Breaking down Cowboys' first depth chart of the 2023 NFL preseason
The Dallas Cowboys released their first unofficial depth chart of the year ahead of the team's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. It's safe to say, there's a lot to break down by reading between the lines. From who's the backup running back to what's going on in the trenches, let's dive into […]
The Dallas Cowboys released their first unofficial depth chart of the year ahead of the team's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. It's safe to say, there's a lot to break down by reading between the lines.
From who's the backup running back to what's going on in the trenches, let's dive into it. You can check the full-depth chart below as well as the most important notes.
Cowboys RB2 is now clear
One of the biggest observations to be made out of the unofficial depth chart is the fact that Rico Dowdle is listed as Tony Pollard's backup. Malik Davis follows as RB3. This shouldn't be a surprise to those paying attention to Mike McCarthy's press conferences. Last month, the Cowboys head coach said "I tell you, I'm loving Rico (Dowdle)."
Back in phase III of the offseason, he also asked reporters to not forget about Rico. Keep in mind, Dowdle made last year's roster over Davis before going down injured. It's his job to lose entering the preseason.
By the way, Ronald Jones – who is set to serve a two-game suspension – is listed as RB4 above rookies Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke, which is understandable given their rookie status.
Rookies shake up tight end room
Luke Schoonmaker is just now getting his first practices in for the Cowboys. The second-round rookie who was supposed to battle Jake Ferguson for the starting role has fallen way behind the race by missing time with a foot injury.
But Schoonmaker is currently also looking up at Peyton Hendershot, who's getting a lot of playing time with the first and second teams. On the unofficial depth chart, Hendershot is listed as one of the two starting tight ends. The former UDFA appears to be getting a lot of looks as a receiver-type TE.
Listed as the second-string players in the room are Sean McKeon and Schoonmaker. Behind Schoon, UDFA rookies John Stephens and Princeton Fant are looking for a place on the team. Stephens has been one of the biggest surprises from camp and could very well make the 53.
Cowboys WRs Turpin and Tolbert get their respect
KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert have a lot of questions to answer from here until the start of the regular season. Are they legit wide receivers?
So far, they're looking the part and are firmly standing as members of the second team. They're listed as such on the unofficial depth chart, too. While Simi Fehoko is listed as a second-teamer, he has catching up to do in camp with Tolbert and Turpin.
In fact, he should watch out for the rising seventh-rounder, Jalen Brooks. He could edge him out for the final spot at the position.
CB Eric Scott Jr. stands out among rookies
There are not a lot of surprises when it comes to the Cowboys defense on the unofficial depth chart. After all, the unit is pretty much identical to last year's, even when looking at the second team.
But one noteworthy thing: Sixth-round draft pick Eric Scott Jr. is listed as a second-teamer. For context, only three rookies are listed on the second team and that's the team's first and second-round picks.
Who knows if there's real meaning behind his status on the unofficial piece of paper but it looks relevant considering UDFA Myles Brooks is buried behind special-teamer C.J. Goodwin, who doesn't even play defense for the Cowboys. The depth chart is screaming Scott is making the 53-man roster at the end of the month.
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Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
