3 Cowboys players to watch in first preseason game against Broncos

1. Sam Williams, EDGE

After losing Randy Gregory in free agency to the Broncos, Dallas added Sam Williams in the second round of the NFL Draft. The Ole Miss product had issues against the run during his collegiate career but it’s easy to see why he was on the board for the Cowboys.

Williams — who measured 6-foot-4 and 261 pounds at the Scouting Combine — has freakish athleticism. He showed that off by running a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash while also hitting 123-inches on the broad jump.

That speed is easy to see as Williams’ first step off the snap is similar to what Gregory offered. That will help him get a jump start on whoever is attempting to block him. However, it was expected he can contribute as a pass-rusher. What has been encouraging is the way he’s been performing overall, including making a play in the backfield which would have been a loss of several yards on a rushing attempt.

Williams won’t have to be a day one starter in Dallas. They already have DeMarcus Lawrence locked in on one side and there are a few options to play across from him. Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler are currently fighting for that spot but Williams should still see plenty of action as a rookie.

His first action of the preseason will be a chance for him to show he can handle himself against other NFL players. It won’t determine his career but it will show where he’s at in his development.