Dallas Cowboys: Stock Up, Stock Down After Preseason Game No.2
The Dallas Cowboys energy shifted this week after being taken to the woodshed the week of the Denver Broncos joint practices and preseason game. A big-time bounce back against the LA Chargers on all three phases of the game. A 32-18 win that feels even better considering how well the team practiced leading up to […]
The Dallas Cowboys energy shifted this week after being taken to the woodshed the week of the Denver Broncos joint practices and preseason game. A big-time bounce back against the LA Chargers on all three phases of the game.
A 32-18 win that feels even better considering how well the team practiced leading up to the game. Not only the starters, but the backups and bubble players reacted to the week-long loss appropriately.
Some players have plateaued with one game to go, but a number of players continue to progress in a way that will make the final 53-man roster full of tough calls. How many surprise cuts and additions can the Cowboys make?
Part one of the roster stocks look much more negative by comparison, but it's bringing clarity. The roster is starting to shape up more and more, with one game left in preseason.
With only one preseason game up, plenty of players are making their case to make this final roster. Some are still on the bubble, while others are destined for the practice squad at best.
Stock Up
- WR KaVontae Turpin – Let's be honest. Tuprin's best bet was to showcase his elite speed and return skills in order to make the team. The Dallas Cowboys have their kick/punt returner.
- DB Israel Mukuamu – The way Cowboys have talked about DaRon Bland is going to be on the second-year safety. Mukuamu showcased his growth as a willing tackler, and his skills in coverage getting many hands on many balls. Dallas may be forced to keep five safties.
- TE Peyton Hendershot – Dalton Schultz and Jake Ferguson are making it clear they're the top two TEs, but the undrafted rookie is making a name for himself as a deep threat and willing blocker that might not be worth risking being placed on waivers.
- QB Will Grier – Grier NOT playing last week made him look like the best option as QB2. THIS time around, he looks every bit the best option on the field. Showing mobility and pushing the ball down the field to lead the Cowboys on multiple scoring drives.
- RB Malik Davis – Rico Dowdle might still be the favorite but for the second week in a row, he leads the Dallas Cowboys in yards per rush. With 5.5 yards per rush through the preseason, and plenty of power to add to it. RB3 is all but settled.
- LB Devin Harper – For the second week in a row, Harper is showing us how much more along in his development than we though after his selection. Almost making an interception again, while being good in coverage and taking good angles in run defense.
- DT Trysten Hill – Of all the bubble players, Hill is doing himself the most service. Entering his fourth season, Hill has had a good off-season and camp. It's finally showing up on the field.
- DL Mike Tafua – Tafua is a long-shot to make the team, similar to how Azur Kamara was last season. However, a strong performance in pressure as well as coverage will make him a valuable practice squad candidate.
Stock Down
- QB Cooper Rush – Rush had a better week of practice and even a slightly better performance this time around. However, he's not done enough yet to firmly keep the QB2 role and Grier has outplayed him on the game and practice fields.
- TE Sean McKeon – The coaching staff loves McKeon and his progression as TE2 is the hope. However, both rookie TE's (Ferguson and Hendershot) are outplaying him that the Dallas Cowboys will need to consider holding four TEs again.
- DB Nahshon Wright – Another game, another underwhelming performance from Wright. Albeit much better than last week, he still showed up as the weak link in the secondary. Not finishing tackles and somehow getting 'Mossed' in a 6'4" frame.
- LB Luke Gifford – Gifford hasn't necessarily played bad but his one tie to make the roster was beyond just special teams. He continues to get outplayed by the rookie Harper, and the Cowboys have safeties who will play similar to LB, making Gifford possibly expendable.
- OT Josh Ball – Ball looked good in practice this week, but it stopped there. Once again, the swing tackle hopeful got beat multiple times in pass and run protection. The Dallas Cowboys have a serious problem with their swing.
- WR Dennis Houston – Houston still has a very good shot at the roster. He's showing chemistry with Dak and is taking a number of snaps with the first-team. However, he has yet to display himself in games as much as he has in practices. The Dallas Cowboys will have CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Jalen Tolbert, Noah Brown, Simi Fehoko and KaVontae Turpin on the roster. Will they carry 7 WRs again?
- QB Ben DiNucci – In the same breathe as Cooper Rush, Grier is outperforming DiNucci as well. While DiNucci had the better game against Denver, it was still largely underwhelming in the passing game. He still has an edge over Rush, but is well behind Grier, and it's doubtful the Cowboys keep three QBs on the roster.
- RN Aaron Shampklin – Shampklin has gone from 4.6 yards per carry to 2.5 against the Chargers. Following up his solid performance against the Broncos, he didn't display the same power outside an eight-yard run. With Dowdle and Davis both in firm competition for RB3, Shampklin's best case in the practice squad.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
