Dallas Cowboys: 10 players to watch against the Niners
With the Dallas Cowboys scheduled to play their first preseason game on Thursday night, here are 10 players we think are worth watching against the Niners.
The Dallas Cowboys are set to play their first preseason matchup of 2018 on Thursday night. It will be a scrimmage against the up-and-coming San Francisco 49ers.
Neither team is expected to play their starters for long in this exhibition. Therefore, this contest is really a showcase for youngsters continuing to make their case for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Therefore, here are 10 Cowboy players we’ll be keeping a close eye on Thursday night.
Rico Gathers, TE
Scoring two touchdowns in his first two preseason games last season, tight end Rico Gathers will look to have a similar impact this year. And it appears he’ll need to string together some big preseason performances in order to make the final cut come September 1st.
Antwaun Woods, DT
Maybe no single player has made a bigger leap up the depth chart than Antwaun Woods as of late. He’s has gone from relative unknown to possible starter in the past two weeks. The disruptive defensive tackle will get his first chance to translate his play in practice to an actual game against the Niners.
Lance Lenoir, WR
No Cowboys receiver has made more consistent, eye-popping catches than Lance Lenior at training camp this year. Many are excited to see if that level of play will come shining through in the team’s first preseason matchup Thursday night.
Anthony Brown, CB
Former sixth rounder Anthony Brown appears to be the Cowboys favorite to start in the slot over promising second-year cornerback Jourdan Lewis. Brown has racked up a few interceptions during training camp and appears to be playing at a very high level right now.
Trey Williams, RB
Cut by the Cowboys and then suddenly re-signed, no one is more aware of his shaky status with the team than running back Trey Williams. He knows at any point he can be cut. That makes him dangerous. Williams was one of the top performers coming out of the Blue/White Scrimmage. He could have a big showing in this game.
Leighton Vander Esch, LB
The Cowboys 2018 first round selection should get plenty of snaps in his preseason debut. Dallas clearly loves Leighton Vander Esch but they want him to earn his role in season one. His performance on Thursday night should go a long way in doing just that.
Dorance Armstrong, DE
Surprisingly, 2018 fourth round pick Dorance Armstrong has been able to shine amidst a very talented and crowded group of more experienced defensive ends. This is a player who fell in the draft after posting a lackluster 2017 campaign. Could Armstrong actually record a better rookie season than former first rounder Taco Charlton did just last year?
Charles Tapper, DE
Famously drafted before quarterback Dak Prescott in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, defensive end Charles Tapper has barely seen any real playing time due to injuries. In what appears to be his last chance in Dallas, can Tapper separate himself enough from the pack to earn a roster spot? He’ll need to make some big plays in the preseason to do so.
Donovan Olumba, CB
Nicknamed “Sherman” for his similar frame and dreadlocks to the 49ers’ Richard Sherman, Donovan Olumba represents just one of the many undrafted rookies trying to crack this roster. Players like him, fellow cornerback Charvarius Ward, safety Tyree Robinson, and linebacker Joel Lanning are all worth keeping an eye on.
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Mekale McKay, WR
A wildcard to watch along the wide receiver corps is Mekale McKay. The 6-foot-4, 210 pound wideout has surprised many with his consistent play in training camp. With several receivers out due to injury, McKay has made the best of his opportunities. There is no better place to introduce yourself to Cowboys Nation than the preseason. Just ask Rico Gathers.