Dallas Cowboys UDFA rookie making early noise at training camp

An undrafted free agent rookie is shining early as training camp is in full swing

Last year, an undrafted rookie (UDFA) emerged during OTAs and training camp, ultimately earning himself a place on the Dallas Cowboys‘ final roster in 2019. And it appears history may very well repeat itself again this season.

The talk of training camp last year was an undrafted rookie linebacker out of Nebraska named Luke Gifford. After impressing during offseason practices, Gifford carried that momentum into training camp and into his first preseason game.

In that exhibition against the San Francisco 49ers, Cowboys’ fans got a firsthand look at Gifford’s abilities. The UDFA would quickly rack up two tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. Unfortunately, an ankle injury would end his night prematurely, sideline him for the rest of the preseason, and delay his eventual regular-season debut.

Is Francis Bernard the next Luke Gifford for the Dallas Cowboys?

This year, although offseason training activities were shifted to be entirely virtual due to COVID-19, the practice phase of training camp has now begun. And, yet again, another undrafted rookie linebacker is shining for the Cowboys early. And that first-year defender is Utah’s Francis Bernard.

Undersized at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Bernard put up solid numbers for the Utes last year. He recorded 85 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and one defensive touchdown in 14 games as a senior. Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network described Bernard as being quicker than fast and more sudden than powerful who projects to be a depth linebacker in the NFL.

The Cowboys’ linebacker corps is one of the most talented and deepest in the league. The starting trio of Pro Bowlers in Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, and Sean Lee is exceptional and rare. And Dallas also has quality depth with Joe Thomas, Justin March, and the aforementioned Gifford.

That means Francis Bernard faces an uphill battle making the Dallas Cowboys’ final roster. Especially considering he didn’t have a proper offseason training program to help grow and develop. But never say never because all Bernard has to do is look over at Luke Gifford and see that anything is possible.