The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024, a far cry from their three consecutive 12-win campaigns that had fans dreaming of Super Bowl glory. Injuries played a role, but something felt off about America’s Team last year, sparking heated discussions across platforms like X. With the addition of star wide receiver George Pickens and a talented roster on paper, the Cowboys are poised for a 2025 rebound. However, not every player is living up to the hype. Let’s analyze the three most overrated Cowboys heading into the new NFL season—Trevon Diggs, Kenneth Murray, and Joe Milton III—and explore why their reputations might outshine their actual impact. Can Dallas overcome these question marks to reclaim their spot among the NFL’s elite?
The Cowboys’ 2024 Struggles: A Wake-Up Call
The 2024 season was a rough one for Dallas. After three straight years of 12 wins and playoff appearances, the Cowboys stumbled to a 7-10 record, missing the postseason entirely. Injuries to key players disrupted their rhythm, but the team’s lack of cohesion was evident. From a shaky run defense to inconsistent play in the secondary, Dallas underperformed despite their star-studded roster. The addition of George Pickens, a dynamic wide receiver, signals a commitment to turning things around in 2025. Yet, amidst the optimism, some players are carrying inflated reputations that could hinder the team’s resurgence if not addressed.
Trevon Diggs: A Ball Hawk Past His Prime?
Cornerback Trevon Diggs was once a shining star in Dallas’ secondary, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2022. His 2021 season, with a league-leading 11 interceptions, cemented his reputation as a playmaker. However, injuries have derailed his career, limiting him to just 13 games over the past two seasons. In 2024, Diggs played 11 games but posted a lackluster 56.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), a clear sign he’s lost a step. His ball-hawking ability remains, but he’s never been a true shutdown corner, often gambling for picks at the expense of coverage.
Heading into 2025, Diggs is injured again, with his Week 1 availability in doubt. While some fans still view him as an elite defensive back, his recent production suggests otherwise. The Cowboys need a reliable CB1 to face top receivers like Justin Jefferson or A.J. Brown, but Diggs’ injury history and declining performance raise concerns. If he can’t return to his 2021 form, his lofty reputation could become a liability for a secondary already seeking stability.
Kenneth Murray: A Risky Bet at Linebacker
Linebacker Kenneth Murray, a 2020 first-round pick, is on his third NFL team after stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans. Now tasked with being a starting linebacker for Dallas, Murray carries a reputation that doesn’t match his on-field impact. His 2024 season with the Titans was a disaster, particularly in run defense, where he earned a dismal 35.0 PFF grade. Titans fans who watched him struggle against the run can attest to his shortcomings, despite decent stat lines on paper.
Dallas’ run defense was a glaring weakness in 2024, and relying on Murray to anchor the linebacker corps feels like a gamble. While he’s a serviceable depth piece, expecting him to be a game-changer is a stretch. The Cowboys’ decision to lean on Murray reflects a lack of better options, but his track record suggests he won’t solve their defensive woes. If Dallas hopes to stop bruising running backs like Derrick Henry, they’ll need more than Murray’s inconsistent play.
Joe Milton III: Hype Outpacing Reality
Quarterback Joe Milton III has generated surprising buzz heading into his debut season with the Cowboys, with some even speculating he could challenge Dak Prescott for the starting role. This hype stems largely from a single Week 18 performance in 2024 with the New England Patriots, where Milton shined against a Buffalo Bills team resting most starters, including Josh Allen. His physical tools—a cannon arm and impressive athleticism—are undeniable, but the narrative around Milton is wildly overblown.
Drafted in 2024, Milton was seen by some scouts as a potential tight end due to his raw mechanics and inconsistency. Comparing him to dual-threat stars like Lamar Jackson is premature, and expecting him to unseat Prescott, a proven franchise QB, is unrealistic barring injury or extraordinary circumstances. Milton’s potential is exciting, but the Cowboys’ fanbase and analysts need to temper expectations. He’s a developmental prospect, not a savior ready to lead Dallas to a Super Bowl in 2025.
Why These Players Are Overrated
The overrated label for Diggs, Murray, and Milton stems from a gap between perception and performance. Diggs’ past Pro Bowl status overshadows his recent struggles and injury concerns. Murray’s first-round pedigree and stat sheet don’t reflect his on-field deficiencies, particularly in run defense. Milton’s hype, fueled by one flashy game, ignores his raw skill set and lack of experience. For a team aiming to rebound, relying on these players to meet inflated expectations could spell trouble.
The Bigger Picture: Can Dallas Overcome the Hype?
Despite these concerns, the Cowboys remain a talented squad. Dak Prescott’s leadership, paired with Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, gives Dallas a potent offense. Defensively, stars like Micah Parsons can mask some weaknesses, but the team’s success hinges on addressing its overrated pieces. Diggs needs to stay healthy and refine his coverage skills. Murray must exceed expectations as a run-stopper, or Dallas should seek upgrades. Milton, meanwhile, should focus on developing behind Prescott rather than being thrust into a premature spotlight.
The Cowboys’ 2024 collapse showed that talent alone isn’t enough—execution and health are critical. With a favorable NFC East and a motivated roster, Dallas has a chance to reclaim their contender status, but only if they manage these overrated players wisely.
Risks and Opportunities
The risks are clear: if Diggs can’t regain his Pro Bowl form, the secondary will struggle against elite passing attacks. Murray’s weaknesses could exacerbate Dallas’ run defense issues, leaving them vulnerable to ground-and-pound teams. Milton’s hype, if unchecked, might create unnecessary quarterback controversy, distracting from Prescott’s leadership.
On the flip side, there’s upside. A healthy Diggs could rediscover his ball-hawking magic, bolstering the defense. Murray, in a new system under Mike Zimmer, might improve with better coaching. Milton could develop into a valuable backup or trade asset, adding depth. The Cowboys’ ability to maximize these players’ potential—or pivot to better options—will shape their 2025 campaign.
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads after a lackluster 2024, with their eyes set on a 2025 resurgence. While their talent, bolstered by George Pickens, makes them a contender on paper, players like Trevon Diggs, Kenneth Murray, and Joe Milton III carry reputations that outstrip their current contributions. Addressing these overrated pieces will be key to unlocking Dallas’ potential. Can the Cowboys overcome the hype and return to the playoffs, or will these question marks hold them back? The debate is raging on X, and Cowboys Nation is ready to weigh in. What’s your take—can Dallas turn it around