Cowboys 53-man roster prediction before training camp: Prioritizing potential
By Reid Hanson
Defensive Back (10) Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, DaRon Bland, Malik Hooker, Jayron Kearse, Donovan Wilson, Israel Mukuamu, Eric Scott Jr, Myles Brooks, Markquese Bell
Diggs, Gilmore, and Bland won’t surprise anyone by making the cut. Diggs is likely to re-set the CB market in the near future, Gilmore is a sturdy veteran, and Bland’s ceiling is yet to be discovered.
The Dallas Cowboys have potential deeper down their defensive back ranks. Important players like Gilmore, Hooker, and Kearse are on the last years of their respective deals so Dallas is inclined to secure their potential replacements today.
Luckily for them, Dan Quinn runs DB-heavy schemes that often use safeties to play LB roles. Bell and Mukuamu have the ability to one day replace Kearse and Hooker. They also can play important roles in the here and now.
The rookie Eric Scott impressed in OTAs and minicamp, giving him an inside track as a developmental prospect. Myles Brooks (sleeper alert) is considered one of the more NFL-ready UDFA signings and plays with an edge that should be apparent early in camp.
Not listed here is Jourdan Lewis who is still recovering from a significant Lisfranc injury. If the Cowboys are prioritizing potential like we’re doing in this exercise, Lewis is not making the cut out of camp. It should also be noted: Lewis could start the season on the PUP.