Dallas Cowboys: Breaking down the roster bubble
By Brad Austin
SIGN ‘EM OR SAY GOODBYE
DUKE THOMAS (CB)
The first year player has been solid all camp in both practice and games. His consistent production was rewarded with first team snaps in specialty packages.
Thomas’ success may have surprised some, but Texas Longhorns fans recall three years of scrappy starting corner play.
Back in 2014, Texas ranked 11th in the nation against the pass. Thomas and Quandre Diggs (Detroit Lions) were the corner duo that fueled their success.
Promising corners don’t grow on trees and there’s enough good film on Thomas now that he’d never clear waivers to reach the practice squad.
Conclusion: Dallas would be foolish to cut Thomas and squander having four talented, young corners until at least 2019.
COOPER RUSH (QB)
Just as corner is a premium position, so are promising developmental passers.
Rush doesn’t have the physical gifts to make scouts drool. But he’s played lights out in the preseason…26-38 (64.8%), 293 yards, 4 TD’s, O INT, 125.3 QB rating.
The undrafted rookie is a gamer who processes the game quickly, makes smart decisions, and executes accurate throws.
Kellen Moore is a veteran and pet project of offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. In a fair contest based on performance, Rush would be leading the back-up race.
Even if Moore hangs on as Dak Prescott‘s second, Rush is exactly what this team should desire in a cheap, developmental option.
Most agree Rush wouldn’t clear waivers to stealth walk past QB hungry wolves.
Conclusion: Dallas must hold Rush or they’ll lose another promising rookie like they did with Darius Jackson last season.