Since the Cowboys have a well defined offensive and defensive system, some players that thrive in other places may not fit in Dallas. Depth is also not a consideration, since only starters are included below, but during the long NFL season, depth becomes an important part of every team.

WR (3)

Dez Bryant

NYG - Odell Beckham Jr.

Cole Beasley (slot)

I was considering Sterling Shepard instead of Cole, but Beasley has proven to be a better slot receiver at this point in their respective careers.

RB

Ezekiel Elliott

Very easy selection. The next best running back may be the rookie, Perine, in Washington.

QB

Dak Prescott

Cousins, E. Manning, and Wentz came in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the division, respectively.

TE (2)

Jason Witten

PHI - Zack Ertz

I was tempted to include Jordan Reed, but his injury history makes the ironman, Witten, the choice.

OC

Travis Frederick

Jason Kelce's play has not been as good as Travis' in recent years.

OG (2)

Zack Martin

WAS - Brandon Scherff

Justin Pugh was a consideration, but La'el Collins would have beaten out Scherff were he still playing guard.

OT (2)

Tyron Smith

WAS - Trent Williams

Lane Johnson is a very good tackle, but he is a step down from Williams, and half a dozen steps down from Smith.

DT (2)

Maliek Collins

PHI - Fletcher Cox

While Harrison would be a load as the one technique, Collins and Cox possess the quick first steps that fit Marinelli's system. I was very tempted to include the rookie, Jonathan Allen.

DE (2)

NYG - Olivier Vernon

WAS - Ryan Kerrigan

Preston Smith and Brandon Graham were tough to leave off this list.

MLB

PHI - Jordan Hicks

If Jaylon Smith returns to full strength and plays like the top 5 pick he was projected to be coming out of Notre Dame, he would easily be the best Mike in the division.

WLB

Sean Lee

Nobody compares to Lee.

SLB

Damien Wilson

Kennard was just edged out by Wilson because he plays behind a good defensive line. The same could be said for Bradham.

CB (3)

NYG - Janoris Jenkins

WAS - Josh Norman

Anthony Brown

Brown played better than Apple last season. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could be included, but he was listed behind Apple on the depth chart.

SS

NYG - Landon Collins

Pretty easy selection, although I think Jeff Heath will have more interceptions than Collins this season.

FS

Byron Jones

Byron's athleticism and ability to shut down tight ends makes him the choice.

On offense, one player from New York, a solitary player from Philadelphia, and two players from Washington would start for the Cowboys. On defense, three players from New York, a couple from Philadelphia, and two from Washington would start for the Cowboys.

Washington still has quite a few talented players on their team. New York and Philadelphia have noticeably better defensive personnel than offensive players, although the Eagles are hurting in the secondary.

With eight starters on offense and five on defense, the Cowboys appear to have the best players for their system. I would like to see how many Cowboys players Redskins (3-4 defensive scheme) and Giants fans would insert into their starting lineups. It would surprise me if it were fewer than eight (six on offense and two on defense).