Trimming a roster from 90 to 53 players is never easy. But compared to last season, Brian Schottenheimer and Co. really have their work cut out for them. Not only are the Dallas Cowboys significantly more talented, but they're also markedly better coached on the defensive side of the ball.
That has led to the defense putting up more resistance in team drills. In turn, that is creating some difficult roster decisions, as more players continue to make compelling cases for a spot.
Rather than analyze the entire 90-man roster, let's focus on the players on the roster bubble who are turning limited reps into strong impressions. These five have done the most to boost their stock.
5 Cowboys thriving in training camp despite being on roster bubble
Ameer Speed, CB
The name may not ring many bells, and that's understandable, given that Dallas signed Speed in June after a successful minicamp tryout. A sixth-round pick by the Patriots in 2023, he most recently played for the Houston Gamblers in the UFL, though he also appeared in two games for the Houston Texans last season.
At 6-foot-3, Speed has the size and length the Cowboys covet at cornerback, and he's put those tools to good use. He produced one of Thursday's biggest highlights by intercepting a go ball intended for Marquez Valdes-Scantling during 1-on-1s.
Following another impressive outing, ESPN's Todd Archer called Speed an "under-the-radar CB to watch." When Archer speaks (or tweets), we listen.
Derion Kendrick, CB
Kendrick is in a groove out in Oxnard. He's gotten his hands on multiple passes, including breaking up a would-be touchdown pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. His signature moment, though, came when he forced a pass breakup on a Dak Prescott seam ball targeted for Brevyn Spann-Ford.
Many a cornerback has come up empty against a Prescott seam ball. Operating in the slot, Kendrick was glued to Spann-Ford's hip and timed his swipe perfectly versus the 270-pound tight end.
Given Kendricks' current form and his ability to play inside and out, it would not come as a shock if his name is on the 53-man roster a few weeks from now.
Julius Wood, S
Death, taxes, and Julius Wood coming to play in Oxnard. That's how the saying goes, right?
In any event, Wood has turned heads since the pads came on. His physicality jumps out every time he delivers a hit, but he's been at his best blowing up bubble screens. Twice he's sniffed out quick throws to rookie wideout Anthony Smith before they had a chance to develop.
Beyond that, Wood has broken up passes in team drills and has been more than willing to provide run support. He's putting together one of the better camps of any player on the roster bubble.
Alijah Clark, S
Alijah Clark needed help getting off the practice field on Tuesday and didn't return. However, he was back out there on Thursday, so he didn't lose any ground in the safety battle.
Brian Schottenheimer gave Clark some unsolicited praise this week for making the most of his opportunities when Dallas was down Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke at safety. The second-year pro has been especially impressive in run support, packing a punch despite his 187-pound frame.
Clark appeared in 11 games last season, primarily contributing on special teams. That proven value could be the edge he needs to stick in the deepest Cowboys safety room in years.
Israel Abanikanda, RB
The Cowboys are eager for one of Jaydon Blue or Phil Mafah to claim the backup job behind Javonte Williams. Blue and Mafah have delivered a mixed bag of results thus far, leaving the door ajar for Abanikanda.
The only knock on Abanikanda is that he hasn't gotten many reps with the starting offense. That's usually a good indicator of where a player stands in the pecking order, but multiple Cowboys reporters have praised his vision and burst through holes created by the offensive line, and he's been rewarded with multiple big-gainers. Second team or not, that's how you make an impression.
Strictly as a runner, Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News said Abanikanda "might be the second-most impressive running back we’ve seen in camp." A strong preseason is a must for Abanikanda to sneak on the 53-man roster, but he's doing everything he can in practice.
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