Dallas Cowboys revolving door: Who’s in? Who’s out?

Last week, the Dallas Cowboys revolving door of a roster continues as they released five players and gained three new ones.

Last week, another batch of Dallas Cowboys defenders hit the waiver wires as head coach Jason Garrett and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli continue to churn the bottom of their roster.

The released players were:

• Caleb Azubike – defensive end
• Jerrell Harris – linebacker
• Brandon McGee – defensive back
• Terrance Mitchell – defensive back
• Justin Renfrow – tackle

Terrance Mitchell is the only cut who’s played a competitive game with the Cowboys; and while his release has been deemed a surprise by some, it indicates the coaching staffs’ confidence in the health of veterans and the ability of their rookie defensive backs.

Mitchell was a seventh round pick for the Cowboys in 2014 but failed to make the roster subsequently ending up with the Chicago Bears. Despite playing in the five opening games with the Bears last year, he finished the season in Dallas and was productive in his return.

In the three games, Mitchell played (vs. New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins) he had a sack, nine tackles and an interception – something that continues to be a rarity among defensive backs in Big D.

Mitchell certainly didn’t have a spot secured in Dallas. Throughout OTA’s he’s been tried out at safety.

"“He has a lot of physical traits that would make you think he could play safety. You saw some of that when he was playing nickel last year at the end of the year.” – Jason Garrett"

The defensive back position is still an area of concern for the Cowboys. But there’s a wealth of players for them to still work with and find their strongest starters.

CORNERBACKS

• Anthony Brown
• Brandon Carr
• Morris Claiborne
• Arjen Colquhoun
• Jeremiah McKinnon
• Deji Olatoye
• Orlando Scandrick
• Josh Thomas

SAFETIES

• Barry Church
• Kavon Frazier
• Jeff Heath
• Byron Jones
• Rolan Milligan
• J.J. Wilcox

Much like the outgoing players, those coming in are also inexperienced in the NFL. With no game time between them last season.

The newly signed players are:

• Brandon Hepburn – linebacker
• Bryan Witzmann – tackle
• Lawrence Okoye – defensive end

Brandon Hepburn was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2013 and  joined the Eagles in 2015 before they cut him this month. His scouting reports during the draft were decent, but will beg the question why he’s failed to make a starting roster in the league.

He’ll be looking to prove he has value to the Cowboys up against the ten other linebackers currently on the roster.

The Dallas offensive line is unlikely to alter much over the next few years. Only Doug Free’s right tackle spot is likely to become vacant in that time. Therefore any additions on the o-line are for depth purposes and that’s all that will be expected of Bryan Witzmann.

The addition of Lawrence Okoye is the most interesting one. Appearing for Team GB at the Olympics in 2012 he’s the discuss national record holder. It’s the sheer athleticism of the man that saw the 49ers sign him.

With Jack Crawford becoming an increasingly more important component of the Cowboys defensive line, if Okoye shows promise we could see two Brits lined up together. He’s far from the complete player but the coaches have seen enough to want a closer look at what he can develop into.

Next: Dallas Cowboys defense still another year away from relevance

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