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Cowboys roster projections
May, 6, 2013
By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com
Last week, Tim MacMahon produced his ridiculously premature 53-man roster. We're not trying that today, instead, I will give you something to think about regarding the roster.
Quarterback
Locks to make the roster:Tony Romo and Kyle Orton
On the bubble: The Cowboys are going with just two quarterbacks here. If the team had drafted one it would make sense to add three to the 53-man roster. The team will keep two quarterbacks on the 80-man roster until its time to make cuts in August.
Running back
Locks to make the roster:DeMarco Murray, Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar
On the bubble: I believe Lawrence Vickers makes the roster and the team doesn't seem to like Philip Tanner, who needed to perform better when given the chance to become the lead running back when Murray suffered an injury last season. The Cowboys didn't address the running game from a blocking standpoint and this is where Vickers stays around.
Wide receiver
Locks to make the roster:Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Terrance Williams, Dwayne Harris
On the bubble: This is a deep unit with plenty of speed and playmakers. Don't be surprised if Carlton Mitchell makes the roster and there's no guarantee Williams is the No. 3 man on the depth chart. Harris showed the Cowboys some talent toward the end of last year and next to Bryant, is the best returner on the team. Cole Beasley can make plays if given the chance, but he's got competition from Mitchell, Jared Green, Tim Benford and Anthony Armstrong.
Tight end
Locks to make the roster:Jason Witten, Gavin Escobar and James Hanna
On the bubble: This unit remains at three unless Vickers gets cut and then I can't see the team signing a blocking tight end.
Offensive line
Locks to make the roster:Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Nate Livings, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Doug Free, Jermey Parnell, Phil Costa, Kevin Kowalski and Ronald Leary
On the bubble:David Arkin is the dark horse candidate to make it at guard and if Free isn't around, then Eric Winston, if he's still available, is the starting right tackle. Ryan Cook's efforts in training camp could determine his status especially if Costa gets hurt again or struggles. Darrion Weems is someone to look at too but I think the Cowboys keep 10 linemen.
Defensive line
Locks to make the roster:DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Jay Ratliff, Jason Hatcher,Sean Lissemore, Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber and Rob Callaway
On the bubble:Ben Bass did a nice job in training camp last season and will be given a chance to earn some checks come September. Brian Price is a player who could make one of the final roster spots because he has some upside.
Linebacker
Locks to make the roster:Sean Lee, Bruce Carter, Justin Durant, Alex Albright and Brandon Magee
On the bubble: Let's hold off on the Ernie Sims return. He was serviceable last season butCaleb McSurdy could emerge as someone you rely on especially on special teams. DeVonte Holloman can make this team on special teams if not I see him on the practice squad. Magee can play both strong and weakside linebacker giving him flexibility.
Cornerback
Locks to make the roster:Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Orlando Scandrick and B.W. Webb
On the bubble:Sterling Moore and Brandon Underwood could make the roster. The Cowboys endured health problems at this position last season in Claiborne and Scandrick and they could keep five or six corners.
Safety
Locks to make the roster:Barry Church, Matt Johnson and J.J. Wilcox
On the bubble: The Cowboys could go low at this spot, given Carr's ability to play safety in a pinch and the possibility one or two linebackers make the team because of their special teams ability, which knocks Danny McCray of the roster. I like to see if Will Allen, a veteran, can add to the position.
Specialists
Locks to make the roster:Dan Bailey, Chris Jones and L.P. Ladouceur
On the bubble: Nobody really. Ladouceur just signed a new deal and Jones should be ready to go for the veteran minicamps after having knee surgery late last season.
May, 6, 2013
By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com
Last week, Tim MacMahon produced his ridiculously premature 53-man roster. We're not trying that today, instead, I will give you something to think about regarding the roster.
Quarterback
Locks to make the roster:Tony Romo and Kyle Orton
On the bubble: The Cowboys are going with just two quarterbacks here. If the team had drafted one it would make sense to add three to the 53-man roster. The team will keep two quarterbacks on the 80-man roster until its time to make cuts in August.
Running back
Locks to make the roster:DeMarco Murray, Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar
On the bubble: I believe Lawrence Vickers makes the roster and the team doesn't seem to like Philip Tanner, who needed to perform better when given the chance to become the lead running back when Murray suffered an injury last season. The Cowboys didn't address the running game from a blocking standpoint and this is where Vickers stays around.
Wide receiver
Locks to make the roster:Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Terrance Williams, Dwayne Harris
On the bubble: This is a deep unit with plenty of speed and playmakers. Don't be surprised if Carlton Mitchell makes the roster and there's no guarantee Williams is the No. 3 man on the depth chart. Harris showed the Cowboys some talent toward the end of last year and next to Bryant, is the best returner on the team. Cole Beasley can make plays if given the chance, but he's got competition from Mitchell, Jared Green, Tim Benford and Anthony Armstrong.
Tight end
Locks to make the roster:Jason Witten, Gavin Escobar and James Hanna
On the bubble: This unit remains at three unless Vickers gets cut and then I can't see the team signing a blocking tight end.
Offensive line
Locks to make the roster:Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Nate Livings, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Doug Free, Jermey Parnell, Phil Costa, Kevin Kowalski and Ronald Leary
On the bubble:David Arkin is the dark horse candidate to make it at guard and if Free isn't around, then Eric Winston, if he's still available, is the starting right tackle. Ryan Cook's efforts in training camp could determine his status especially if Costa gets hurt again or struggles. Darrion Weems is someone to look at too but I think the Cowboys keep 10 linemen.
Defensive line
Locks to make the roster:DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Jay Ratliff, Jason Hatcher,Sean Lissemore, Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber and Rob Callaway
On the bubble:Ben Bass did a nice job in training camp last season and will be given a chance to earn some checks come September. Brian Price is a player who could make one of the final roster spots because he has some upside.
Linebacker
Locks to make the roster:Sean Lee, Bruce Carter, Justin Durant, Alex Albright and Brandon Magee
On the bubble: Let's hold off on the Ernie Sims return. He was serviceable last season butCaleb McSurdy could emerge as someone you rely on especially on special teams. DeVonte Holloman can make this team on special teams if not I see him on the practice squad. Magee can play both strong and weakside linebacker giving him flexibility.
Cornerback
Locks to make the roster:Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Orlando Scandrick and B.W. Webb
On the bubble:Sterling Moore and Brandon Underwood could make the roster. The Cowboys endured health problems at this position last season in Claiborne and Scandrick and they could keep five or six corners.
Safety
Locks to make the roster:Barry Church, Matt Johnson and J.J. Wilcox
On the bubble: The Cowboys could go low at this spot, given Carr's ability to play safety in a pinch and the possibility one or two linebackers make the team because of their special teams ability, which knocks Danny McCray of the roster. I like to see if Will Allen, a veteran, can add to the position.
Specialists
Locks to make the roster:Dan Bailey, Chris Jones and L.P. Ladouceur
On the bubble: Nobody really. Ladouceur just signed a new deal and Jones should be ready to go for the veteran minicamps after having knee surgery late last season.
