Dallas Cowboys: Preseason 53-Man Roster Projection, going long at CB
Although the Dallas Cowboys have already played their first exhibition game last week in Canton, Ohio, the NFL "official" preseason is just about to start. This means it's time for one more 53-man roster projection. This is my third projection of the year with one more to follow after the preseason is done. But before […]
Although the Dallas Cowboys have already played their first exhibition game last week in Canton, Ohio, the NFL "official" preseason is just about to start. This means it's time for one more 53-man roster projection. This is my third projection of the year with one more to follow after the preseason is done. But before we dive in, here are a few notes:
- Usually, teams carry players on the roster only to immediately send them to IR and sign another player to the roster. This projection reflects what I think the roster will look like after those moves have happened.
- Complementing the first note, players placed on injured reserve can return after three weeks, rather than six as in normal seasons.
- The order of the names does not necessarily reflect how I think the depth chart will look like.
- Consider this projection a mix of my personal opinion and what I think the Cowboys' front office thinks.
- As an additional comment, the positions I struggled with projecting the most were offensive guard/center, cornerback, and safety.
- I invite you to let me know what you think, where you agree or disagree on Twitter @MauNFL.
Offense (23)
Quarterback (2)
Dak Prescott, Garrett Gilbert
The Dallas Cowboys seem to be content going forward without getting any help from outside free agents. Honestly, there are not a lot of options, to begin with. Gilbert has done a decent job of keeping the backup role while Ben DiNucci and Cooper Rush have done little to make it a tough competition.
Running back (3)
Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle
Don't rule out the possibility for FB Sewo Olonilua just yet. However, Rico Dowdle was one of the biggest winners in the Hall of Fame Game. At this point, I strongly expect him to make the roster. He's shined both as a runner and a receiver, providing the Cowboys with legit depth at the position.
Wide Receiver (5)
Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown
Simi Fehoko's absence is the elephant in the room here. He hasn't stepped up as many would've hoped in the offseason. The Cowboys are likely to go long in a few positions – particularly on defense – but wide receiver is starting to look like a 5-player room. Fehoko might have a chance to turn things around in the upcoming preseason games.
Tight End (3)
Blake Jarwin, Dalton Schultz, Sean McKeon
The battle for TE3 between McKeon and Jeremy Sprinkle is far from done. Right now, McKeon looks like a drastically improved version of himself as he's shown flashes both receiving and blocking. As the player with the most upside of the two, I have him making the roster over the veteran.
Offensive Tackle (5)
Tyron Smith, La'el Collins, Ty Nsekhe, Terrence Steele, Brandon Knight
Note: In this projection, I'm assuming Josh Ball initially makes the roster and is immediately sent to IR.
Although the Cowboys' backup offensive linemen didn't have a good performance versus the Steelers, not much has changed about the projected OL. Knight had the worst game of them, but his position flex earns him a spot on the roster as the team has few options. However, if his play doesn't improve soon, he might be pushed out of the roster.
Offensive Guard / Center (5)
Zack Martin, Connor Williams, Tyler Biadasz, Connor McGovern, Matt Farniok
Connor Williams getting reps as the backup center has shaken things up a little bit. It might even be proof of a lack of confidence from the Cowboys on seventh-round draft pick Matt Farniok. However, I'll give the rookie the benefit of the doubt since he's getting reps at center and guard.
After his performance against the Steelers, keep a very close eye on Isaac Alarcón. Although many are writing him off, he proved he belongs last Thursday night. We still need to see more from him, but if he keeps it up throughout the next three preseason games, he's a legit candidate to make the Cowboys 53-man roster. Right now, his biggest competition might come from Farniok and/or Knight.
Defense (27)
Defensive End (6)
DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, Tarell Basham, Dorance Armstrong, Ron'Dell Carter, Bradlee Anae
Note: Assuming Chauncey Golston is sent to IR after initially making the 53-man roster.
Behind Lawrence and Gregory, there isn't a clear-cut second team at DE. I expect Dan Quinn's defense to feature a lot of rotation when the starters are not in. Armstrong, Carter, and Anae are in the bubble. Golston's injury might give the Cowboys more time to figure out who's the odd man out.
Defensive Tackle (5)
Neville Gallimore, Carlos Watkins, Osa Odighizuwa, Brent Urban, Quinton Bohanna
Carlos Watkins has apparently climbed his way up the ladder as he's gotten plenty of playing time in training camp and versus the Steelers. On the Cowboys' unofficial depth chart, he's listed as a starter alongside Neville Gallimore.
Linebacker (5)
Micah Parsons, Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Keanu Neal, Jabril Cox
Parsons backed up the hype in the Steelers game and I expect him to be the top guy at LB since Week 1.
If there's one thing that's changed about my thoughts on linebacker since my first roster projection, it's my expectations for Keanu Neal. I expect the former Falcon to have more playing time than many expect him to, being one of the best cover guys for the Cowboys at LB.
Cornerback (7)
Trevon Diggs, Kelvin Joseph, Anthony Brown, Jourdan Lewis, Nahshon Wright, Maurice Canady, C.J. Goodwin
Maurice Canady has truly shaken things up at cornerback. Written off by most as just a camp body, the 27-year-old now looks like a "lock" to make the 53.
The Cowboys will have a tough time figuring out 1) Whether to carry six or seven corners and 2) Who's getting left out. I have them going long mainly because of C.J. Goodwin's role in special teams. Missing the cut is Reggie Robinson, who might find his way into the Cowboys' practice squad.
Safety (4)
Donovan Wilson, Damontae Kazee, Malik Hooker, Israel Mukuamu
As a result of carrying seven corners, the Cowboys are going relatively short at safety in this projection. Darian Thompson and Jayron Kearse make things interesting, but I'm leaning toward the rookie Mukuamu to earn his role. Depth at strong safety behind Wilson might be a concern.
Special Teams (3)
K Greg Zuerlein, P Bryan Anger, LS Jake McQuaide
The only battle going on here remains at punter. Although Hunter Niswander might make things difficult for Anger, John Fassel's comment on Anger being the favorite makes it tough to give the young player the roster spot.
Featured image via Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
