AtoZ Staff Surprise Additions to the Cowboys
We're only a few weeks away from the start of the 2021 regular season, which means we're even closer to the Dallas Cowboys making their final decision on who will make the final 53-man roster. There's always been and always will be surprise players who both do and don't make the Dallas Cowboys roster. Players […]
We're only a few weeks away from the start of the 2021 regular season, which means we're even closer to the Dallas Cowboys making their final decision on who will make the final 53-man roster.
There's always been and always will be surprise players who both do and don't make the Dallas Cowboys roster. Players that stand out and play well during the preseason are usually added to the roster, but many times are also waived do to either a positional overload, money, raw abilities, etc. Most of the time, these players' best bet is to make it to the practice squad.
Going into the offseason, there were around 25-35 roster locks, and the remaining pool of 90 players were there competing for the final spots left. However, as the offseason progressed, injuries began to amount and players thought to be sure-ins for the team, were being outperformed by bubble players.
Players like Maurice Canaday went from a 'camp body' to challenging Jourdan Lewis for the starting nickel position. Trysten Hill, a former second round pick, is still battling injuries while players like rookie Quinton Bohanna are taking full advantage of these extra reps.
For the upcoming season, the A to Z Sports Dallas staff all had their own predictions of which player is the most likely surprise to make the 53-man roster with their reasoning behind it.
Mauricio Rodriguez
DE, Ron'Dell Carter
I think the Cowboys front office likes Carter quite a bit. He's shown improvement, and with Golston dealing with an injury, he might find his way into the Cowboys 53.
Jadon Vann
TE, Sean McKeon
He's been solid all training camp and has caught almost everything thrown his way including a few acrobatic catches. I think he can be a very solid TE3 for us.
Will Steele
TE, Jeremy Sprinkle
Probably a cop-out pick here but low-key, Sprinkle is no chopped liver as a TE3. Experienced young vet that can fulfill TE3 duties.
Cole Patterson
WR, Malik Turner
Turner has had an impressive camp and looks to have developed a connection with both Prescott and Gilbert. He's a better receiving option than Noah Brown and has done more in camp than Fehoko.
Shane Carter
S, Israel Mukuwamu
Outside of Donovan Wilson, Damontae Kazee and Malik Hooker, there's a lot of competition for what looks like one remaining safety spot for the Cowboys. Jayron Kearse and Darian Thompson have the edge in experience, but it's bee the sixth round rookie who's been making plays and fitting in well into Dan Quinn's system.
Adam Holt
CB/ST, C.J. Goodwin
I’ll go with C.J. Goodwin. Goodwin provides veteran stability, and the bulk of his value is on special teams. Other candidates may not be as experienced or productive on ST. They brought him back this off-season for that work on ST, and I think that’ll be his role once again.
