3 down roster players with a chance to make the final roster

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

Here are three under the radar players that have a chance this year to make the final roster. 

Every year there’s a surprise standout at Oxnard training camp or a player that shines during the preseason games. Those guys sometimes make the final 53-man roster and there are three guys that have a real chance to make the final roster but are completely under the radar. Here’s the top three players that have a chance to make the roster that are going over looked.

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WR, Jalen Moreno-Cropper
Last year, Cropper managed to get on the practice squad but failed to impress away from the practice field during preseason. Against both Seattle and Las Vegas in preseason, Cropper managed to catch three receptions for a total of 35 yards.

This year he has the chance to be a viable slot-only type receiver which frees up CeeDee Lamb on certain situational formations. But Cropper could also benefit from the new kickoff rule and become the second return specialist on twin return formations. Given the added role Cropper can play and the fact John Fassel has said he wants to implement two returner specialists on the roster, this really opens the door for Cropper.

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Jalen Cropper is one of a handful of 2023 UDFA signings that are eligible to participate in rookie minicamp this weekend.

The former production machine at Fresno State may have a better shot at a role in 2024 with the implementation of the new kickoff rules and his return… pic.twitter.com/B5aRbaKlFu

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) May 10, 2024

TE, John Stephens Jr
Stephens was catching everyone’s attention last season during training camp. Most pundits predicted Stephens had a genuine shot to make the final roster in 2023, but an injury in the Seattle game put an end to his season and every fan was immediately deflated by the news. In last year’s first preseason game, Stephens really got to shine showing his skills and leading the team in receiving with five receptions for 56 yards and one touchdown.

With questions on Peyton Hendershot due to his lack of production last year and Luke Schoonmaker recovering from shoulder surgery and a hamstring injury, Stephens has a massive chance to get back on the horse and prove his worth. Lunda Wells even says Stephens is on schedule to return for training camp so get ready to see him compete in a big way.

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

I was curious about the status of John Stephens Jr. coming off of the torn ACL — having had a very impressive first training camp that had him all but guaranteed a final roster.

So I asked Lunda Wells, #Cowboys tight ends coach.

'He's ahead of schedule.'

His answer: pic.twitter.com/kOTytxP6jt

— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) May 16, 2024

OT, Earl Bostick Jr
“Big Earl” has a real shot of becoming one of the team’s swing-tackles this year. The team will more than likely go long on the depth chart on the offensive line this season. With so many questions on the offensive line and the chance of starting two rookie linemen, depth will be a huge requirement this year.

Matt Waletzko is on deck and has failed to stay healthy, Nathan Thomas is a rookie looking to develop who may be moved to guard, and that really only leaves Asim Richards to add real depth at the tackle position. Bostick isn’t a bad pass blocker, but his run blocking needed plenty of work. Let’s hope he’s developed enough this past year.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line rookie minicamp group ended practice today with some balance drills with OL coach Mike Solari.

Tyler Guyton, Cooper Beebe, Nathan Thomas and Earl Bostick Jr. in order ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dCU0F8A441

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) May 11, 2024