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3 Dallas Cowboys who are set to make the Year 2 leap

By Steven Mullenax

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Texas offensive lineman Connor Williams speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Texas offensive lineman Connor Williams speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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With another year of offseason training under their belts, here are three sophomores who are set to make the Year 2 leap for the Dallas Cowboys.

A player’s rookie season in the NFL is often times a difficult transition. Going from college superstar to first-year newbie in a league where everyone’s a former college superstar is a daunting task. So is it any wonder why most rookies need time to adjust, often making a significant leap in their development between Years One and Two.

With that leap in mind, here are three sophomores who are set to make a much bigger splash for the Dallas Cowboys in their second season.

Connor Williams, G

The Cowboys surprising second-round selection last season started his first eight games at left guard before an injury got him Wally Pipped by the much stronger Xavier Su’a-Filo. This offseason, Williams has reportedly transformed his body, gaining around 20-pounds. He’s now reportedly weighing upwards of 315 to 320 pounds.

Instead of trading for All-Pro safety Earl Thomas, Dallas elected to draft Williams. And it appears that choice is about to start paying dividends. Starting right tackle La’el Collins is scheduled to become a free agent in 2020. It’s possible Williams as been earmarked as his eventual replacement.

Michael Gallup, WR

Since Michael Gallup was drafted last year, the Cowboys’ passing game has changed drastically. Gone are receivers like Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, and Deonte Thompson. Enter in Amari Cooper, Randall Cobb and the return of tight end Jason Witten. Despite all the changes, Gallup still has the potential to make a significant leap in his development as the Cowboys No. 2 receiver.

Gallup had his best performance in his last game. The third-rounder recorded six catches for 119 yards in the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Gallup really started to come into his own towards the end of last year. In fact, 15 of his 33 receptions came in the team’s final five regular season games.

Despite the big names surrounding him, Gallup should be able to take advantage of favorable coverage and become a more reliable target for quarterback Dak Prescott in 2019.

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Dorance Armstrong, DE

With DeMarcus Lawrence coming off of shoulder surgery and Randy Gregory currently suspended, someone has to benefit from the extra opportunities at defensive end this summer. Why not Dorance Armstrong? The fourth-rounder played just under 27 percent of the defensive snaps last season. And he recorded next to nothing on the stat sheet.

But according to DallasCowboys.com’s Bryan Broaddus, the Cowboys’ coaching staff is very happy with Armstrong’s progress so far this offseason. And with Lawrence and Gregory out, the second-year defensive end should get plenty of opportunities to gain some much-needed experience before the start of the regular season.

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