5 third-year Cowboys who desperately need to prove themselves

Preparations for a new season are underway for the Dallas Cowboys. As players progress in their careers, the third year becomes a make-or-break year, and there is a specific group of individuals entering that phase who must excel in their performance.

The third year is critical for coaches to evaluate their players. Whether it's good or bad. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will determine whether to keep the player on the final 53-man roster or seek a new replacements.  

Each year, NFL teams experience a roster turnover rate of approximately 30%, meaning that nearly one third of the players on a team are replaced. Not even Dallas is an exception to the mean.

With that in mind, here are four third-year players who need to enhance their performance or seek new opportunities.

5. Simi Fehoko

Simi Fehoko's combination of size and speed gives him the potential to be a dangerous 4th wide receiver. Upon leaving college, he lacked experience as a route-runner and needed to develop and polish his route tree.

At 6-3 and 220lbs, Fehoko is a physically imposing WR with legitimate 4.3 speed. He is the most physically gifted wide receiver on the team. Despite expectations, last season brought no improvement. Even though he flashed in practice against Trevon Diggs. 

During week 4 of last season, Fehoko injured his shoulder and was out for the season. Can he show that he's more than a practice player this year? Now is the time.

It took Miles Austin three seasons to contribute to the team. If Fehoko wants to keep his spot on the roster, he needs to make that same jump. The spots for the fourth and fifth wide receiver are wide open.