Which 3 Cowboys rookies are at the biggest risk of being cut?

The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for their first preseason game of the year as they head to The Mile High City to take on the Denver Broncos. As is often the case, this game will be full of younger players rather than established veterans.

Teams use this exhibition period to see who they want to keep on their 53-man roster, and Week 1 of the preseason is sometimes absent of any star players whatsoever. Still, it’s a highly important time, especially for rookies who are in danger of not making the roster. Here, we look at three such players who can really do themselves a favor by standing out in the preseason.

3 Cowboys rookies at risk of being cut if they don’t perform in preseason games

3. Devin Harper, LB

Dallas added Devin Harper in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and it was a choice that was well-received. A hard-hitter from Oklahoma State, Harper had 95 tackles and six sacks in his final collegiate season.

So far in camp, he’s shown a knack for making plays on special teams and this should be his calling card to the NFL. The only problem is that Dallas has Luke Gifford who can also shine on kick coverage and the depth around Harper just got crowded.

The Cowboys recently signed Anthony Barr, a linebacker that spent the past eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Barr joins Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, Jabril Cox, Gifford, and Damone Clark ⁠— although Clark has yet to be cleared due to a neck injury, but has a much higher ceiling. Harper has had his moments in camp, but others have had bigger and brighter ones.

Making it even more difficult for Harper is that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn usually employs just two linebackers, often using a safety in their place. Dallas might believe Harper can be waived and retained on the practice squad, which would be a gamble, but it’s one they could take.