The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2025 offseason with a glaring need: a legitimate No. 2 option in the passing game to complement their star wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb. While other NFC powerhouses like the Eagles, Lions, Vikings, Rams, and 49ers boast multiple dynamic weapons in their passing attacks, the Cowboys struggled to match that depth in 2023. Jalen Tolbert showed promise last season, but he doesn’t yet compare to elite No. 2 receivers like DeVonta Smith, Jordan Addison, or Jameson Williams.
With Dak Prescott’s mobility declining, surrounding him with top-tier playmakers is critical to maximizing the Cowboys’ offense. The front office clearly shared this sentiment, as evidenced by their swift move to acquire George Pickens via trade shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft. Pairing Pickens with Lamb, who many consider a top-three or top-four receiver in the NFL, should theoretically create one of the league’s most formidable wide receiver tandems. Yet, according to a recent ranking by Pro Football Focus (PFF), that’s far from the consensus.
In an article by PFF’s Trevor Sikkema, the Cowboys’ wide receiver corps was ranked a shocking 15th entering the 2025 season—behind teams like the Commanders, Chiefs, and Ravens, and well outside the top 10. Here’s what Sikkema had to say about Dallas’ passing game weapons:
“CeeDee Lamb carries the Cowboys’ ranking here. His 79.9 PFF receiving grade in 2024 was low for his standards, but he recorded a 91.2 mark the year prior when Dak Prescott was fully healthy. Dallas traded for George Pickens, who is coming off a career-high 78.6 PFF overall grade, but they need more from Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert and someone — anyone — out of the backfield.”
Sikkema’s evaluation appears to factor in not only the wide receivers but also the tight ends and running backs, which may explain the Cowboys’ surprisingly low ranking. However, placing this group at 15th feels like an outright injustice given the talent of Lamb and Pickens alone. Lamb has been one of the NFL’s most dominant receivers over the past three seasons, consistently producing at an elite level. His presence should, at minimum, elevate Dallas’ passing attack into the top 12.
The Cowboys’ acquisition of Pickens addressed their desperate need for a bonafide No. 2 receiver. While Pickens may lack the polish to be a true No. 1 option, his raw talent and fit within Dallas’ offense make him one of the league’s premier No. 2 receivers. He’s coming off a career-best season and is poised to thrive alongside Lamb, drawing less defensive attention than he did in his previous role. Though the Cowboys had their eyes on Tetairoa McMillan in the 2025 draft (who went No. 8 to the Panthers) and passed on other prospects like Matthew Golden and Emeka Egbuka, Pickens represents a clear upgrade over their prior options.
The Cowboys’ passing attack has further upside if Jalen Tolbert can solidify his role as a reliable No. 3 receiver. Tolbert flashed potential in 2024, most notably with a game-winning touchdown against the Steelers in Week 5. Coming off his best professional season, he’s well-positioned to capitalize on defenses focusing on Lamb and Pickens, potentially developing into a consistent contributor.
Another key factor is tight end Jake Ferguson, who endured a disappointing 2024 campaign after a promising 2023. Hampered by a Week 1 knee injury, Ferguson failed to score a touchdown last season, a far cry from the breakout star he appeared to be. A return to his 2023 form could transform Dallas’ passing game into one of the NFL’s elite units, providing Prescott with a dependable underneath option.
Ranking the Cowboys’ passing attack 15th is a baffling undervaluation of their talent and potential. With Lamb’s proven excellence, Pickens’ dynamic playmaking, Tolbert’s emerging role, and the possibility of a resurgent Ferguson, this group has the makings of a top-five unit. If any of the complementary pieces exceed expectations in 2025, PFF’s ranking will look like an unforgivable oversight by this time next year.