The Cowboys have a handful of 2025 draftees poised to take a step forward in Year 2, but "significant jump" depends on which player you're looking at:
Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE/OLB) — the most promising candidate. He generated 36 pressures as a rookie (4th among rookie edge rushers) but only converted 2 sacks. His run defense was already strong (9 TFL, 18 stops). With new DC Christian Parker moving him to outside linebacker in a multi-front scheme, there's a clear path to more sacks if his pressure-to-finish rate improves (from the [Donovan Ezeiruaku page]).
Jaydon Blue (RB) — another name to watch. He was inactive for most of his rookie year, but coaches have noted a significant jump in his professionalism and playbook command this offseason. The Cowboys desperately need a No. 2 behind Javonte Williams, and Blue is competing for that role (from the [Jaydon Blue page]).
Phil Mafah (RB) — a 7th-rounder who missed most of 2025 with an injury but scored a TD in the season finale. The team is optimistic about a larger role in the RB2 competition (from the [Phil Mafah page]).
Nate Thomas (OT) — also a second-year option, though he's competing at left tackle after Tyler Guyton struggled (31 pressures allowed in 10 games). Thomas is being evaluated as a potential upgrade (from the Dak Prescott page).
The Ezeiruaku jump is the one most likely to affect real games (and IDP leagues) — he's got the tools and a new coordinator who should unlock him. The RB duo is more of a "hope they earn scraps behind Javonte Williams" situation.