Three Dallas Cowboys who could surprise fans in 2020

Here are three Dallas Cowboys who could end up surprising fans in 2020

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2020 season full of promise. A new head coach, a new defensive coaching staff, and a first-round rookie wide receiver have once again reignited Super Bowl hopes across the fan base.

And while there are plenty of unknowns entering a season like none other due to a worldwide pandemic, even the naysayers have to admit the Cowboys’ roster is loaded. And while everyone knows the names of the stars that pepper the lineup, there are still a few players who might surprise even the most die-hard of fans with their play in 2020.

Therefore, here are our three choices for Dallas Cowboys who could turn in eye-opening performances this upcoming season.

Tony Pollard, RB

With Ezekiel Elliott ruling over the backfield in Dallas last season, fourth-round rookie running back Tony Pollard had a limited impact. Yet, Pollard did the most with his opportunities during his rookie campaign averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry on 86 attempts.

Pollard was brought to Dallas to not only spell Zeke, but also to help lengthen his career. If the new regime in Big D feels the same, Pollard should see more snaps in 2020. He had 455 rushing yards as a rookie while only playing 18 percent of the offensive plays. Imagine having two 1,000-yard rushers in Dallas.

Connor McGovern, G/C

After a pectoral injury forced the Cowboys to redshirt their third-round selection in 2019, Connor McGovern essentially enters this season as a rookie. But one that benefited from watching and learning from All-Pro lineman like left tackle Tyron Smith, right guard Zack Martin, and center Travis Frederick.

With that kind of O-Line education under his belt, McGovern has a leg up on every other new face in that group. And with Frederick’s retirement this offseason, expect the versatile lineman to compete for a starting role at either left guard or center. If McGovern is able to prove he’s worthy of either spot this season, it could lift the offensive line back to dominate status.

Bradlee Anae, DE

The Cowboys replaced their 2019 sack leader, Robert Quinn, with a pass rusher in Aldon Smith who hasn’t played in the NFL since 2015. Sure, the Cowboys have other defensive ends like Tyrone Crawford, Joe Jackson, and Dorance Armstrong on the depth chart. But none have shown the pass-rushing skills that Quinn put on display last season.

That’s were a fifth-round rookie out of Utah could step in. Bradlee Anae was a beast in college that many analysts projected to be much better than the round he was taken. Anae posted 13.0 sacks and 14.0 tackles for loss in 12 games for the Utes last season.

With a new defensive coaching staff in place, throw out any preconceived notions about the veterans on the roster and their status on the depth chart. If there is a year where a rookie can come in and earn a significant role on this Dallas Cowboys’ defense, it’s now.