Each month, I’m going to give you a look at the fantasy rankings for each Dallas Cowboys player as compiled by FantasyPros.com‘s consensus rankings. As it’s still really early in the offseason and most fantasy analysts have transitioned full-time to other sports (as if there are other sports), the consensus rankings only come from nine analysts this month and were most recently updated on February 6th, 2017.
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott: QB9, OVR 81
Some may think this is too high and others too low for Dak Prescott at the moment, but I think it’s just right.
With the development he made from his college tape to his work in the preseason to his work throughout the 2017 season, there is zero reason to expect a sophomore slump from Dak Prescott.
Tony Romo: QB21, Overall 148
Speculation on Tony Romo’s future is going to have his ADP fluctuating all off-season, until he and the Dallas Cowboys finally determine what direction works best for Romo. One thing is almost certain, the franchise quarterback from the last decade will be moving on. Right now the “where?” is the pressing question.
I highly doubt that this ranking will hold, but if it does, that would be extremely tremendous value for a guy who is capable of a top-five finish in fantasy football. I would expect it to sky-rocket by the time most drafts take place this summer and his new home is known.
Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott: RB3, Overall 3
The only players ranked ahead of Ezekiel Elliott at the moment are Le’Veon Bell and David Johnson.
There will be a lot of opinions on the three backs this offseason and a lot of articles debating who should go number one overall in fantasy drafts. The point is, they are all great and if you land any of them, you aren’t going to be disappointed (save for injury).
At the moment, I like Elliott the best because his touches aren’t as dependent on the passing game. Running back targets can fluctuate considerably from year to year, but from what we’ve seen with this coaching staff, they are going to give their guy the football.
Elliott was the only running back in the NFL with more than 300 carries and only one of seven in the NFL with more than 300 touches. His workload is assured.
Darren McFadden: RB67, Overall 227
This will be interesting. Darren McFadden is two years removed from a 1,000-yard season while only starting 10 games for the Cowboys and is set to be a free agent. Dallas liked what he brought to the table down the stretch with his ability to play on all downs and in all situations. Whether he comes back at an affordable price will be a key question in the offseason.
Alfred Morris: RB59, Overall 182
I have the feeling that Alfred Morris is on the way out this spring. When he was used he wasn’t very effective, averaging a measly 3.5 yards per carry. If Dallas resigns McFadden, seems like Morris will be looking for a new home in the offseason.
Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant: WR7, Overall 15
Do you remember the time when people thought that Dez Bryant was going to be a hindrance to the Dallas Cowboys offense?
I hope you were one of those people who scoffed at the notion.
If the Green Bay playoff game showed us anything it’s that Dez Bryant is a top-tier wide receiver. He and Prescott will continue to get on the same page and Bryant will continue to dominate the Dallas Cowboys’ target share.
Cole Beasley: WR68, Overall 190
Probably the biggest surprise for the Dallas Cowboys offense in 2016, Cole Beasley set career highs in targets, catches, yards, catch percentage, and tied his career high in touchdowns.
Beasley, with his quickness and toughness, has become a great underneath option for the Dallas Cowboys, and Dak Prescott was more than willing to use him. I would imagine that we continue to see further growth from the slot wide receiver in 2017.
Terrance Williams: WR90, Overall 260
Terrance Williams’ impending free agency and inconsistency as a pass catcher will leave his fantasy value in question for a time. Once his team for 2017 is known, I would expect him to move up on draft boards.
Tight Ends
Jason Witten: TE17, Overall 138
Jason Witten is nearing the end of his career. Despite this fact, Witten still finished as the TE14 in overall points in 2016. He will still have value and could be a steal if his current ranking holds. Witten still has top-10 potential in this offense.
Kicker
Dan Bailey: K6, Overall 202
New season, same story for Dan Bailey. He’s a really good kicker and will be drafted well inside the top ten kickers. He had a really good year despite playing with an injured back. I expect him to do Dan Bailey things in 2017.
Defense/Special Teams
Dallas Defense – Not Ranked
This is a bit surprising based on how they finished the regular season. Yes they need to get better at taking the ball away and sacking the quarterback, but they were good at limiting scores. I don’t see much changing on that front. If they can add an impact player or two in addition to Jaylon Smith, they are a fantasy defense to watch in 2017.
