Revisiting the 2019 Cowboys draft class: What’s their 2020 ceiling?
By Matt Aaron
Connor McGovern – At the beginning of training camp, two-year starter guard Connor Williams, was still on PUP, recovering from an ACL injury last year, so McGovern had some practices with the first team.
At the time, there was talk that there might be a battle of the Connors for the left guard spot. But with this shortened training camp, and a strong recovery from Williams, it sounds like the job is his to lose.
Even so, Williams has been out injured for multiple games in both of his first two seasons. Could this be the season he makes it all the way through the season? We’ll see. Also, Zack Martin, the right guard isn’t getting any younger, and missed several games in 2018.
McGovern, as the principal backup at both guard spots, is clearly going to be on the roster when the season starts. That alone is a big improvement. And with the starter’s injury history, it seems likely that McGovern will play somewhere along the line at some point this season.
Also, remember what happened when Dak Prescott subbed in for Tony Romo in 2016. Suffice it to say, that McGovern is likely to get a chance this season. Like Hill, the question is what he’ll do with it.
Tony Pollard – After Pollard’s breakthrough rookie season, there was a lot of buzz about him. Some pundits have speculated about two-back looks, and the like. But Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy has pointedly refused to discuss how Pollard might be used with Pro Bowl RB Elliott, according to CBS Sports. That hasn’t stopped the speculation.
Last year, Pollard had plenty of carries, but he didn’t get too many passes thrown his way. He was used more as a pass catcher in college ball at Memphis. The team obviously has a great starting three at receiver, but there’s a drop-off below. So Pollard is likely to get a greater opportunity in the passing game.
With Elliott getting a little older, it makes sense to spell him more to lengthen his career and his usefulness late in the season. Though we have no assurances, all of this bodes will for Pollard. Frankly, he’d probably be a good fantasy football pickup, because he’s almost assured to have a bigger role this year than last.