Dallas Cowboys roster should go short at wide receiver

The Dallas Cowboys will enter training camp in the virtuous position to limit the number of receivers they carry on the final roster.

In the weeks before training camp, there is always annual speculation about how many wide receivers the Dallas Cowboys will carry on the final roster.

The range spans between five and seven receivers depending on how camp shakes out and what the offensive staff is seeking. After rolling the wide receiver by committee dice last season, it’s a good bet stability will be a top priority.

The opening week roster consisted of six wide receivers in each of the last two seasons. Conventional wisdom would indicate a good chance of a repeat. However this year’s youngsters present interesting options for the team to go short.

MARK THEM DOWN IN PEN (3)

Amari Cooper (X), Michael Gallup (Z), and Randall Cobb (SL) are roster locks. Each player fits his assigned role to a tee and they should form an elite starting trio.

Even more impressive, each one has position flex if needed in a pinch. Cooper has the skills to line up outside or in the slot. Gallup can play either outside spot in a pinch. While Cobb is a natural in the slot, he also has outside receiver experience.

The flex luxury of the starting three makes it easier to cover for injuries if help is needed. It also provides support to limit the number of back-ups carried on the roster.

VETERANS AND STAFF FAVORITES (2)

It’s no secret the staff has a soft spot for Allen Hurns. Hurns provides ideal inside and outside position flex to play all three spots. His recovery from injury appears well on track. Not to mention, he’s a talented veteran who has excelled in the league.

Some think Noah Brown is on the bubble, but continued play at or above his 2018 level should land a spot. The pure X receiver is likely first up behind Cooper. Also, the Cowboys value his ability to sub in and block down to seal the edge in the run game.

Hurns (451 plays) and Brown (102 plays) provide returning game day experience and stability to the ranks of the back-ups. After the pains of uncertainty last season, trust and continuity at receiver will hold special value with the staff.

HIDDEN SIXTH ELEMENT

Cowboys management and staff were ecstatic when switch hitter Tony Pollard was still available at Pick 128. His versatility to play running back, wide receiver, and return kicks adds many possibilities. He will make the roster and likely displace Tavon Austin.

With Pollard counting against the running back total, the wide receiver group enjoys an incognito sixth man without expanding their total on paper. Pollard can play in the slot if needed and will likely be the gadget man on jet sweeps, screens, etc.

YOUNG FACES HELP THE CAUSE

There’s been plenty of buzz that an inexperienced youngster will dazzle his way onto the roster. Cedrick Wilson, Jalen Guyton, Jon’Vea Johnson, and Reggie Davis have all received offseason hype from one source or another.

Each of these promising young players has in one thing in common…practice squad eligibility. Barring one lighting the world on fire in August, the best two will be ripe practice squad candidates.

Carrying six receivers is overkill when Pollard will serve that role already, and a practice squad receiver can be called up at anytime if needed. And if one youngster is just too impressive to stash away, he can replace Hurns or Brown in the top five.