3 dark horse candidates to make the Cowboys' 53-man roster
The Dallas Cowboys are a week away from opening training camp once again in Oxnard. While this offseason has see turnover in players leaving more so than arriving, the expectations remain the same. Veterans and rookies are looking to separate themselves from the 2023 squad after a bitter playoff exit to the Packers.
Training camp is always filled with players who are not guaranteed a roster spot. That is what makes TV shows like Hard Knocks so popular. Every team always manages to find at least one player who came into camp as a dark horse to make their roster. Life in the NFL is never easy and earning a roster spot is a challenge. These three players heading into camp for Dallas might have enough to make this team in 2024.
1. RB Nathaniel Peat
The Cowboys will be searching for answers in training camp on who will be their starter at running back. After not drafting one after letting Tony Pollard walk, the team brought back Ezekiel Elliott. They also signed Royce Freeman before the draft. However, neither of those backs are coming into camp guaranteed to be the full-time starter. Rico Dowdle is back but many wonder if he can handle an expanded role in the running game.
Nathaniel Peat is the lone rookie that Dallas brought in this offseason. The only difference with him is he went undrafted. After not drafting a running back it was no surprise Dallas went looking for a rookie for camp. Peat turned heads during his career at Stanford then Missouri, but still went undrafted
At 5'8" Peat is undersized for any team looking for an every-down back. The Cowboys are already trying that experiment in Deuce Vaughn. His numbers his senior year were not too impressive as he only managed 317 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Fortunately, what Peat lacks in size he makes up for in speed.
The Cowboys are hoping they have found an explosive player to use in the return game as well as a secondary back to help change the pace on offense. With Freeman not guaranteed a spot due to Elliott's signing and questions surrounding Dowdle, the door is open for other running backs on this team to make some noise. Peat will likely see a decent amount of playing time and if he shows up on film, the coaches may be convinced to keep him on the practice squad or even make the roster.