Dallas Cowboys: Players Who've Balled Their Way Onto the Roster
Following the Dallas Cowboys victory over the LA Chargers, the feelings have been euphoric to say the least. The feeling during and after the game being night and day compared to the Mile High Stadium. Offense, defense and special teams were firing on all cylinders, with a large number of players making the most of […]
Following the Dallas Cowboys victory over the LA Chargers, the feelings have been euphoric to say the least. The feeling during and after the game being night and day compared to the Mile High Stadium.
Offense, defense and special teams were firing on all cylinders, with a large number of players making the most of their snaps. The energy and execution of plays were much better and much more methodical, as the Cowboys controlled the clock and the line of scrimmage at will.
Players on the bubble stepped up with a bigger sense of urgency. Earning themselves at least another week.
Some have even done enough that they are likely destined for the 53-man roster.
Is it enough to convince the coaching staff to overload positions? Or even to release some seasoned veterans in order to do so?
Whether it comes from initial final cuts, or clearing waivers, these players have done enough to make the team.
S Israel Mukuamu
Perhaps no other player made a bigger case for themselves on defense than the second-year safety. Through training camp, Mukuamu has been lined up at free safety, in the box and even in the slot in coverage. Making plays everywhere.
His biggest development is the angles he takes on ball carriers and the willingness to bring them to the ground.
It likely means the Dallas Cowboys will end up keeping five safeties. With Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson and Jayron Kearse as starters, plus Markquese Bell who's earned a role on the team as well. Mukuamu has gone from bubble player to necessary asset.
WR KaVontae Turpin
One of the best ways to make a final roster is to show your value on special teams. No one on the Dallas Cowboys roster is making a bigger case that way than the former USFL MVP.
Let's let the video speak for itself.
Head coach Mike McCarthy is being tung and cheek about it but seemingly confirms that Turpin will be on the team. Amazing considering his journey to get here.
S/LB Markquese Bell
Bell has had the inside track to make the roster the minute he signed as an undrafted free agent. His size, speed and positional versatility made him one of the highest ranked undrafted free agents coming out.
He has yet to disappoint. In fact, he continues to exceed. He has taken snaps with the first-team defense, while primarily playing with the two's. He's listed as a free safety, but has taken snaps in the box, coverage in the slot, at LB and even as a pass rusher. Continuing to make plays.
His value as a safety and linebacker allows the Cowboys to make easier decisions on their roster. All while being able to keep a Jayron Kearse clone who can play multiple spots.
WR Dennis Houston
While he hasn't splashed in the preseason games, Houston continues to develop a connection with QB Dak Prescott.
Still taking a number of snaps with the first-team offense, Houston is making plays against opposing team's defenses in joint practice.
The Cowboys will have to make tough decisions when it comes time to make the initial 53-man roster. Can they risk waiving Houston in order to sign him a day later? It's still undetermined if both Michael Gallup and James Washington will start the season on PUP.
They will likely need to hold onto 7-8 WRs if they don't want to risk losing their young, surprise play-maker.
LB Devin Harper
It's well documented. Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, Anthony Barr and Jabril Cox are all on the team. Jayron Kearse and Markquese Bell are both safety's but will play a lot in position for a LB.
The (likely) final fifth LB spot is going to come down to Luke Gifford, Malik Jefferson and Harper, whom is playing the best of the trio. With a clear cut path to the final 53.
Harper is displaying plenty of coverage skills as well as tackling ability that marred him in the draft process. He's still very much a project player but is further along in his development than expected.
DT Trysten Hill
Trysten Hill has often played well in OTA's and preseason, so this is nothing new. However, with his initial head coach, defensive coordinator and position coach no longer with the team, he's had to earn his way as a bubble player.
He continues a solid camp and performances in preseason.
The Dallas Cowboys have an embarrassment of riches on defense. At 3-tech, they still have Neville Gallimore, Osa Odighizuwa and a number of edge rushers who will rotate inside. Hill might be a luxury pick but has undoubtedly earned it.
Edge Tarell Basham
Another bubble player who's played too well to let go is Basham. The edge rusher goes into the final year of his deal. He shows value as a pass rusher but even, surprisingly, in coverage?!
The holdback on Basham is that the majority of plays he's made have been against backups. In joint practices he's active but doesn't pop on film as much as he does on the game field.
An area the Dallas Cowboys have a surplus of is edge rusher; DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams and Chauncey Golston. Throw in Parsons and Barr, who will add plenty of pressure from inside and out, Basham will be one of the Cowboys toughest calls.
QB Will Grier
The case could be made Grier jumped to QB2 after witnessing Cooper Rush and Ben DiNucci against the Broncos. In that game, neither really left much to be desired.
Grier only played two quarters but moved the offense down the field, setting them up for multiple scoring opportunities.
Assuming Grier wins the job outright, it would continue the Cowboys trend of back QBs.
Last year, Garrett Gilbert was the presumed favorite due to how well he played in his one start, a season prior. Ultimately losing to Rush who outplayed him in preseason. Rush has come in as the presumed favorite after his performance in his lone start a year ago. However, Grier has the much higher upper hand.
History looks ready to repeat itself once again.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
