Dallas Cowboys: Attempting to predict the 55-man roster in May
By Matt Aaron
Receivers, tight ends, and offensive line
Wide Receiver (5)
Amari Cooper
Michael Gallup
CeeDee Lamb
Devin Smith
Cedrick Wilson
The receiver position looks to be one of the toughest position groups on the team to call. While the top is set in stone, the bottom is anything but. Nevertheless, I think Devin Smith and Cedrick Wilson are the most likely to make the team.
This is especially likely for the speedster Smith, who had a few very exciting plays last year, including a touchdown against the Washington Redskins early last year. I also think it’s likely they go short at the position.
All the receivers are young, so I don’t think they’ll keep excessive developmental guys. Wild card – Will they trade or sign another receiver?
Tight End (3)
Blake Jarwin
Blake Bell
Dalton Schultz
It will be exciting to see just what Blake Jarwin can do this season, now that he’ll no longer have to wait for Jason Witten’s leavings. Behind him, I think it’s pretty clear they’ll go with the Bell-dozer and Schultz. But it’ll be interesting to see if UDFA’s Cole Hikutini or Sean McKeon can impress enough at training camp to persuade the team to keep a fourth tight end.
Offensive Line (10)
La’el Collins – right tackle
Zack Martin – right guard
Joe Looney – center
Connor Williams – left guard
Tyron Smith – left tackle
Connor McGovern – guard/center
Tyler Biadasz – center
Adam Redmond – center/guard
Brandon Knight – tackle
Cameron Erving – tackle
This is kind of a unique position in that it’s pretty easy to predict which players (probably) make the team, even though it’s not clear at all which will end up starting in several spots. Redmond, Knight, and Erving are definitely making the team in their back-up slots.
Erving’s a competent veteran who just signed for a guaranteed $2 million. Redmond and Knight, though not starting caliber, have both already proven their worth as reserves.
On the other hand, who will be the starting center and left guard? Let’s just say it’ll be really fun finding out. There will be a great clash of the titans between Looney, Williams, McGovern, and Biadasz for those spots. I’m looking forward to this competition more than any other in training camp.
Offensive count: 25
This number on offense allows them to keep a few extra players on defense. With the situation on the defensive line and in the secondary, I think they’ll need those extra spots.