Cowboys Roster: Neville Gallimore makes the cut with trait hard to find
One of the biggest surprises on the Dallas Cowboys' 53-man roster was the inclusion of defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. A former third-round draft pick entering his fourth year in the league, Gallimore was no lock to make the roster. In January, he was a healthy scratch ahead of a playoff game. This month, he played […]
One of the biggest surprises on the Dallas Cowboys' 53-man roster was the inclusion of defensive tackle Neville Gallimore.
A former third-round draft pick entering his fourth year in the league, Gallimore was no lock to make the roster. In January, he was a healthy scratch ahead of a playoff game. This month, he played deep into the fourth quarter of preseason games.
Yet, Gallimore made the cut over Quinton Bohanna, a preseason standout. Of course, the latter is a nose tackle and the Cowboys are well set at that position with Mazi Smith and Johnathan Hankins. Gallimore, in contrast, is more of a versatile three-technique.
Although he wasn't explicitly talking about Gallimore, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy commented on Tuesday explaining why the tackle made the team.
"You can't find big guys," McCarthy told reporters after cuts were done. "You've got to be cognizant of that."
Dan Quinn's unit happens to be big on hybrid players. Safeties are interchangeable with linebackers, Micah Parsons is a star pass rusher yet will drop into coverage every once in a while, and edge rushers play on the interior defensive line all the time. Think about it: Chauncey Golston and rookie Viliami Fehoko Jr. are both listed as defensive ends but they're expected to get most of their playing time at defensive tackle.
But while they give the Cowboys immediate options up front, they lack something Gallimore naturally has: Size. Per the official roster, he's one of only three defensive linemen who weigh over 300 pounds (Mazi and Hankins are the other two).
On game day, you can see why the Cowboys could need somebody like Gallimore on the field. His next challenge will be fighting to avoid the inactive players list week in and week out. Knowing one defensive lineman is expected to be there until injuries decide for the team, I'm guessing it'll be an early battle between him and Fehoko.
Cowboys initial 53-man roster for 2023 NFL season
The initial team is official.
Featured image via Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
