It won't be long until this Dallas Cowboys team trims the fat and cuts the roster down from 90 players to just 53. But a preseason bout against the New Orleans Saints still stands between the Cowboys and what is surely the toughest day or two for an NFL front office, both logistically and emotionally.
While some players are surging at the right time and making airtight cases to be included on the initial roster, others are watching their hopes vanish. Another group of players is locked into tight positional competitions, and Friday's contest against the Saints will go a long way in determining the winner.
Let's dive into the six biggest roster battles currently going on in Dallas and ascertain who currently has the edge with just one exhibition game left. And who knows, maybe there is a seventh bonus battle at the bottom that is too close to even favor one or another. You'll have to read to find out.
(There is)
6 Cowboys roster battles that could come down to the wire, and their current leaders
RB2 - Who is the next man up after Javonte Williams?
In the running: Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis, Phil Mafah, Izzy Abanikanda
Blue, Davis, Mafah and Abanaikanda have had their moments this preseason, and each of them could complement Williams in a different way. But only one can be that next man up, as the Cowboys figure to be pass-heavy once again and will want Williams on the field as much as possible.
The edge: Malik Davis
Davis runs the hardest and is just the most reliable out of the aforementioned players, so he should be the backup when the Cowboys head to New York for the opener, barring something unforeseen against the Saints. Blue can find a role as a third-down back, but Davis should be next in line.
Last DE Spot - Which player holds on behind the top four?
In the running: James Houston, Sam Williams, Marist Liufau, Tyrus Wheat, Isaiah Land
Von Miller changed the math of this room, and now Dallas has to cut either a solid pass-rusher or a good special-teamer. That is a good problem to have, but the Cowboys would surely like to keep a combination of these players and not just one. Maybe they find room for two, but who knows?
The edge: James Houston
Brian Schottenheimer spoke glowingly of Houston after the first preseason game, and although he did himself no favors last week, a team can never have too many pass rushers. Special teamers are easier to find, and Houston doesn't need much of a role at all to make an impact on this defense.
Swing Tackle - Does Dallas have an OT3 on the roster?
In the running: Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton, External Free Agent
Thomas and Shelton both played poorly enough this preseason that I had to include an external free agent as a possibility. Dallas should be scanning the market for a depth piece behind Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele because their swing tackle solution may not be in the building.
The edge: External Free Agent
Honestly, Thomas did not make a case to be on the 53-man team, and Shelton looks like a poor use of a fourth-round pick at this point. Although one or both of these players may make the roster and be the third offensive tackle to begin the year, they may not hold that spot for long.
LB4 - Who fills in behind Overshwon, Barham and Winters?
In the running: Shemar James, Justin Barron, Curtis Robinson
DeMarvion Overshown, Jaishawn Barham and Dee Winters will eat up all of the linebacker snaps, but who hangs on to the end of the room and serves as a core special teamer? James played a lot last year, and Barron had some really huge days in training camp. Robinson is a vet with teams experience.
The edge: Shemar James
Barron wasn't able to carry over his stellar showings into the preseason, so based on familiarity alone, James probably gets the nod here. It is unknown how many linebackers Dallas will keep at this point, but if the Cowboys need one on defense in a pinch, James is probably more capable of doing the job.
Final DB Spot - Will Dallas keep an extra corner or safety? Maybe one of each?
In the running: Caelen Carson, Julius Wood, Alijah Clark, Ameer Speed, Reddy Steward
This is difficult because Dallas' secondary is versatile and multi-faceted, so every decision feeds into the other. But with Markquese Bell being a lock, there may only be room for another cornerback to make the roster and not a sixth safety.
The edge: Caelen Carson
Behind DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant and Shavon Revel Jr., the Cowboys don't have much. So, Carson should still make this team despite an up-and-down preseason, unless Jerry Jones and Co. have their eyes fixated on an external option.
WR5 - Which preseason sensation gets the nod after the core four?
In the running: Camden Brown, Jonathan Mingo, Anthony Smith
Brown and Mingo were both stars during the preseason, and Smith was drafted this year, albeit in the seventh round. Dallas could easily keep six players here, but this is more about who gets the edge for that fifth wide receiver spot after the two stars, Ryan Flournoy and KaVonte Turpin.
The edge: Camden Brown
Mingo shined through the first two games, but Brown SHINED. And the UDFA from Georgia Southern did so in a variety of ways. Mingo also has a lot of value on special teams, so perhaps he takes on more of that role and Brown is involved in the passing attack.
BONUS:
QB2 - Who is the "Dakup?"
In the running: Joe Milton, Sam Howell
Milton and Howell have been jockeying for the No. 2 spot behind Dak Prescott all offseason, and each time one makes a move, the other counters. It has been neck-and-neck, and the two can be hard to compare because of their different styles, tools and skill sets. Neither is a bad option, thankfully.
The edge: Jam Miltwell
Honestly, I have no idea who has the edge in this battle right now. It's like picking between two vastly different flavors of ice cream that you both love. A world certainly exists where the team keeps both and the competition drags on. Howell has more guaranteed money, but Milton has more upside. IDK!!
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