Cowboys extremely premature 2022 53-man roster projection

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The Dallas Cowboys have started their offseason strength training, but haven’t moved to drills and field work yet. After the 2022 NFL Draft, we should be able to get a sense of how they feel about players based on who they selected and which undrafted free agents they signed.

Clearly, some players are being put on notice based on these moves. They will either need to step up or move aside for someone who can perform at a higher level. With that being, said let’s take a shot at projecting the Cowboys’ depth chart post-draft.

Will veterans lose their spots on the roster or will they be able to beat out the rookies and continue in the starting roles? Let’s find out.

Predicting the Cowboys’ 53-man roster and depth chart after the 2022 NFL Draft

ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 16: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys comes out of the huddle with the offense in the second quarter of a football game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Cowboys Offensive Depth Chart (25 players)

Quarterback:

Starter: Dak Prescott

Backup: Cooper Rush

Third-String: Will Grier

Nothing will change for this team in terms of their starting QB, and after his victory last season, Cooper Rush should be safe as the Cowboys’ backup quarterback. I think Will Grier will beat out Ben DiNucci once and for all. But the Cowboys kept Grier for a reason, and if he has been able to develop faster than they anticipated, then there is a chance that he could become the backup quarterback by the end of the season.

Running Back:

Starters: Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard

Backup: Rico Dowdle

You’ll notice that I have Elliott and Pollard both down as the starter this season because I feel this team will finally realize that there are games where starting Pollard over Elliott makes more sense based on matchups. Rico Dowdle doesn’t really have any competition to be the third running back on this roster if he comes back at full strength from the ACL injury.

Fullback: Sewo Olonilua

Last season, Dallas had high hopes for Olonilua before he went down with a neck injury. The team was able to add Ryan Nall, but if Olonilua is healthy and ready to go, he should be seen as the clear favorite to win this role thanks to his receiving and rushing ability.

Wide Receivers:

Starters: CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, James Washington

Backups: Jalen Tolbert, Simi Fehoko, T.J. Vasher

No real shocker here outside of Vasher being able to beat out Brown for the last spot on this roster. Brown has been this team’s main pass blocking receiver but Vasher is just as big and after an offseason in the weight room and learning the playbook, he should be able to beat Brown who took another cheap deal to stay with the Cowboys.

Tight End:

Starter: Dalton Schultz

TE2: Jake Ferguson

Backup: Sean McKeon

I have Ferguson beating McKeon for the second tight end spot thanks to his ability in run blocking over McKeon who is the better route runner and pass catcher. Ferguson may surprise the team with his pass-catching ability, but he already comes in as a better blocker than Schultz and McKeon.

Offensive Line:

Starters: Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin, Terence Steele.

Backups: Matt Farniok, Connor McGovern, Matt Waletzko, Josh Ball

This team has made a concerted effort to beef up their offensive line, and outside of Tyron Smith and Martin, this is a young offensive line that can develop into another solid unit in time. In the meantime, the Cowboys aren’t going to risk losing any of these players, so they will put them all on their roster to start the season.

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