mean for 2026 and beyond? :: The Athletic

Pickens is 24 and entering a contract year. He says he’s not thinking beyond 2025, and the Cowboys are unlikely to give him an extension before they even see if he’s a good fit in their locker room- especially with DaRon Bland, Brandon Aubrey, and Jake Ferguson also coming due for new deals. It could be a pretty expensive one-year rental for Pickens… or there could be a fascinating conversation to have about how to keep him if the Lamb-Pickens duo proves to be a smashing success.

Multiple receivers with 1,000 yards is a rare thing in Cowboys franchise history :: Blogging the Boys

The Cowboys have finished a season with two players logging 1,000 receiving yards just seven times. But on four of those occasions, Jason Witten was the second man. So a wide-receiving duo has only completed the feat three times in the franchise’s 65 years. One has to believe Lamb and Pickens have a legitimate chance to add to that history this season.

Will McClay: Cowboys will put George Pickens in ‘situations to help him grow’ :: Clarence Hill, Jr.

.Cowboys VP Will McClay breaks down the George Pickens trade, says Cowboys will put him in position in right environment to succeed and be successful @DLLS_Cowboys @DLLS_Sports #DallasCowboys . pic.twitter.com/mAhBH5cut7

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 20, 2025

Dak Prescott disrespect predictably starts right after Brock Purdy extension :: The Landry Hat

Just after Purdy secured a $265 million extension from San Francisco, one major outlet predicted just a 12th-place statistical finish among quarterbacks for Dak Prescott. Never mind that Purdy won’t have Deebo Samuel, or that Brandon Aiyuk is coming off an ACL injury, or that Christian McCaffrey’s body is wearing down. But Prescott doesn’t trail just Purdy on this list; he’s also somehow projected to finish behind Bo Nix, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray, too.

PFF names Cowboys starter projected to earn $76 million one of NFL’s 25 best under age 25 :: Cowboys Wire

All-Pro offensive lineman Tyler Smith makes the list at No. 22, ranking in the top 10 at his position in PFF WAR in each of his three pro seasons. Still just 23, Smith has already become one of the most dependable young linemen in the league and looks to be on the same career trajectory as Tyron Smith and Zack Martin.

DeMarvion Overshown shares a realization that new Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus should be paying close attention to :: A to Z Sports

The rehabbing linebacker recently revealed on social media that, while watching his Texas highlights, he “realized if I just would’ve blitzed more, easily would’ve tallied more sacks.” Overshown was, in fact, used regularly as a blitzer by Mike Zimmer last year. Matt Eberflus historically has not deployed his defenses that way, but he may want to rethink that strategy given his players’ obvious strengths with it.

Depth Chart: Who can rise in Cowboys’ defensive tackle room? :: The Mothership

Fellow draft picks Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote will likely push each other for a spot in the D-tackle rotation, while newcomer Solomon Thomas should bring versatility and veteran experience. Osa Odighizuwa looks to make good on a big-money contract signed in the offseason and could catapult into superstar status. For Mazi Smith, though, it could be make or break time unless he makes a major leap.

Cowboys’ veteran safety will be looking over his shoulder this offseason :: Inside the Star

With increased competition from Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell, Donovan Wilson may be feeling the pressure this offseason. PFF ranked him just 112th among safeties in 2024, and his $8.65 million cap hit in 2025 may put him under more of a microscope during camp this summer.

Cowboys’ rival calling for help to save ‘tush push’ from NFL rule change :: Cowboys Wire

A vote is expected in the next day or two on a rule change that would penalize the Eagles’ favored short-yardage play. But Philly isn’t giving up without making a late push of their own; they were reportedly making calls “around the league discussing why the play in its current form should not be banned.”

NFL owners to vote on reseeding playoff teams in second round at league meetings :: The Athletic

Also up for a vote is a proposal that would reseed playoff teams by record beginning in the second round of the postseason. Divisional champs would still host their first-round playoff games but would not be guaranteed another home date if a surviving team- even a wild card- has a better record.

Netflix docuseries on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders sets premiere date for Season 2 :: Dallas Morning News

America’s Sweethearts was a hit for the streaming service last season. The second season will debut June 18, once again following the squad from auditions and training camp to the end of the NFL season, “giving viewers unfiltered access into this iconic team and franchise.”

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys News: Questions on defense; prepping for Pickens’ success