High praise from ESPN analyst Ryan Clark on the Cowboys big 3

ESPN analyst Ryan Clark recently delivered high praise for the Dallas Cowboys’ trio of stars—Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb—highlighting the immense potential they bring to the table as the team’s cornerstones in the 2025 season. Clark, known for his insightful analysis and no-nonsense approach to breaking down football, emphasized that the combination of talent, leadership, and versatility among these three players gives the Cowboys a legitimate chance to not only contend for the NFC title but possibly challenge for a Super Bowl as well.

With the Cowboys consistently being one of the most talked-about franchises in the NFL, any assessment of their roster carries weight. Clark’s praise is particularly notable because of his candid and sometimes critical evaluations of teams around the league. His remarks about Prescott, Parsons, and Lamb aren’t just about individual talent—they reflect a deep understanding of how those talents fit together in what many believe could be a championship-caliber roster.

Clark’s analysis of Dak Prescott centered on the quarterback’s ability to lead and elevate his team despite the constant scrutiny that comes with being the face of the Dallas Cowboys. Prescott has often been a lightning rod for both praise and criticism, especially following high expectations during the offseason or after playoff disappointments. However, Clark seems to believe that Prescott is finally in a position to break through the ceiling that has held the Cowboys back in recent seasons.

“I think people underestimate Dak,” Clark said. “He’s been under the microscope for years, but he’s a winner. He’s shown time and time again that he has the mental toughness to handle the pressure. This year, with the pieces they’ve put around him, Dak has the potential to elevate this team to where they want to go.”

Clark noted Prescott’s resilience, especially after coming back from a significant ankle injury in 2020 and adjusting to a new offensive system under head coach Mike McCarthy. Prescott’s ability to remain calm under pressure, manage the game, and most importantly, his connection with wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb, makes him a pivotal part of the Cowboys’ chances this season.

However, Clark didn’t ignore Prescott’s occasional struggles in big moments, especially in high-pressure playoff games. Still, he remained optimistic about Prescott’s ability to take the next step with the tools at his disposal. “If Dak can make those big throws in clutch moments, if he can protect the ball and keep the offense moving without forcing things, the Cowboys are dangerous. He’s got the weapons, and now it’s on him to take this offense where it needs to go.”

Clark highlighted Prescott’s leadership on and off the field, pointing out how the quarterback has earned the trust and respect of his teammates. “It’s not just his arm or his ability to read defenses; it’s his leadership,” Clark explained. “In the locker room, on the sideline, Dak is the one who rallies the team. That’s invaluable, and it’s why this Cowboys team believes they can make a deep run.”

Prescott’s success in 2025 is key to the Cowboys’ hopes of reaching their first Super Bowl in nearly three decades. As Clark pointed out, while Dak’s numbers are important, it’s the intangible elements of leadership and decision-making that will ultimately define his legacy in Dallas.

When Ryan Clark turned his attention to Micah Parsons, the excitement in his voice was palpable. The second-year linebacker has quickly established himself as one of the most terrifying defensive players in the NFL, and Clark is a huge believer in his talent. “This kid is special. Micah Parsons is the best defensive player in the NFL right now,” Clark said, not mincing his words. “He can impact the game in so many ways. Whether it’s rushing the passer, covering backs in the flat, or just disrupting the entire offense, he’s the type of player who can change the course of a game with one play.”

Clark’s analysis of Parsons reflects a growing consensus among NFL analysts and scouts: the linebacker is more than just a pass rusher—he is a complete defensive player who can do everything. Parsons finished the 2023 season with a career-high 15 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and countless other disruptive plays, and Clark believes that with his unmatched athleticism and intelligence, he could very well be the most valuable player on the Cowboys’ roster.

“Micah Parsons is a game-wrecker. He’s someone you have to account for on every play, and he makes everyone around him better. The way he moves, the way he reacts to plays, his motor never stops,” Clark observed. “It’s the same as a linebacker and pass rusher, but also as a leader. When he speaks, everyone listens. He has the mental edge over most players in the league.”

Clark praised Parsons’ ability to affect the game from any position on the field, noting that his versatility has allowed defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to move him around and exploit mismatches against opposing offenses. From rushing the passer from the edge to dropping into coverage and even lining up as an off-ball linebacker, Parsons gives Quinn a unique tool that few defenses can replicate.

Parsons’ leadership on defense is also a critical factor in Clark’s praise. “The defensive line has a lot of great players, but Parsons is the one who drives them. He has that intensity that spreads through the entire unit. The way he plays and works makes it clear that he’s the one who sets the tone,” Clark explained.

In a year when the Cowboys’ defense is expected to be one of the most dominant in the NFL, Parsons’ ability to lead and perform at a high level will be crucial. His presence will be felt not just in sacks but in the energy he brings to every play, motivating his teammates and keeping offenses on their toes.

Clark’s praise for CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ top receiver, was equally enthusiastic. While Lamb has long been seen as a promising young talent, 2025 is shaping up to be the year where he truly emerges as one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers. Clark sees a unique combination of speed, agility, and hands that allows Lamb to make plays both inside and outside of the numbers.

“I’ve been watching CeeDee for a while now, and it’s clear to me that he’s ready to make the leap,” Clark said. “He’s a guy who can dominate on every level of the field. Whether it’s running deep routes, catching tough slants over the middle, or making incredible contested catches, CeeDee has the whole package. He’s got the potential to be a top-5 receiver in this league.”

Clark was especially impressed by Lamb’s ability to break tackles and pick up yards after the catch, an underrated skill that could make him even more dangerous in McCarthy’s offense. “CeeDee can do everything. He’s a complete receiver, and if Dak can get him the ball in space, he’s going to rack up big yards,” Clark said. “He’s going to take the top off defenses, and that opens up so many things for this offense.”

One of the more impressive aspects of Lamb’s game, according to Clark, is his growth in the leadership department. “It’s not just about what CeeDee does on the field; it’s about how he’s grown into the role of a leader in the receiving corps. He’s becoming the player that the young guys look up to,” Clark explained. “He’s already a star, but now, he’s starting to take control of the unit. That’s what championship teams need—leaders who are unafraid to step up when the spotlight’s on them.”

Lamb has consistently shown that he can produce at a high level, even when facing top-tier cornerbacks. His ability to adjust to different situations—whether it’s a high-pressure third down or a crucial playoff game—makes him a valuable asset in a Cowboys offense that relies heavily on its passing attack.

What makes Clark’s assessment of Prescott, Parsons, and Lamb even more impactful is the recognition of how these three players complement each other within the Cowboys’ system. While each player excels in their respective roles, together, they create a perfect balance of offensive and defensive power. Prescott’s leadership and ability to execute in high-pressure moments help keep the offense on track. Parsons’ ability to disrupt and dominate on defense provides the edge the Cowboys need to control games, while Lamb’s game-breaking ability gives Prescott a go-to weapon on the outside to exploit opposing defenses.

Clark highlighted that the success of these three players isn’t just about their individual greatness; it’s about how they synergize to create a well-rounded and dangerous team. “When you have players like Dak, Micah, and CeeDee, you’ve got a foundation that can win championships. They all bring something different to the table, but when they work together, it’s nearly impossible to stop them,” Clark said.

Moreover, Ryan Clark made it clear that the Cowboys’ success hinges not just on these three stars but on how well the entire roster plays around them. He noted that the key to the Cowboys’ Super Bowl aspirations would be whether the offensive line can protect Prescott, whether the defense can provide consistent pressure, and whether complementary players can step up when needed. But, at the heart of it all, it’s the trio of Prescott, Parsons, and Lamb that will define the Cowboys’ fate in 2025.

Ryan Clark’s praise of the Cowboys’ big three is a recognition of the immense potential the franchise holds. Prescott, Parsons, and Lamb each bring something special to the table, and with the right supporting cast around them, the Cowboys are primed to contend for a title this season. While questions about Dallas’ playoff performance in recent years have lingered, the foundation is solid. Clark’s analysis serves as a reminder that, if this trio can stay healthy and continue to evolve, the Cowboys have the talent to finally end their long wait for another championship.