Breakout Watch: PFF identifies two Cowboys who should surpass expectations in 2025

The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season looks poised for some intriguing individual performances, but perhaps none more so than two players often overlooked in the initial preseason chatter. Player personnel evaluations and fantasy football rankings frequently group them together as depth pieces, yet the consensus at Pro Football Focus (PFF) seems to be shifting. Despite internal disagreements on the *exact* breakout star, the statistical analysts at PFF have spotlighted two key Cowboys who are projected to exceed pre-draft expectations in the upcoming campaign: soon-to-be-second-year defensive back Cooper Beebe and veteran wideout Javonte Williams.

Cooper Beebe, picked in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, emerged as one of the most captivating storylines during the Cowboys' unexpected Super Bowl run last season. While now widely regarded as a significant downgrade from his college production at Louisville, highlighting his receiving ability, and incorporated into the defensive backfield early in the 2024 season, his Week 1 effort of 2024 – where he recorded an impressive seven tackles (one for loss) and a forced fumble against the Redskins – suggested a defense rediscovering some of its youthful intensity and potential upside. PFF, however, noted a divisive view last year, with many of their evaluators hesitant to pronounce him a major breakout simply based on his rookie year's heroics. The 2025 outlook hinges on the Cowboys trust in their draft capital and Beebe's ability to translate promising flashes into consistent impact plays. If he can return to elite coverage skills like flashes seen last season, coupled with an increased role in the return game and potential targets fromensively, his case for surpassing expectations becomes rockier.

On the other end of the spectrum lies Javonte Williams, the veteran receiver whose path has often been defined by possibilities not fully realized. Already on a limited-contract, reportedly a "last chance" agreement according to some sources cited in the prompt (akin to the sentiment PFF evaluators may hold regarding his window for a significant resurgence, given typical veteran contract structures), the onus is fully on the Cowboys to utilize his experience and proven big-play ability. Last season, despite missing time due to injury, Williams showed glimpses of his capabilities and is expected to enter a contract year in 2025 that could theoretically motivate him. While his underlying metrics and route-running efficiency suggested potential improvement, perhaps Williams needs a full season without injury and ideally some dynamic playmaking moments to truly silence doubters. The question is whether the Cowboys field allows him to make plays consistently. According to PFF's internal projections, it's plausible he could have a season where his targets are maximized and he contributes significantly, particularly in key moments, which would certainly define a successful campaign for the veteran as he looks to cap off his career with a memorable output.

Ultimately, while the statistical house might seem divided on the single breakout star for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, the consensus appears to point towards these veteran and ascending defenders. Cooper Beebe needs to build upon a promising start, avoiding the sophomore slump that often befell similarly drafted corners, while Javonte Williams needs to deliver in a way that doesn't merely meet, but importantly, exceeds the level required to surpass the modest expectations placed upon him amidst his veteran status and limited contract life. Either or both could step into the spotlight. Their paths are vastly different – Beebe a player riding the wave of early promise, Williams one fighting within the constraints of his final few seasons – but both represent compelling narratives for the Cowboys seeking renewed success.

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