Dallas Cowboys host Baltimore in the second preseason game, a true dress rehearsal for a roster still sorting depth. Tyler Booker is set to debut at right guard, aiming to prove he belongs as the team looks for a long-term answer there. Booker’s training-camp buzz and first-round pedigree frame his Week 2 test as a potential breakthrough for the Cowboys’ interior line. Marist Liufau steps into a larger role on defense with Kenneth Murray out, while Perrion Winfrey has drawn steady camp applause at defensive tackle. Zion Childress brings UDFA versatility that could keep him in the nickel mix, and Traeshon Holden has shown week-to-week flashes at wideout. Rookie Mazi Smith and Jay Toia carry some uneven Week 1 notes, but Winfrey’s rise and Holden’s early production keep Dallas’ camp narrative lively. All eyes on Week 2 against the Ravens as the Cowboys push to lock in depth before the final preseason stretch.

The Dallas Cowboys are betting on their seventh-round rookie defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote to make a significant impact this season. Despite the team's long-standing struggle to solidify their defensive tackle position, they opted not to make big free-agent moves and instead focused on the draft. They selected Akingbesote alongside Jay Toia to bolster their defensive line, which has lacked depth and consistency in recent years.

Akingbesote, weighing in at 316 pounds and standing 6-foot-4, is expected to compete vigorously during training camp. His unique skill set may provide the Cowboys with the run-stopping presence they have sought. With the team focusing on developing young talent, Akingbesote's performance will be crucial in determining the success of the Cowboys' defensive strategy this season.

The Dallas Cowboys made an unexpected choice in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting nose tackle Jay Toia out of UCLA, despite being in need of immediate impact players. This decision raises questions about whether Toia can secure a significant role alongside Osa Odighizuwa, who has established himself as a formidable three-technique. The Cowboys ignored other positions of need and focused on acquiring talent, which could reshape their defensive line strategy.

Toia's ability to command double teams while contributing to the pass rush is essential for the Cowboys, especially with the competition for snaps intensifying. Fans and fantasy players alike should closely monitor Toia's performance in the preseason and regular season, as his impact could potentially alter the expectations for Dallas' defensive line.

Jay Toia, a 7th-round draft pick for the Dallas Cowboys, brings a unique brand of toughness to a team known for its defensive struggles. At 6'2" and 342 pounds, Toia's primary role is to plug gaps and enhance the run defense, an area where the Cowboys have historically faltered. Despite being praised by ESPN analyst Field Yates for his run-stopping capabilities, Toia's draft stock dropped due to shorter-than-average arm length. However, his college performance at UCLA, where the team boasted one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages against, suggests that Toia can effectively contribute to Dallas' defensive lineup.

Toia is expected to compete with Mazi Smith for playing time, despite the latter's significant investment from the franchise. While some speculate that Toia's emergence could threaten Smith's starting position, the reality of team dynamics may keep Smith in the rotation. Nonetheless, Toia's potential impact on the field, especially in short-yardage scenarios, is anticipated to change the defensive landscape for the Cowboys.