Cowboys take small step toward solving glaring roster issue
The Dallas Cowboys are taking a step toward fixing one of the glaring issues of their roster, the lack of linebackers, by signing LB Mikel Jones to the practice squad. The team announced the transaction on Tuesday. Jones, a former 2023 undrafted free agent who spent the offseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, is an […]
The Dallas Cowboys are taking a step toward fixing one of the glaring issues of their roster, the lack of linebackers, by signing LB Mikel Jones to the practice squad. The team announced the transaction on Tuesday.
Jones, a former 2023 undrafted free agent who spent the offseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, is an undersized linebacker with good range and physicality. The description fits what Dan Quinn and the coaching staff have looked for in the position.
In Syracuse, Jones was named a Second-Team All-ACC player following a year with 84 tackles and four sacks. He wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Below is a brief evaluation from Michael Peterson from Bolts From The Blue:
When it come to my evaluation of Jones, I see him much more as a true-and-tried football player that gets by on his instincts and feel for the game rather than his elite athleticism.
Objectively, Jones will likely be just depth for the Cowboys and could eventually get called up to the gameday roster to contribute on special teams.
On the 53-man roster, the Cowboys currently carry two natural linebackers: Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark. Safety Markquese Bell is spending significant time playing the position but is clearly undersized. However, he makes up for it with speed and explosiveness. Bell has shown promising flashes while going through the growing pains of playing a new position.
Recently, the Cowboys rolled the dice by waiving LB Devin Harper while hoping to get him on the squad after clearing waivers. The Cincinnati Bengals spoiled the party as they claimed him, forcing Dallas to replace one of their top special teamers in snaps played. That's left Malik Jefferson in the practice squad, who can be called up twice more after being elevated for the first time this year in Week 4.
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