Cowboys roster: Pre-training camp prediction of the offensive players to make the 53-man roster
It is going to be fascinating to see how the Cowboys make up their roster.
It’s never too early to think ahead. Although the Dallas Cowboys are set for Oxnard, CA, in late July for training camp, you can rest assured the front office and the coaching staff are already planning their preliminary 53-man roster for the regular season. Today, in part one of a two-part series, we intend to do the same and predict the Cowboys’ 53-man roster to begin the season, starting with the offense.
Quarterbacks (2) Dak Prescott & Cooper Rush
A surprise omission to start our projection. Trey Lance has a lot of potential and upside, but he’s never gotten an extended chance to put it all together. Unfortunately, the Cowboys can’t afford him that opportunity. However, another team could. Lance will showcase his skills in the preseason, and the Cowboys realize they don’t have the resources to give him another deal in the final year of his contract, or have the ability to play him ahead of Cooper Rush. Dallas deals Lance to a team that is willing to offer a draft pick for the young quarterback. Dak Prescott remains the team’s top quarterback, with Rush as his backup.
Running backs (4) Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Hunter Leupke (Fullback) & Deuce Vaughn.
The more things change, the more things stay the same. Ezekiel Elliott returns to the Cowboys after one year away with the New England Patriots. Zeke should resume as the team’s lead back with Rico Dowdle coming into spell Elliott. Deuce Vaughn gets another chance to contribute to the roster. Failing to make the cut are veteran runners Royce Freeman and Malik Davis. Their goodbye at the end of the summer shouldn’t be seen as permanent, as either could be brought back at some point during the regular season. Hunter Leupke will again serve as the team’s fullback and is the type of versatile player Mike McCarthy favors in his version of the West Coast offense.
Wide receivers (5) CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, & Jalen Brooks
CeeDee Lamb will pace the wide receiver group and, after breaking franchise records in 2023, sets his sights on another prize - a significant contract with the Cowboys. Behind Lamb is the sure-handed speedster Brandin Cooks. Jalen Tolbert is primed for a big year but is now in his third season and flashed at times. KaVontae Turpin is the team’s return specialist who offers offensive production in various ways. He can line up in the slot, the backfield, and is a threat to go the distance from a jet sweep. Jalen Brooks played sparingly last season, splitting snaps with Tolbert and the now departed Michael Gallup, but he has shown he can be counted on when his number is called, albeit in a limited capacity. Left off the roster is sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy who has been touted as an early favorite to play his way onto the team. Dallas will play it coy and try to sneak Flournoy onto the practice squad. With his size and physical maturity, it’s easy to see why.
Tight ends (4) Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, John Stephens Jr., & Brevyn Spann-Ford
Fresh off a Pro Bowl selection, Jake Ferguson thinks he’s barely scratched the surface of his potential and, playing alongside Prescott, could set career highs for a second consecutive season. Luke Schoonmaker’s status as a second-round pick in 2023 secures his spot on the roster, although Ferguson’s success makes it hard to justify Schoonmaker’s return on investment. Last year’s undrafted free agent and training camp standout, John Stephens Jr., will earn a place on the team with his pass-catching potential after possibly making the team if not for an ACL injury. Brevyn Spann-Ford is a big-time blocking tight end who flattens defenders on the move, with just enough potential as a receiver to make an impression on the coaches. Left off the team is Peyton Hendershot. Hendershot is an athletic reserve tight end and was a great find for the team in 2022, but expect Hendershot also to be traded for a draft pick as the Cowboys find themselves an arsenal of capable tight ends.
Offensive line (9) Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Zack Martin, Terence Steele, Chuma Edoga, T.J. Bass, Brock Hoffman, & Asim Richards
From left to right, Tyler Guyton is the team’s first-round draft choice of this year’s draft, and although he’s a giant prospect, he has big shoes to fill after the departure of Tyron Smith. Starting next to him is Tyler Smith, who has rounded into one of the best guards in the league in just two seasons. Center as of now is toss-up. Third-round pick Cooper Beebe has taken snaps at center this offseason after playing offensive tackle and guard at Kansas State. Brock Hoffman will also compete for the starting job, and his brief appearances showed a nasty demeanor to finish blocks late in the 2023 season. The stellar Zack Martin will anchor the right side of the offensive line next to Terence Steele, who looks to bounce back after an inconsistent year in pass protection. Versatility decides the reserve roles, as Chuma Edoga, T.J. Bass, and Asim Richards can play multiple positions and offer enough to keep Josh Ball and Matt Waletkzo off the roster.
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