3 Cowboys UDFAs who could make the roster with a strong preseason
The Dallas Cowboys will never rule out a promising rookie regardless of draft status. Since 2014, the team has had 16 undrafted free agent rookies break into the 53-man roster. That's fourth-most in the NFL in that span. Last year was no exception as the Cowboys had three UDFAs making the initial 53: TE Peyton […]
The Dallas Cowboys will never rule out a promising rookie regardless of draft status. Since 2014, the team has had 16 undrafted free agent rookies break into the 53-man roster. That's fourth-most in the NFL in that span.
Last year was no exception as the Cowboys had three UDFAs making the initial 53: TE Peyton Hendershot, S Markquese Bell, and WR Dennis Houston.
As we approach the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, let's explore the three rookie UDFAs most likely to make the cut come August 29th.
1. RB/FB Hunter Luepke
One of the most expensive undrafted rookies this year ($200,000 in total guaranteed money, Top 10 in the NFL) and a staple power back in FCS football for North Dakota State, Luepke has what it takes to be Mike McCarthy's fullback. He can block well but can also get the job done as a pass catcher enough for him to generate match-up problems consistently.
That last part is key as the modern NFL fullback needs to be a solid pass-catcher to warrant a roster spot. Through the first few weeks of training camp, it sounds like Luepke's top competition is tight end Sean McKeon, who's also spending a lot of time as a blocker in an H-back-type role.
2. TE John Stephens
Speaking of tight ends, everyone in camp is buzzing about Stephens, who converted from wide receiver to tight end. His rise has been so quick that he's still listed as a WR on the official roster. At 6-foot-5, the converted tight end is the tallest pass-catcher on the team.
Stephens' workload in camp has mostly been discussed as a pass-catcher (he's even lined up outside multiple times) and not a blocker, which suggests he could have a difficult path to the roster in a position group that includes Peyton Hendershot. The latter has also shined mostly as a pass catcher.
With only 3-4 spots to go for tight ends, Stephens has his work cut out for him. But coaching staffs like good players and Stephens sure looks like one so far.
3. EDGE Isaiah Land
During Phase III of the offseason, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn admitted he found out about Land while scouting Markquese Bell last year. The edge rusher out of Florida A&M is a big-time athlete who's got the speed and explosiveness Quinn likes so much.
The biggest obstacle in Land's way is the fact that the Cowboys are loaded at his position from top to bottom. The team would have to go long in the position to make it happen.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports