3 Young Cowboys Players Who Haven’t Met Expectations This Season
By Brian Martin — December 9, 2025, 12:30 PM PST
The Dallas Cowboys entered the season with high hopes that their young talent would take a major leap. Instead, the team has found itself leaning heavily on its veterans while several developing players have struggled to deliver the growth fans and coaches expected. With Dallas pushing for a deep playoff run, the lack of impact from key young contributors has become an increasingly noticeable issue.
Below are three young Cowboys who simply haven’t met expectations this year — and whose development will be crucial for the franchise moving forward.
1. DT Mazi Smith — Still Searching for Consistency
When the Cowboys drafted Mazi Smith in the first round, they envisioned a dominant run-stuffing anchor in the middle of their defense. But two seasons later, Smith remains inconsistent. He has shown flashes — moments of raw power and disruptive potential — but not at the level Dallas desperately needs. Opposing offenses continue to find success running straight at the Cowboys, and Smith’s inability to control the line of scrimmage has placed extra pressure on the linebackers behind him.
Dallas isn’t giving up on him, but the team needs more than occasional highlights. They need steady, reliable interior dominance — something Smith hasn’t yet delivered.
2. WR Jalen Tolbert — Production Still Not Matching Opportunity
With the departure of veteran receivers and the shift in offensive roles, Jalen Tolbert had a golden opportunity to carve out a bigger impact this season. Instead, the third-year wideout has remained stuck in the middle tier of the depth chart, showing improvement in route running but still struggling to consistently separate from defenders.
Fans expected Tolbert to become a true No. 3 option behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. While the flashes are there — smart plays, big third-down catches — they haven’t translated into week-to-week production. Dallas needs another reliable weapon, and so far, Tolbert hasn’t become that player.
3. LB DeMarvion Overshown — Slow Rebound After Injury
Overshown’s return from injury was supposed to inject energy and versatility into the Cowboys’ linebacker room. Instead, the young defender has had difficulty regaining the speed, confidence, and aggression that once made him such an exciting prospect.
While Overshown still shows outstanding athletic traits, his instincts and play recognition have lagged. Coaches remain optimistic, but the learning curve has been steeper than expected.
The Bottom Line
The Cowboys don’t need these young players to be superstars overnight — but they do need meaningful growth. With the postseason approaching and roster questions looming for 2026, Dallas must see progress from the players drafted to shape the team’s future.
If the Cowboys want to stay competitive long-term, these three young talents will play a massive role in determining the team’s next chapter.
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