The Landry Hat
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Dallas Cowboys mid-preseason roster projection

By Tyrone Starr

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys leads his team onto the field prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys leads his team onto the field prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Ezekiel Elliott #21 after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with Ezekiel Elliott #21 after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Running backs (5)
Ezekiel Elliott, Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, Rod Smith, Keith Smith

The possible suspension of Elliott will likely open up a roster spot somewhere else but not at running back. Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris provide a nice safety net for Dallas if he misses any time. If anything, the looming discipline probably keeps Morris on the team as Rod Smith is having a great camp.  Keith Smith, meanwhile, is one of those do-it-all guys that all good teams seem to have.

Wide receivers (5)
Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Brice Butler, Ryan Switzer

Bryant is out looking to reclaim his spot as one of the best receivers in the league.  I feel bad for any cornerback opposing him. Expect huge numbers. Beasley may be completely unguardable one-on-one and really ignites this offense. Switzer is supposedly Beas 2.0 but a hamstring injury has really limited his progress in camp. Williams and Butler provide the outside speed to allow the others to work the middle of the field.

Tight ends (4)
Jason Witten, Rico Gathers, Geoff Swaim, James Hanna

Witten just keeps on keeping on.  70 catches, 700 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Rinse and repeat.  Gathers is like Rush in that he’s done way too many good things to not be on this roster.  Each guy at this position has a unique skill they are too good at to leave off the roster.  I’d prefer to not have four tight ends but I just don’t know who you cut.

Offensive line (8)
Tyron Smith, Jonathan Cooper, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, La’el Collins, Chaz Green, Joe Looney, Byron Bell

The fab four’s plus one looks to be Cooper for two reasons.  One is Green’s lack of ability to stay healthy.  The other is Green’s ability to be a swing tackle which would make more sense at this point.  Looney and Bell also provide position flexibility which is key to earn a roster spot as a backup.

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