4 Dallas Cowboys who won’t make the 53-man roster in 2023
By Randy Gurzi
Despite not getting involved in bidding wars for any external free agents, the Dallas Cowboys still started out strong this offseason. They added cornerback Stephon Gilmore and wide receiver Brandin Cooks through trades and didn’t give up much in return.
They were also able to retain some key internal free agents, including safety Donovan Wilson, and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. With all that happening, plus looking ahead to the seven picks they have in the 2023 NFL Draft, here are four players who will have a hard time making the initial 53-man roster.
4 Cowboys who won’t make the 53-man roster
4. Josh Ball, OT
Last year when Tyron Smith went down with a torn hamstring, Josh Ball got his chance to shine. It didn’t take long for the front office to realize that he wasn’t going to be able to capitalize on that opportunity.
Eventually, Jason Peters was signed and rookie Tyler Smith moved from left guard to left tackle. Now heading into 2023, the Cowboys have Tyron Smith back and Terence Steele, who was also injured in 2022, is on the mend as well.
This means their starting five should be back intact. And if they do lose their starting left tackle once again, they can bring newly-signed Chuma Edoga (who they tried to add at the trade deadline in 2022) in to play left guard and kick Tyler Smith back out to the edge.
They have the versatility to use their starting guard as a swing tackle, which means Ball will be on the outside looking in. And while keeping him on the roster might not seem like a terrible move right now, it would be better to use a draft pick on a replacement with more potential.