Dallas Cowboys: Breaking down the roster bubble

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: Lance Lenoir #14 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a 4th quarter touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: Lance Lenoir #14 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a 4th quarter touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 19: Noah Brown #85 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown pass ahead of George Winn #37 of the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 19: Noah Brown #85 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown pass ahead of George Winn #37 of the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

IF THE NUMBERS FIT…

NOAH BROWN (WR)

The 7th round rookie has the size (6’2, 222) wide receivers coach Derek Dooley loves.

The only reason he’s on the bubble is extreme depth at the receiver position.

The four proven veterans are set in stone. While 4th round rookie Ryan Switzer is already anointed as the team’s new special teams demon.

Brown has a pretty visible name in scouting circles from his Senior year at Ohio State. It’s likely another team would snatch him if Dallas tried the practice squad route.

Conclusion: Brown’s fate depends on the potential suspensions. If three spots are still available, Brown should get the final slot.

RONNIE HILLMAN (RB)

The Cowboys badly want to slip Hillman into the 3rd down specialty back role Lance Dunbar vacated. The idea had merit, but so far it’s not panning out.

Hillman hasn’t shown enough flash to warrant deficits at other positions to keep him.

Elliott’s murky future suspension will cause Dallas to keep Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, Rod Smith and Keith Smith (FB).

Conclusion: Hillman’s added value doesn’t justify a sixth back on a crowded roster.