8 Cowboys you should watch during training camp this summer
. DE. Bradlee Anae. 6. player. 123. .
Remember when I brought up two high-potential 2020 draft picks that never carved out a role as rookies? Well, defensive end Bradlee Anae is the other player.
While he was a fifth-round pick, he played as if he was a third-rounder. His hustle and power caught the Cowboys’ eyes, making it a low-risk, high-reward draft pick.
He made his presence known in the Pac-12 with an increase in production year-over-year from 2017 to 2019. While some defensive linemen are known for being a pass-rusher or a run-stuffer, Anae has had an impact doing both.
In his draft year, he notched 13.0 sacks and 41 tackles. That was after making 51 tackles and 8.0 sacks the season prior. Unlike Robinson, Anae got defensive snaps, but it was only six. The other 120 were on special teams.
Dallas’ defensive line needs to step up, more so against the run. With that in mind, an impressive training camp performance can pencil him in as a rotational piece.
player. 123. . . . LB. Keanu Neal. 5
New players always tend to have a spotlight on them, and rightfully so. Will they play as expected? Were they the right player for the team? We get our first real glimpse at that in training camp.
Hybrid linebacker Keanu Neal has a unique task in front of him. After playing as a defensive back dating back to his time in high school, he will return to his original position, linebacker.
He played that position throughout middle school and before switching to safety in high school, so it isn’t an entirely new experience. Regardless, he spent the past eight seasons playing as a safety between the NFL and college. Going back to his roots will be something to watch.
Neal is known for being effective against the run and being a superb tackler, so that is not a worry. After all, he has three 100+ tackle seasons to his name. The issue is missing 30 games in his five years as a pro.
If the hybrid player remains healthy, he will be a key contributor as a run-stuffing linebacker, but I think he will also take some snaps at safety. His health and transition to a position he hasn’t played in at least eight years are both things to keep an eye on.