We are inching closer and closer to training camp beginning for every NFL team, and when it does all of the offseason storylines and narratives will officially be a thing of the past. Not quite yet, though.
This week ESPN has been slow-dripping positional rankings that they assemble through their filtering of opinions from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. The premise behind the series is that ESPN’s sourcing is providing a ranking of each position group across the league through the eyes of the most
influential people currently in it.
So far things have been rather chalk in terms of Dallas Cowboys involvement. DaRon Bland reportedly received at least a vote in the discussion of the league’s top cornerbacks, and so did Javonte Williams relative to running backs. Again, not shocking that either was left out of the top 10 or even the honorable mention category.
No Cowboys pass rushers were mentioned in that group which was also not a surprise (Micah Parsons was listed as number two, though), but on Thursday the rankings for defensive tackles came out and that may be where we finally push back a little.
6. Quinnen Williams, Dallas Cowboys
Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 28 | Last year’s ranking: 5After six-plus seasons with the Jets, a full year on a different team should benefit Williams.
“The Jets will knock you down — the same thing happened to Leonard Williams — but I expect Quinnen to be better in Dallas, be rejuvenated a bit,” an NFL coordinator said.
Quinnen Williams finished fifth in run stop win rate (43%) among 204 qualified players in 2025. As a pass rusher, his 19 pressures in seven games with Dallas more than doubled his total in eight games with New York (eight) before he was traded. And the Cowboys are hopeful Williams increases his pass-rush profile in 2026. His 2.5 sacks marked his lowest total since his rookie year in 2019.
“As far as skill sets, he’s still so gifted and such a matchup problem,” a veteran NFL offensive coach said.
Quinnen Williams came in at number six on this list, and that in and of itself is worth a little bit of debate. Perhaps being a part of one of the worst defenses in NFL history provided some narrative that Williams will have to overcome.
The most shocking element of this is the “lowest ranking” listed which, if not obvious, means the lowest ranking Williams received from the group polled by ESPN. Someone literally did not rank him. How is that possible?
Here is the full top 10:
- Leonard Williams, Seahawks,
- Jeffery Simmons, Titans
- Jalen Carter, Eagles
- Chris Jones, Chiefs
- Derrick Brown, Panthers
- Quinnen Williams, Cowboys
- Dexter Lawrence, Bengals
- Zach Allen, Broncos
- Milton Williams, Patriots
- Jordan Davis, Eagles
It should be noted that Kenny Clark was in the “also receiving votes” category which trails honorable mentions. Osa Odighizuwa was there, too.
If we have to pick a name ahead of Williams that feels unfair then it sort of seems like Chris Jones is getting by a little bit on reputation. He is four years older than Williams and the blurb from Jones even includes quote from an NFL coordinator that says “you don’t feel him as much as you used to.”
Nobody around here likes to claim any sort of tax against members of the Dallas Cowboys, but maybe Williams is experiencing that a bit. Again, even if you think he isn’t ranked unfairly the idea that anyone would not rank him at all among the names listed is preposterous.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
