Dallas Cowboys final roster cuts may shock fans

With a training camp group full of depth across the board, there may be a few names left off the final 53 that could surprise fans of this team.

The Dallas Cowboys have a interesting “problem.” They may have a roster that is just too deep. Once August 31st comes around, there could be a few “names” that will not be on the team when the Giants come to town on September 8th.

Give the talent evaluators their props because this is a nice problem to have. There are lots of teams in this league that would envy the depth the Dallas Cowboys have built. Make no mistake, once final cuts are made, you can be certain that a few newly former Cowboys will playing in the league elsewhere.

So, who will be wearing the Star once the 2019 NFL season starts? Here is a way too early, first OTA in the books guess at what the final 53 man roster might look like.

Quarterback (2)

Dak Prescott, Mike White

Dallas went with three quarterbacks last season but will not in 2019. This roster is too deep to keep a third signal caller who never sees the field. The edge goes to White due to his draft status. Both he and Cooper Rush will get a legitimate look thanks to an improved backup offensive line, but in the end, I believe White edges Rush for the backup job.

Running Backs (4)

Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Mike Weber, Jamize Olawale

The Cowboys did not spend two draft picks in April on running backs for nothing. Both Pollard and Weber make the 53 while Dallas hopes and prays Elliott does not get another suspension stemming from a ridiculous off the field issue last month.

Wide Receiver (6)

Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb, Allen Hurns, Tavon Austin, Noah Brown

The receiver position is the first of many that will ultimately have a few talented men seeing their names off the final cut down list. Austin is one of the last to make the team but I honestly believe his punt/kickoff return prowess earns him a spot otherwise earmarked for someone else.

Cedrick Wilson, Lance Lenoir and Devin Smith may all end up as practice squad candidates that will fall short of the final 53.

Tight End (3)

Jason Witten, Blake Jarwin, Dalton Schultz

Long-term project Rico Gathers feels the effect of a sure fire Hall of Fame player making his return for one last shot at a Super Bowl ring as the Cowboys keep just four tight ends due to the depth throughout the entire roster.

Offensive Line (9)

Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, Connor Williams, La’el Collins, Cameron Flemings, Connor McGovern, Joe Looney, Xavier Su’a-Filo

I believe the Dallas Cowboys carry nine offensive linemen because the depth here is just too great to not do so. Su’a-Filo is one of the final 53, but makes the team based solely on his ability to fill in at either guard spot.

Defensive Line (12)

DeMarcus Lawrence, Maliek Collins, Tyrone Crawford, Robert Quinn, Trysten Hill, Antwaun Woods, Randy Gregory, Taco Charlton, Dorance Armstrong, Daniel Ross, Kerry Hyder, Daniel Wise

Yes, you are reading this correctly. I firmly believe that the Dallas Cowboys will carry 12 defensive linemen into week one against the Giants. Why?

1.  Lawrence may still need some time to get up to his expected workload following offseason shoulder surgery.
2.  Rod Marinelli loves coming at opposing teams in waves.
3. It’s unclear at this moment whether Gregory will be available in week one but I have a feeling he will be allowed to play.
4. This team is loaded up front with many versatile options that can play multiple spots.

Linebacker (6)

Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee, Justin March-Lillard, Joe Thomas, Luke Gifford

The Cowboys are armed with two potential Pro Bowlers and a “backup” who has the mind of an All-Pro. The surprise here is Gifford who will impress throughout training camp and snag one of the last spots available.

Defensive Back (8)

Byron Jones, Chidobe Awuzie, Xavier Woods, George Iloka, Jeff Heath, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown, Kavon Frazier

Frazier is one of the last three to make the roster as this position is hotly contested throughout camp. Expect both Donovan Wilson and Chris Westry to barely make it through waivers and end up on the practice spot, competing for spots in 2020 while these eight round out the roster.

Special Teams (3)

L.P. Ladouceur, Chris Jones, Brett Maher

And there you have a way too early peek into the very likely 2019 Dallas Cowboys.