FRISCO -- There's a long way to go before the Dallas Cowboys even think about finalizing their 53-man roster to open the 2026 season.
Next week, the Cowboys begin Phase 3 of the offseason program with their first of six organized team activities at The Star. It will be the first time the players will be allowed to compete against each other in drills, albeit without pads.
For some, such as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams, the OTAs will be about the next step in getting ready for a long season. For others, such as DeMarvion Overshown, DaRon Bland, Tyler Guyton and Ryan Flournoy, they will be about answering questions about health or a particular role for the upcoming season. For rookies, such as first-rounders Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence, it will be the first time they can show they belong.
For a few more, the OTAs represent an opportunity to improve their chances when training camp begins in late July in Oxnard, California, to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Let's take a look at five Cowboys to watch:
Edge rusher Marist Liufau
A third-round pick in 2024, Liufau was either a poor fit in the previous defensive scheme or the coaches lacked confidence in him. He started five games and was credited with 21 tackles, but he played only 202 snaps on a defense that was starving for playmaking.