Projected defensive front runners to make Cowboys final 53
By Angel Torres
After finishing my projections for the offensive side of the ball, the time has come to predict who will make the Dallas Cowboys roster on defense. The offense was fairly simple compared to what awaits us on the defensive side of the ball.
The defense has many holes to fill and although the team does have a lot of pieces to work with, what they are lacking is the main attraction. I do have a few names in mind that could elevate themselves into defensive star status but that topic is for a later date. What the Cowboys do have is a roster full of role players if deployed correctly, could be matched up to highlight their strengths and hide their weaknesses.
One example that comes to mind is matching up cornerback Jourdan Lewis on New Orleans superstar receiver Michael Thomas. Thomas had trouble when he was matched up against Lewis and those are the type of matchups this coaching staff should be trying to find on a weekly basis until someone shows them they should start at a position full time.
The 53 man roster is already up to 28 players with the offense taking up 25 slots and special teams taking up three spots by way of kicker, long snapper, and punter although I suspect the names at punter could change at any moment.
The defense has many holes to fill but surprisingly, there are some names that could become cap casualties as there simply aren’t enough roster spots to keep everyone.
Defenders have to realize this once camp opens. The defense is so wide open that getting a jump at the beginning of camp will be crucial to their success. What I mean by that is there will probably be a player that doesn’t play bad but will get bumped because he didn’t stand out.
There will surely be a few role players whose job will be to occupy blockers that will allow others to shine and those are going to be my only exceptions. The rest of the bodies attending camp must win their matchups in what should be a star-studded lineup on offense.
The defense has so many unknowns that this task kept tormenting me for leaving off a few names that I think had a shot at this roster when they first arrived. Hold on because this is going to be a bumpy ride.