Draft and development are the core beliefs of the Dallas Cowboys. They prioritize proper evaluation and want young players to have ample playing time. The aim is to have your young players make more plays and fewer mistakes.
The Cowboys have likely already identified the initial 45-to-48 players on their roster. Churning the bottom of the roster is where the challenge lies.
It was a rough Saturday night for some promising young players who got injured. During preseason, all NFL teams aim to avoid this.
DeMarvion Overshown left early with what's been diagnosed as a torn ACL, so his rookie season is over before it left the ground. Additionally, promising rookie tight end John Stephens -- a standout throughout camp who led Dallas in receiving in Week 1 -- suffered a torn ACL and is out for the year.
My latest roster projection will provide insight into what the Cowboys' final 53 could be. To be upfront, I'll share what I would do and the direction I believe the Cowboys are taking.
Quarterback (2)
Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush
Nothing has changed at the top two spots. Prescott will be Dallas’ starter for an eighth consecutive season. Rush will continue to be his backup.
Practice squad considerations: Will Grier
Running back (3)
Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn
The team’s lead running back position is currently taken by none other than Tony Pollard. He is the explosive element of the Cowboy’s offense.
Despite a fumble last week, Rico Dowdle appears to be a suitable candidate for the No. 2 running back job. Dowdle has a violent running style and is reliable in pass protection. He has taken full advantage of his opportunities, though there are still some things he needs to clean up.
The opposing team will have a hard time dealing with Deuce Vaughn, as he poses a significant matchup problem in stretch plays, draws, and even blitz busting.
Practice squad considerations: Malik Davis and Hunter Luepke
Tight end (3)
Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Peyton Hendershot
Jake Ferguson is a tight end who can align in-line or as an H-back. He embraces the dirty work of blocking. He had a year to focus on gaining more bulk and strength through weight training. His physical appearance indicates that he has become stronger and faster.
Schoonmaker is good at blocking runs and has untapped skills in catching passes from his time at Michigan. Considering that Hunter Luepke hasn't demonstrated good blocking skills and has contributed little. It is a possibility for Dallas to keep four.
It's possible that fourth spot was designated for Stephens, but we'll unfortunately never know following his season-ending injury.
Practice squad consideration: Princeton Fant, John Stephens
Wide receiver (6)
CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup, Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin
The top three wide receivers are CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup. In the group, Lamb is the alpha. Dallas has been in need of Cooks' speed, whereas Gallup had an additional year to regain his previous form.
In the competition for the No. 4 position, Jalen Tolbert has clearly emerged as the leading candidate. He is exhibiting a high level of confidence while playing.
Jalen Brooks has translated his impressive performance during the training camp into the actual games. With the pads on, he has shown that he absolutely deserves to be here. He is the fifth WR.
The Cowboys are putting in a lot of effort to get Turpin more involved in the offense, and this is quite clear. Considering his big play potential and speed, I understand the reasoning behind it.
Practice squad considerations: Jalen Moreno-Cropper, David Durden, Dennis Houston, Simi Fehoko
Offensive line (10)
Tyron Smith (LT), Tyler Smith (LG), Tyler Biadasz (C), Zack Martin (RG), Terence Steele (RT), Alex Taylor-Prioleau (OT), Asim Richards (OT), Josh Ball (OL), Matt Farniok (OL), Brock Hoffman (OL)
The starting position of the left tackle will be taken by Tyron Smith, whereas Terence Steele will be starting on the right side. It was no surprise that Zack Martin filled the starting right guard position, as expected. Tyler Smith is playing left guard.
Our ideal scenario would be if Tyron Smith manages to maintain his health and plays for the entire duration of the season. The reality is that Smith has not played a full season since 2015 and we cannot overlook this crucial information.
The Cowboys should be prepared to get Asim Richards integrated at some point, who may be capable of playing LG despite being a left tackle in college. The 2023 fift-round pick has looked good in pass protection in preseason, while Josh Ball's run blocking caught my eye.
From what I saw, Asim Richards looked good in pass protection, while Josh Ball's run blocking caught my eye. His pass blocking is still a struggle, and Alex Taylor-Prioleau outperformed Matt Waletzko against the Seahawks.
From my understanding, newly appointed OL coach Mike Solari has already developed a plan and is ready to put it into action. In contrast to his predecessor.
Practice squad considerations: Earl Bostic, Jr., Alec Lindstrom, TJ Bass
IR: Chuma Edoga
Defensive line (10)
Micah Parsons (DE/LB), DeMarcus Lawrence (DE), Dorance Armstrong (DE), Sam Williams (DE), Dante Fowler (DE), Osa Odighizuwa (DT), Mazi Smith (DT), Johnathan Hankins (DT), Chauncey Golston (DL), Viliami Fehoko (DL)
Just like how Achilles was the formidable warrior for the myrmidons, Micah Parsons is the equivalent for this group.
Along with Parsons, Dan Quinn has excellent weapons to work with in DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, Dante Fowler, and Dorance Armstrong. Last season, they collectively obtained 24.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss.
Sam Williams is all set for the regular season to begin. I'm predicting that Williams will have an increase in his snap count. He looks to be in top-notch form. His talent is too exceptional to be limited to the fifth edge rusher.
Mazi Smith is one of the most gifted interior defenders in the draft. He possesses the quickness of a 3tech, paired with the size of an NT, but his get-off technique needs work. He encountered some difficulties Saturday night, which might cause Dallas to keep Quinton Bohanna.
Improvement is expected to continue for Osa Odighizuwa. The addition of Smith means that Odighizuwa won't face as many double teams and can perform well as a disruptive DT. Johnathan Hankins made a significant improvement to the run defense last season and the added depth will allow the vet to remain fresh.
The Cowboys think Viliami Fehoko and Chauncey Golston have potential to boost interior pass rush by playing inside. How many players will Dallas keep from a stacked group? That is the question.
Practice squad considerations: Tyrus Wheat, Durrell Johnson
Linebacker (5)
Leighton Vander Esch, Damone Clark, Jabril Cox, Devin Harper, Isiah land
With the news that DeMarvion Overshown will miss the entire season, Devin Harper will secure a roster spot. He's played admirably during training camp and that's translated into the preseason, to say nothing off his contributions on special teams.
I'm finding it challenging to leave undrafted free agent Isiah Land off the 53. In the wake of Overshown's injury, Land makes the team.
Practice squad considerations: Devin Harper
Defensive back (11)
Trevon Diggs (CB), Stephon Gilmore (CB), DaRon Bland (CB), Kelvin Joseph (CB), Eric Scott, Israel Mukuamu (CB/S), Jayron Kearse (S), Malik Hooker (S), Donovan Wilson (S), Markquese Bell (S), Juanyeh Thomas (S)
Kelvin Joseph is an excellent special teams player. That is why he makes the cut, but fans shouldn't overlook the fact he's played well defensively in preseason. Israel Mukumamu offers an amazing amount of versatility.
Jayron Kearse, Donovan Wilson, and Malik Hooker will start at safety.
The likelihood of the Cowboys releasing Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas seem low. Dallas would take a significant risk if they exposed Bell and Thomas to the waiver wire because of their high potential.
Practice squad considerations: C. J. Goodwin, Nahshon Wright, Myles Brooks, Tyler Coyle
IR: Jourdan Lewis
Special Teams (3)
Brandon Aubrey (K), Bryan Anger (P), Trent Sieg (LS)
The Cowboys could let go of all three players during early roster adjustments.