Dallas Cowboys: 3 players who must improve in Year Two

Here are three players drafted by the Dallas Cowboys just last season who need to step up in their development in Year Two to have a much bigger impact.

The Dallas Cowboys have had a solid run of draft success in recent years. And they are hoping that trend continues this upcoming week during the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite everyone being focused on the upcoming annual selection event, there are players participating in the Cowboys’ offseason conditional programs right now trying to improve on their play from last season.

With 2018 in mind, here are three players selected in last year’s draft who need to take another step up following their rookie season in Dallas.

Connor Williams, G

The Cowboys could have traded their second-round pick in 2018 to the Seattle Seahawks for All-Pro safety Earl Thomas. Instead, Dallas chose to draft Texas offensive lineman Connor Williams 50th overall.

After starting eight games at left guard for the Cowboys, an injury sidelined Williams and led to veteran Xavier Su’a-Filo replacing the rookie and quickly earning the starting role away from him.

This offseason, Williams has been working to get stronger, the biggest obstacle in his first season. In his second year, the versatile lineman will be looking to earn his starting role back. And Williams could also be a possible replacement for starting right tackle La’el Collins, who is scheduled to become a free agent in 2020.

Why Williams must improve in Year Two: Williams must justify his draft investment. He can’t do that on the bench.

Dorance Armstrong, DE

The Cowboys lost starting defensive end Randy Gregory to an indefinite drug-related suspension earlier this year. Then Dallas traded for veteran pass rusher Robert Quinn. So the goal for Dorance Armstrong remains the same: To try to earn more playing time behind the starter.

During his rookie season, Armstrong struggled to find a role on a packed defensive rotation. He started in just one game, recording a total of 13 tackles and half a sack.

With Quinn currently on a one-year deal, plus the unknown future of Gregory in Dallas, and the lackluster career for former first-rounder Taco Charlton; Armstrong has an opportunity to earn the starting role in 2020, if not earlier.

Why Armstrong must improve in Year Two: With so many questions surrounding the position, the Cowboys need stability and consistency from their pass rushers. Armstrong could be that hope.

Dalton Schultz, TE

If the Cowboys draft a tight end later this week, Dalton Schultz could be fighting for a spot on the final 53-man roster this summer. The return of Jason Witten and the presence of fellow tight ends Blake Jarwin and Rico Gathers essentially locks the depth chart in Dallas including Schultz.

But throw in another prospect and/or veteran to the position this offseason, and suddenly the 2018 fourth rounder might find himself on the practice squad this year. Especially if Gathers takes a leap in his development.

Schultz began to show some signs of growth at the end of last season after a very slow start, recording 10 of his 12 regular season receptions after Week 11. As a fourth-round pick just last year, he’ll get every opportunity to earn himself a meaningful role in 2019. But Schultz can’t afford to take a step back in his development.

Why Schultz must improve in Year Two: If the Dallas Cowboys add any more tight ends to their roster this offseason, Schultz could be in danger of being a one-and-done player despite his somewhat high draft status.