# Will the Cowboys' second-year players make a significant jump in 2026?

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.

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Answered 2026-07-09 by ChatFFB — fantasy football answers from a live news wiki.
Source: https://chatffb.com/ask/will-the-cowboys-second-year-players-make-a-significant-jump-in-2026