3 Cowboys players who could be surprise cuts once 2024 initial roster is finalized
Dallas Cowboys training camp is nigh and while that's exciting for fans ravenous for football, it's also do-or-die time for many players aiming for a roster spot.That includes players frequently considered to be part of the 53 as everyone needs to earn their place. Competition is always fierce in the NFL which is why every […]
Dallas Cowboys training camp is nigh and while that's exciting for fans ravenous for football, it's also do-or-die time for many players aiming for a roster spot.
That includes players frequently considered to be part of the 53 as everyone needs to earn their place. Competition is always fierce in the NFL which is why every season there are unexpected moves across the league.
Let's break down three Cowboys players who could be surprise cuts when the time comes, starting by the biggest name on the list.
RB Deuce Vaughn
Vaughn quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his fantastic draft story and electrifying play-making style. A strong preseason last August only solidified the hype surrounding the 5-foot-6 running back.
But the regular season didn't quite go his way, being active for the first five games of the year and only twice more after that. For A to Z Sports' NFL-wide surprise cuts candidates list, Vaughn was my pick and I didn't think twice about it, offering the following explanation:
have Vaughn making the team in the latest 53-man roster projection but the second-year running back who put on a show during last year's preseason is far from a lock. His struggles in pass pro were a major concern last year and that led to him being a healthy scratch for the majority of the season. Now, he's spending some time with the wide receivers and while that's exciting, it raises a tough question: Do the Cowboys think he provides enough value as just a No. 3 running back? Keep in mind, that Vaughn's size limits him to returning duties only on special teams and the Cowboys already have KaVontae Turpin). He needs to step it up in training camp and will be fighting for his job this summer.
CB Eric Scott Jr.
The Cowboys made another sixth-round draft pick in 2023 other than Vaughn and that was Eric Scott Jr., who has yet to make his regular season debut in the pros.
The tricky part about adding Scott Jr. to this list is that we know virtually nothing about him because all of his work has taken place behind the scenes. He might be on pace for the primary backup role but then again he might be on the chopping block. We'll find out.
But what is true is that the cornerback room is getting somewhat crowded. He's on my latest 53-man roster projection but if recently-signed UFL standout Gareon Conley (and former first-round draft pick) impresses coaches, Scott Jr.'s job could be in jeopardy. He's near the top of the list as for players I'm dying to learn more about.
DB Israel Mukuamu
Mukuamu missed the cut in my latest roster projection and I'm not happy about it: I believe the Cowboys could've done a better job with his development by picking a lane for him and playing him at either cornerback and safety at some point.
But as he enters his contract year, Mukuamu faces a tough numbers game. Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell have been on the field more often at safety and that's led to Mukuamu being buried on the depth chart. Per Cowboys writer Nick Harris, he worked with the reserves for the most part during the spring with others seeing many more opportunities on the field.
It'll be an uphill battle for Izzy but we've seen him impress before so get ready for him putting up a fight.
4 Cowboys’ starting roles that are still up for grabs heading into training camp
These battles will be intense.
