Cowboys training camp: Undrafted star of the day

David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The Cowboys have some undrafted free agents showing out so far.

The Dallas Cowboys ramped up practice on Wednesday, and the offense was back on track. Dak Prescott and the receivers were stellar. Jalen Brooks continued his hot summer after a rocky start to the day. However, things did get chippy.

As expected, once the pads came on, the practice became increasingly more physical, and a scuffle broke out between rookies Brevyn Spann-Ford and Caelen Carson. Neither wanted to back down, and that’s precisely the intensity you want to see from young players, especially an undrafted player such as Spann-Ford.

But it was another undrafted free agent immersed in an uphill battle to make the roster that is the undrafted star of the day. Linebacker Willie Harvey.

Cowboys LB Willie Harvey picks Trey Lance pic.twitter.com/m40qLq23Y1

— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) July 31, 2024

Harvey Jr. resurfaced on the radar of NFL executives after his performance this season in the UFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he recorded 76 tackles, four sacks and nine tackles for loss. Harvey Jr. is undersized for a linebacker at 5’11”, 229 lbs. However, he can play inside at Mike linebacker in a pinch. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will have his hands full trying to fortify a position that needs to be retooled after last season.

In practice on Wednesday, Harvey Jr. made an excellent play in zone coverage, baiting Trey Lance into an ill-advised throw and making the interception. He also did well in supporting the run, an area the Cowboys sorely need help with. Harvey Jr. has had an interesting path to the Cowboys. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019 after signing with the Cleveland Browns. He managed to hang around on the roster for the Browns but has only recorded two tackles in the NFL. Most recently he was in the UFL where the Cowboys took notice. Harvey Jr. will have to play special teams to maintain a spot on the team but also needs to show out in the preseason.