Cowboys Rising Stars: Identifying the Biggest Year-2 Jumps

In preparation for the 2026 season, Dallas Cowboys staff writers are evaluating which second-year players are poised for a significant performance increase. The featured discussion highlights offensive lineman Tyler Booker as a top candidate to improve, especially given his successful transition into the role previously held by legend Zack Martin. Other analysts suggest that defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku could see a major statistical surge thanks to a healthier recovery and a more aggressive defensive scheme. This debate is part of a larger "20 Questions" series designed to address the most critical roster concerns and positional battles heading into training camp. By examining these young athletes, the authors aim to identify who will become the next core contributor for the franchise. Overall, the text serves as a preseason outlook focused on the developmental growth of the team's recent draft picks.