Cowboys' top UDFA might not be being talked about enough
With deep pockets and a unique willingness to give rookies a chance, the Dallas Cowboys have become a powerhouse when it comes to the undrafted free agency frenzy. Every year, analysts point toward the Cowboys as one of the best teams out there when it comes to adding young talent after the NFL Draft. And […]
With deep pockets and a unique willingness to give rookies a chance, the Dallas Cowboys have become a powerhouse when it comes to the undrafted free agency frenzy. Every year, analysts point toward the Cowboys as one of the best teams out there when it comes to adding young talent after the NFL Draft.
And truth be told, they've built quite the track record that speaks for itself. Last year, Peyton Hendershot became a significant member of the offense after being overlooked by 32 teams in the Draft. Terence Steele, thrown to the wolves as a UDFA turned Week 1 starter in 2020, is a prime example of the Cowboys' success.
This year's class in particular seems to have a star fans can't get enough of: FB Hunter Luepke out of North Dakota State. The prospect of adding his versatility to a Mike McCarthy-led offense is enticing for many reasons.
However, it might be another rookie who truly provides the best talent of this year's UDFA class. At least according to The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner. Here's what draft expert had to say about the Cowboys' offensive lineman in a recent article outlining the league's "best UDFA fits":
The Cowboys might have my favorite UDFA class, with the likes of Oregon OL T.J. Bass, Fresno State WR Jalen Moreno-Cropper, Mississippi State edge Tyrus Wheat and Florida A&M LB Isaiah Land. But I’m going with Bostick here. He’s a traits-heavy former TE with 34 1/8-inch arms, and he’s athletic enough to have a chance.
– Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic
The rookie out of Kansas got the most guaranteed money out of the Cowboys' undrafted rookie class with $220,000 and a signing bonus of $20,000. That amount of guaranteed dollars made him one of the 10 most expensive UDFAs of the year league-wide.
Clearly, the team likes him. And it could represent a big challenge for backup offensive linemen across the roster this offseason. In fact, earlier this week, I wrote about Josh Ball being in the hot seat due to the arrival of fifth-round draft pick Asim Richards. Counting Bostick, even Matt Waletzko should be considered at risk.
Don't be surprised if Bostick's traits shake up the OL room in a major way, especially considering the Cowboys have a new coach at the position. Ball and Waletzko will have to compete for Mike Solari's respect with a completely fresh slate.
And make no mistake about it, while this competition will mostly impact the bottom of the depth chart, the Cowboys have no established starter at left guard if the team decides to keep Tyler Smith at left tackle. Whoever wins one of these spots could be looking at a fast-track start to being a starter in the NFL
