Dallas Cowboys: Bubble players from each position group

After three weeks of Dallas Cowboys training camp and two preseason games, a shrinking list of realistic bubble contenders is now emerging.

The Dallas Cowboys are now far enough into training camp to gain a fairly solid grasp on which players have any realistic shot of making the final 53-man roster.

There may be a few surprise performances or player additions that skew current assumptions. Yet for the most part, the apparent pecking orders are settling in.

Let’s take a look at each position group and see who’s likely safe, and the remaining few still battling to get off the bubble.

QUARTERBACK (3)

• IN (3): Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, Mike White
• BUBBLE: None

ANALYSIS: All three will likely make the final cut. So far White has probably only shown enough to earn a practice squad slot. But sneaking a 5th round QB through waivers is too risky.

RUNNING BACK (4)

• IN (3): Ezekiel Elliott, Rod Smith, Jamize Olawale
• BUBBLE: Darius Jackson, Bo Scarbrough

ANALYSIS: Jackson’s stellar performance against the Bengals showed exactly why he led the team in preseason rushing in 2016. Releasing him again, and for an underwhelming late round rookie, would be more Cowboys incompetence of valuing favorites over better players. B.J. Webb says hi.

WIDE RECEIVER (6)

• IN (5): Cole Beasley, Michael Gallup, Allen Hurns, Tavon Austin, Terrance Williams
• BUBBLE: Deonte Thompson, Lance Lenoir

ANALYSIS: Lenoir has shown to be a crafty, reliable target with real value. Thompson’s unique deep speed is more desirable, but he’s yet to be healthy enough to take a game snap. Either he shows up under the lights, or Lenoir must stay.

TIGHT END (4)

• IN (3): Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin, Dalton Schultz
• BUBBLE: Rico Gathers, yet to be signed blocking tight end

ANALYSIS: Quality blocking tight ends are much easier to find than worthy in-line receivers. After final roster cuts, a veteran blocker will be signed to solidify the 2-TE run formation. Rico is running out of borrowed time.

OFFENSIVE LINE (8)

• IN (7): Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, La’el Collins, Cameron Fleming, Joe Looney
• BUBBLE: Kadeem Edwards, Chaz Green, TBD veteran

ANALYSIS: The final eight would already be set without Marcus Martin losing his season to injury. Dallas must now seek out and sign a new 8th man since their bubble guys are woeful and unable to be trusted in live fire.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE (4)

• IN (2): Maliek Collins, Antwaun Woods
• BUBBLE: Brian Price, Jihad Ward, Datone Jones, Daniel Ross

ANALYSIS: Smart money is on Price (1-DT) and Ward (3-DT) landing the final spots.

DEFENSIVE END (6)

• IN (5): DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, Dorance Armstrong, Taco Charlton, Randy Gregory
• BUBBLE: Kony Ealy, Charles Tapper

ANALYSIS: Ealy has the versatility to play inside and out, but hasn’t flashed much and is on a one-year deal. Tapper has more edge rush ability and an extra year on his contract but comes with a poor injury history. Neither has separated to this point.

LINEBACKER (6)

• IN (5): Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Joe Thomas, Damien Wilson
• BUBBLE: Chris Covington, Justin March-Lillard

ANALYSIS: Covington wins the size battle by 2 inches and 20 pounds. With weakside and nickel linebackers already well stocked, Dallas will opt for the bigger rookie for heavy special teams usage if they remain close.

CORNERBACK (6)

• IN (4): Chidobe Awuzie, Byron Jones, Anthony Brown, Jourdan Lewis
• BUBBLE: Duke Thomas, Charvarius Ward, Marquez White, Donovan Olumba

ANALYSIS: Thomas is the best of the bubble guys and likely safe barring an ugly finish. The final corner will be decided by the next two preseason games.

SAFETY (4)

• IN (3): Jeff Heath, Xavier Woods, Kavon Frazier
• BUBBLE: TBD veteran, Tyree Robinson

ANALYSIS: Listing camp body safeties would be a waste of time. Dallas must sign a starting caliber veteran to complete the group for Week 1. If not they’ll have shown either absurd incompetence or a shamefully lacking commitment to winning.