Dallas Cowboys: 3 second-year sleepers to watch

The Dallas Cowboys have several high profile second-year players to watch in 2019. But here are three relative unknowns to look out for as well.

Lost in the shuffle that was last year’s draft class, the Dallas Cowboys had some talented rookies that didn’t really have a chance to contribute in their first season for one reason or another. While star rookies like linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, wide receiver Michael Gallup and offensive guard Connor Williams were making headlines, these players were forced to the sidelines and have had to wait for their chance to shine.

Here are three young players who are entering their second season in Dallas that fans should watch as this trio could end up making an impact on the field after a year of obscurity.

Cedrick Wilson Jr., WR

A sixth-round selection in 2018 by the Cowboys, Wilson posted two back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Broncos during his only two years at Boise State. Before suffering a season-ending torn labrum in his shoulder in late July, Dallas seemed excited about Wilson’s potential.

Coming out of college, Wilson was viewed as one of the top deep threats in his draft class. But he also showed some natural pass-catching ability and the well-rounded skills to be more than a one-trick pony last summer. Don’t be surprised if Wilson is able to crack the Cowboys’ 53-man roster despite the overwhelming competition.

Donovan Olumba, CB

Undrafted out of Portland State last year, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Olumba has the frame that Cowboys’ passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Kris Richard famously covets. Despite showing flashes during training camp and becoming a possible sleeper to make the final roster, Olumba ultimately landed on the Cowboys’ practice squad last season.

With another offseason of training under his belt, look for this young corner to once again challenge to make the final 53 with names like Byron Jones and Anthony Brown currently set to become free agents in 2020.

Chris Covington, LB

Speaking of players who may benefit from veterans leaving the team via free agency, Covington should see more opportunities in his second season in Dallas due to the fact linebacker Damien Wilson is no longer on the team. Wilson, a free agent, signed a two-year deal to join the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. His departure opens the door for Covington, a sixth-round selection out of Indiana last year, to play a much bigger role.

The former quarterback-turned-linebacker played a total of 29 snaps during his rookie season in Dallas. And 28 of those snaps were on special teams. Only a one-year starter in college, Covington needed extra time to develop. With Wilson out of the picture, he should finally get some much-needed experience as well.