5 Dallas Cowboys poised for a breakout year
By Tim Kohut
The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of question marks heading into next season. Let’s take a look at what players could make an impact.
For the Dallas Cowboys to make the playoffs during the 2018 season, a lot of pieces have to fall into place.
The team is undoubtedly loaded with young talent, but putting it together is a whole different story. Here are a few players that could be the difference makers in a potential Cowboys’ playoff run.
Michael Gallup
The Dallas Cowboys have a gaping hole at wide receiver after the departure, and it’s essentially any man’s job to win. With Terrance Williams‘ status also up in the air, Gallup could slide in as a starter in Week One. With a physical skillset similar to that of a young Dez Bryant, Gallup could make Dak Prescott’s life a whole lot easier with a monster rookie year.
Jourdan Lewis
One can make the argument that Jourdan Lewis already broke out last year, but it’s likely he’ll take another huge leap in year two under new defensive backs coach Kris Richard. Lewis has the tenacity and physicality to thrive under the tutelage of Richard, and he could end up being the Cowboys’ number one corner sooner, rather than later.
Connor Williams
Connor Williams is in a good spot. He’s a dominant college player shifting to the (arguably) easiest offensive line position, and he’s being flanked by two All-Pro offensive linemen. Williams is a mauler, and it wouldn’t be surprised if he instantly stepped in and became the difference-maker in the Cowboys’ already-superb offensive line.
Tavon Austin
Tavon Austin has had an up-and-down NFL career thus far, but a change in scenery might be a blessing for the 27-year-old playmaker. In hindsight, it’s pretty clear Austin didn’t have the hands, size or route-running capabilities to be a number one receiver, but the Cowboys are going to get creative with him. Although he’s now listed at running back, Austin figures to play a Lance Dunbar-type role on the team. He’ll likely never be a Pro Bowl player, but he could be an integral piece to a team a la Dion Lewis if the Cowboys manage to get his role right.
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Blake Jarwin
With Jason Witten sadly retiring this offseason, it looks like Blake Jarwin could be the frontrunner to take over the tight end position. Although it could be a “tight end by committee” approach in 2018, Jarwin seems to be a favorite of Will McClay, which could bode well for his skill set, just based off of McClay’s knack for identifying talent. Obviously, nothing is set in stone, but if I had to bet, Jarwin sets himself from the pack this season with a monster training camp.