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Dallas Cowboys: 3 potential second-year stars to watch

By Steven Mullenax

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins defends a pass intended for Dalton Schultz #86 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of the game at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 21: Mason Foster #54 of the Washington Redskins defends a pass intended for Dalton Schultz #86 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of the game at FedExField on October 21, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Here are three second-year players for the Dallas Cowboys who might blossom into stars this offseason for America’s Team.

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2018 draft class was highlighted by one player. That being their first round selection out of Boise State, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. The rookie phenom shocked the football world, earning a Pro Bowl nod in his very first season.

But the Cowboys’ class had some other possible stars in the making whom, for whatever reason, needed more time to blossom. Here are three second-year Cowboys who have the potential to breakout in 2019.

Dorance Armstrong, DE

The emergence of Randy Gregory combined with the stellar play of DeMarcus Lawrence left limited opportunities for Armstrong during his rookie season. Throw in veteran Tyrone Crawford and first round bust Taco Charlton, and it makes you wonder why the Cowboys used a 2018 fourth round pick on another defensive end in the first place.

Still, the Cowboys liked Armstrong’s potential enough to consider drafting him in the third round. With Gregory currently suspended indefinitely, Armstrong seemed to be in line for more snaps in his second season. Then Dallas traded for veteran pass rusher Robert Quinn.

Regardless, Armstrong will be given every opportunity to play a much bigger role in 2019. He’ll also have plenty of competition like Charlton and rookies Joe Jackson and Jalen Jelks. But Armstrong flashed big-time upside at Kansas, recording a wicked stat-line of 56 total tackles, 20.0 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks in 12 games as a sophomore.

Cedrick Wilson, WR

The Cowboys have a bloated depth chart at wide receiver right now. With a total of 12 players at the position, the competition to make the final 53 will be fierce.

Presuming receivers Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb, and Allen Hurns are all locks to make team, there may only be two spots left for eight players including veterans like Tavon Austin and Noah Brown.

But the biggest wildcard among this group is easily Cedrick Wilson. A sixth round selection out of Boise State in 2018, Wilson failed to see the field his rookie season due to a shoulder injury.

Having posted two-straight 1,000 yard seasons at Boise State ( a combined 2,640 yards and 18 touchdowns), don’t be surprised if Wilson emerges as a sleeper WR2 challenger.

Dalton Schultz, TE

After a slow start, the 2018 fourth rounder out of Stanford started to flash potential towards the end of the season. But the emergence of Blake Jarwin clearly put Schultz behind him on the depth chart.

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The return of Jason Witten could further stunt the growth of Schultz. But he also has a chance to learn from the future Hall of Famer and possibly leapfrog Jarwin on the depth chart if he starts playing up to his potential. That would put the second-year tight end in position to become the eventual successor for Witten’s throne in Dallas.

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