Dallas Cowboys: A way too early 55-man roster prediction
By Tyrone Starr
Defensive line/Edge rushers (11)
DeMarcus Lawrence, Gerald McCoy, Dontari Poe, Tyrone Crawford, Aldon Smith, Randy Gregory, Bradlee Anae, Neville Gallimore, Dorance Armstrong, Antwaun Woods, Trysten Hill
As with the offensive line, I’m going heavy on the other side of the trenches as well. Last year’s second-round selection Trysten Hill is my second-to-last player to make the cut. Of all the people most happy with the roster expansion, Hill is certainly one of them.
With McCoy, Poe, and Gallimore, along with Crawford’s versatility, the interior of the Dallas Cowboys defensive line has not looked this good in forever. That should only help the slew of edge rushers bring waves of heat on opposing quarterbacks.
Linebackers (6)
Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee, Joe Thomas, Luke Gifford, Justin March
2020 should be Lee’s last ride, especially with Gifford in the mix. Maybe it’s just me, but he is one of the guys I’m most excited to see as a year of NFL conditioning can make a huge difference. Both Vander Esch and Smith took a small step backward last year so it will be interesting to see if they can another leap forward this season.
Cornerbacks (8)
Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown, Trevon Diggs, Daryl Worley, Reggie Robinson, II, C.J. Goodwin
The loss of Byron Jones may take the talent level down, but the depth of this unit is absurdly high, especially with the addition of Diggs and Robinson. It will be nice to see Lewis given a fair opportunity to compete as he had made plays, time and again, when he’s been on the field.
Safeties (4)
Xavier Woods, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Donovan Wilson, Darian Thompson
The coaching staff has hinted at position flexibility which is why I went long on corners as a few could also end up playing safety. Woods is another Dallas Cowboy who it would be nice to see make a huge leap in 2020.
Specialists (3)
Kai Forbath (K), Chris Jones (P), L.P. Ladouceur (LS)
Even with the signing of Greg Zuerlein, I believe that Forbath will win the kicking job. It is hard to argue with a guy who made every extra point and field goal last season. On the flip side is Chris Jones, who could be replaced without a strong camp or start to the season. Meanwhile, Ladouceur keeps on trucking into his 17th NFL season.
There you have it. The May edition of what this year’s roster may look like. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below.