Dallas Cowboys: Updating the projected final 53-man roster

Projecting the Dallas Cowboys opening day roster is dicey as a curveball will surely appear. Even so the August ritual must go on.

There’s no reason to write a lot of fluff before diving into the updated projection of the Dallas Cowboys‘ final roster.

The 53-man list is broken down below into roster locks, the final six, and also alerts to a potential curveball to watch out for.

ROSTER LOCKS (47)

OFFENSE (22):

QB: Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush

RB: Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Jamize Olawale (FB)

TE: Jason Witten, Blake Jarwin, Dalton Schultz

WR: Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb, Tavon Austin, Devin Smith

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

DEFENSE (22):

DT: Maliek Collins, Antwaun Woods, Trysten Hill, Christian Covington

DE: DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Tyrone Crawford, Kerry Hyder, Taco Charlton

LB: Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee, Joe Thomas, Luke Gifford

CB: Byron Jones, Chidobe Awuzie, Anthony Brown, Jordan Lewis

S: Xavier Woods, Jeff Heath, Darian Thompson, Donovan Wilson

SPECIAL TEAMS (3):

LS: L.P. Ladouceur

P: Chris Jones

K: Brett Maher

SURVIVING THE BUBBLE (6)

RB: Alfred Morris

There is talk of plans to release Morris at final cuts and then re-sign a day or two later to be on the opening day roster. It makes sense with his veteran status.

WR: Cedrick Wilson

With Noah Brown likely designated Physically Unable to Perform (PUP), Wilson owns the final wide receiver spot if the position carries six.

DE: Joe Jackson

Jackson has shown much promise and received far too many front office compliments for them to risk clearing waivers en route to the practice squad.

LB: Justin March (formerly March-Lillard), Justin Phillips

Both are plus special teams guys, though only March has proven it in the regular season. Phillips has shown plenty to go long at linebacker to boost special teams. Some think Chris Covington will nudge him out but I’m siding with higher upside.

CB: C.J. Goodwin

Goodwin is a near lock due to his elite special teams ability. He’s also shown more desirable coverage skills this camp.

WILDCARD WARNING

The Cowboys will likely search the NFL landscape for an available fourth offensive tackle. If they see one with regular season value, expect a move. Smith’s back is flaring up and Collins is nursing a shoulder irritation. Confidence in Fleming is shaky.

In that scenario, Cedric Wilson (WR) would be a player in danger. He’s the sixth body at a deep receiver position. Another casualty candidate would be Justin Phillips (LB). Linebacker is very deep at seven players, even though Luke Gifford’s injury will sideline him for a bit.