It’s difficult to believe the Dallas Cowboys have already hit the halfway point of training camp. A lot has happened since arriving in Oxnard, which has given us some clarity about the makeup of this year’s team. While there are few things that still need to be ironed out between now and the start of the season, the roster is starting to take shape, so much so, we thought we’d attempt to predict Dallas’ final 53-and roster.
Quarterback (2)
Dak Prescott, Joe Milton
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Joe Milton and Sam Howell are still probably in a head-to-head battle to secure the QB2 spot with the Cowboys this year, but Milton seems to have a slight edge right now. He’s shown noticeable improvement on his touch passes and has the most upside of the two QBs. There’s a chance both could still make the roster, but Milton’s encouraging development would allow them to use that extra roster spot elsewhere.
Running back (4)
Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, Hunter Luepke
The depth of behind Williams was once a concern prior to entering training camp, but no longer so. The RB position group is much deeper than expected and has been one of the bigger surprises for the Cowboys. Both second-year RBs Blue and Mafah have been impressive enough to probably secure a roster spot, but they aren’t going unchallenged. Israel Abanikanda has been impressive a well and we all know they love Malik Davis.
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Wide receiver (5)
CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, Anthony Smith
With Lamb, Pickens, and Flournoy locked in his Dallas’ top three receivers and Turpin has the return specialist/gadget player, the fifth and final WR spot is currently up for grabs. We gave rookie Anthony Smith the nod here due to his ability to stretch the field as well as a special teams value. But, it’s one spot at this position that could change.
Tight end (3)
Jake Ferguson, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Michael Trigg
Ferguson and Spann-Ford are the only TE roster locks for the Cowboys right now. Luke Schoonmaker could be pushed off the roster if Michael Trigg continues to shine throughout the rest of training camp and preseason. We predict that’s exactly what’s going to happen, making Schoonmaker a potential trade candidate.
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Offensive line (9)
Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker, Terence Steele, TJ Bass, Nate Thomas, Drew Shelton, Ajani Cornelius
Guyton, Smith, Beebee, Booker, and Steele are locked in to be Dallas’ starting five offensive line with Thomas and Bass serving as the primary backups. Shelton sticks around as a developmental prospect and Cornelius has a position flex to play G or OT. The one concern with this group is Beebe’s backup. Bass could be the solution, but Dallas could go a little deeper here with a more proven veteran.
Defensive tackle (5)
Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, Otito Ogbonnia, Jonathan Bullard, LT Overton
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Williams and Clark have been as advertised, giving Dallas a disruptive duo on the interior of their defensive line. Ogbonnia has been a pleasant surprise and has gained everyone’s attention as one of the standouts at training camp. Bullard and Overton round out the group for now, but their roster spots are less secured. Either can be replaced by an outside addition after roster cuts are made.
Outside linebacker/Edge (6)
Rashan Gary, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Malachi Lawrence, James Houston, Sam Williams, Marist Liufau
If the Cowboys make the “substantive” trade Jerry Jones has hinted at, it will likely be at OLB. For now, we have Gary, Ezeiruaku, Lawrence, Houston, and Williams as roster locks with Liufau sticking around due to his special teams value and position flex to play both OLB and off-ball LB. Dallas seems to be highly motivated to upgrade the position further, that could change things substantially.
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Inside linebacker (5)
DeMarvion Overshown, Dee Winters, Jaishawn Barham, Curtis Robinson, Shemar James
Barham has been the talk of training camp and has been working with the starters along with Overshown and Winters. Robinson and James round out the group as solid backups and key special teams players. Keep an eye on Justin Barron though. He’s had a strong camp and could push a roster spot. An outside vet addition could be in play as well due to Overshown’s injury concerns and the lack of overall experience of the group.
Cornerback (6)
DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel, Caelen Carson, Devin Moore, Reddy Stewart
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Despite the initial concerns, CB has actually been one of the better position groups throughout training camp, so much so, tough decisions will need to be made here. Bland, Durant, and Revel, are roster locks right now with Carson and Moore close in the running. And due to past injury concerns at the position, we believe Dallas could go a little deeper here with Steward, who has been playing both CB and safety, getting the last spot.
Safety (5)
Caleb Downs, Malik Hooker, Jalen Thompson, P.J. Locke, Markquese Bell
Downs, Hooker, Thompson, and Locke should be considered roster locks, but the last spot is less secure. Bell currently seems to have the edge on his competitors, however, Alijah Clark and Julius Wood are both playing well and could unseat him.
Special teams (3)
Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg
Nothing to see here. There is no doubt these three are roster locks.
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