Daryl “Moose” Johnston discusses NFL practice management and the Cowboys’ top roster requirements for 2025.

Daryl “Moose” Johnston Discusses NFL Practice Management and the Cowboys’ Top Roster Requirements for 2025

As the NFL continues to evolve, the importance of practice management, player development, and roster construction becomes more pronounced. Teams across the league are constantly seeking ways to improve, whether through strategic practice methodologies, roster enhancements, or innovative coaching techniques. The Dallas Cowboys, with their storied history and championship aspirations, are no different. With aspirations of returning to the Super Bowl, the Cowboys’ approach to practice management and roster development will be pivotal as they prepare for the future.

One individual who is particularly well-suited to offer insight into these areas is Daryl “Moose” Johnston, the former Dallas Cowboys fullback and current NFL analyst. Over the course of his career, Johnston saw firsthand how meticulous practice management, player development, and roster construction can play a crucial role in a team’s success. Now, as a broadcaster and analyst, Johnston offers a unique perspective on the league and its trends.

In this article, we’ll explore Johnston’s thoughts on NFL practice management, its significance in player development, and the Cowboys’ most pressing roster requirements heading into the 2025 season. With valuable insights drawn from his career, Johnston’s perspective will provide fans, analysts, and executives alike with a deeper understanding of what the Cowboys need to do to build a championship-caliber team.

Daryl “Moose” Johnston: A Snapshot of His Career and Expertise

Daryl Johnston is best known for his time as a fullback with the Dallas Cowboys from 1989 to 1999. A key component of the Cowboys’ success during the 1990s, Johnston was part of the team’s dominant offensive line, blocking for Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith and quarterback Troy Aikman. While not as flashy as other stars on the team, Johnston’s toughness, leadership, and ability to execute the dirty work made him a valuable asset to the Cowboys’ high-powered offense.

Johnston’s career was defined by his selflessness and hard-nosed approach to the game. Over his 11-year career, he won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys and earned a reputation as one of the most reliable fullbacks in the league. While Johnston’s role in the offense often required him to block and clear paths for Smith, he was also a capable ball carrier and an occasional threat in the passing game.

After retiring from playing, Johnston transitioned into a successful career as a television analyst and commentator. His deep understanding of the game, honed during his time as a player and now applied as an analyst, allows him to offer unique insights into the game’s various aspects—be it practice management, player development, or roster construction. Johnston’s knowledge of both the technical and strategic elements of football makes him an ideal voice to discuss how the Cowboys can optimize their chances of success.

The Importance of Practice Management in the NFL

In any professional sport, practice management is crucial to a team’s success. However, in the NFL, where the level of competition is particularly fierce, the need for effective practice methodologies is magnified. For the Dallas Cowboys, as they look to build a Super Bowl-contending roster for 2025, the approach to practice management will play a significant role in determining whether or not they can achieve their goals.

Daryl Johnston, with his vast experience in the league, has a clear understanding of how effective practice can maximize a team’s potential. He notes that the modern NFL is increasingly focused on the efficiency of practices, with an emphasis on maintaining player health, developing skills, and building team chemistry.

“Gone are the days where teams could grind players into the ground during the week,” Johnston explains. “The NFL has gotten smarter about how they approach practice, especially with the new CBA rules regarding the number of padded practices and the overall length of training camps. The key now is managing workloads effectively so that players are fresh and at their peak when game time comes.”

The Evolution of NFL Practice

Johnston’s insights on practice management are particularly relevant in today’s NFL, where team staffs have become more sophisticated in how they structure their practices. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) and the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) have greatly altered how teams approach practice schedules. Gone are the marathon practices of yesteryear, replaced by more efficient sessions that focus on honing specific skills while preventing injuries.

Johnston emphasizes the importance of balancing intensity with recovery in modern practice regimens. “One of the things I’ve noticed in recent years is the focus on recovery,” he says. “Teams are really starting to incorporate recovery techniques into their practice schedules, such as yoga, stretching, cryotherapy, and more. It’s not just about working hard on the field—it’s about being smart and taking care of your body so that you can stay at the top of your game for the entire season.”

Johnston also points to the increased role of technology in NFL practices, where teams now have access to cutting-edge equipment to track player performance, health metrics, and workload management. GPS technology, for instance, can be used to measure a player’s speed, distance run, and the intensity of their movements during practice. This data allows teams to monitor players’ physical conditions in real time, ensuring they don’t overexert themselves during the course of practice.

“The ability to track a player’s movements and workload through technology is one of the game-changers in modern practice management,” Johnston explains. “It allows teams to be proactive in their approach to player health and performance. Coaches can adjust practice plans in real time, based on how a player’s body is responding. It’s a huge advantage, and the Cowboys are no exception—they’re using these technologies to maximize their practice efficiency.”

Key Roster Requirements for the Cowboys in 2025

As the Cowboys head into the 2025 season, they are facing several key roster decisions that will impact their ability to contend for a Super Bowl. Daryl Johnston’s perspective on the team’s needs heading into 2025 is shaped by his years of experience playing for a championship-caliber team. Johnston believes that the Cowboys have the foundation in place to make a serious run in 2025, but they must address certain areas to ensure they are truly competitive.

Here are some of the top roster requirements Johnston identifies for the Cowboys in 2025:

1. Quarterback Play: The Dak Prescott Question

Dak Prescott remains the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense. While Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, his performance in key moments—particularly in the postseason—has been scrutinized. In order to make a true championship run, the Cowboys need Prescott to be consistent, mistake-free, and capable of elevating his play when it matters most.

Johnston believes Prescott has the talent to lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl but needs to continue refining his game. “Dak has all the tools—he’s got the arm, the leadership, and the ability to make big-time plays. But in 2025, the Cowboys need him to take that next step in terms of consistency, especially in the postseason. He needs to be able to avoid those critical mistakes that have hurt him in the past.”

2. Wide Receiver Depth: Building Around CeeDee Lamb

CeeDee Lamb has established himself as the top wide receiver for the Cowboys, but the team needs to add more depth and explosiveness to its receiving corps. In a league that is increasingly dominated by high-powered passing attacks, Dallas needs more than just Lamb to be a threat in the passing game. The Cowboys will need a reliable No. 2 receiver, and they may also want to invest in a speedster who can stretch the field and create mismatches.

Johnston highlights the importance of surrounding Prescott with weapons. “The Cowboys need to build around Dak and make sure he has the pieces to succeed. CeeDee Lamb is an elite talent, but they need to find a No. 2 receiver who can create separation and make plays downfield. That will help Dak and take some of the pressure off Lamb.”

3. Defensive Line: Generating Pressure

One of the Cowboys’ strengths in recent seasons has been their defense, particularly the play of Micah Parsons and the defensive line. However, Johnston believes that the Cowboys need to continue to bolster their pass rush and overall defensive line depth.

“The defensive line has to be able to get to the quarterback,” Johnston asserts. “Micah Parsons is a game-changer, but the Cowboys need more consistent pressure from the interior and from the opposite edge rusher. Adding depth and possibly a star pass rusher could put their defense over the top.”

4. Offensive Line: Protecting Prescott

While the Cowboys’ offensive line has been one of the best in the league for years, age and injuries have started to take their toll. Johnston believes that strengthening the offensive line will be essential in 2025, particularly in protecting Dak Prescott and creating running lanes for Tony Pollard.

“Prescott needs time to throw, and the running game needs to be effective to take pressure off him. That starts with a strong, healthy offensive line. The Cowboys need to add depth and youth to the line to ensure they remain dominant upfront.”