2020 Random Cowboys Stuff Thread...

[Cotton]

Cowboys' 53-man roster projection goes light at RB, heavy on linemen
5:00 AM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

The Dallas Cowboys will open the season with a new coach in Mike McCarthy, a quarterback in Dak Prescott who is once again playing for a contract and the usual expectations of a deep playoff run. The new-look Cowboys open the season Sept. 13 on the road against the Los Angeles Rams.

The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. Here is a projection:

QUARTERBACK (3): Prescott, Andy Dalton, Ben DiNucci

The Cowboys don't need to keep three quarterbacks, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, it might serve the team the best -- at least at the start of the season.

Prescott looks ready for another big season. Dalton is the Cowboys' best backup quarterback since Kyle Orton, excluding Tony Romo, who backed up Prescott after Romo suffered a back injury in 2016. DiNucci has a quick release and athleticism that merits a longer look.

RUNNING BACK (2): Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard

This is where it gets interesting. Why only two backs? Well, teams can call up players from the practice squad with a little more ease than in the past, so Rico Dowdle or Darius Anderson could be brought up later in the week to fill a need if necessary. But in order to potentially go heavier at another position at the start they can go lighter at tailback and not carry a true fullback.

WIDE RECEIVER (5): Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown

The top three are locks and might be the best trio in the league. Wilson has had a strong camp, can play multiple positions and be a punt and kick returner. Brown missed last season with a knee injury but he can be a core special teamer and play multiple spots. A sixth wideout is a possibility, too.

TIGHT END (3): Blake Jarwin, Blake Bell, Dalton Schultz

Without a fullback, it is possible the Cowboys go with four tight ends, but they could simply follow the same logic as stated with the running back position. Jarwin has had moments. Bell has been solid. Schultz has had his best camp, especially as a pass catcher. He can also play some fullback.

OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Joe Looney, Zack Martin, La'el Collins, Cam Erving, Connor McGovern, Tyler Biadasz, Brandon Knight, Terence Steele

The Cowboys will enter the season without Smith (hamstring) or Collins (quadriceps) getting the bulk of the work in camp at either tackle spot. Looney seems to have cemented the starting job as Travis Frederick's replacement. Williams has done a good job coming back from a torn ACL. Erving has not seen much action in camp either but he has experience. Steele gets the last spot solely as a redshirt candidate.

DEFENSIVE LINE (10): DeMarcus Lawrence, Dontari Poe, Tyrone Crawford, Aldon Smith, Everson Griffen, Trysten Hill, Antwaun Woods, Neville Gallimore, Dorance Armstrong, Bradlee Anae

The Cowboys lost Gerald McCoy in the first padded practice to a quadriceps tear and Randy Gregory remains suspended, but this is as deep a group as the Cowboys have had.

The addition of Griffen can open up the possibilities of their pass rush even more. Lawrence has been lining up some in a two-point stance to increase his vision on plays. Smith does not look like someone who has not played since 2015, according to coaches. Crawford's return is more important than folks know.

LINEBACKER (6): Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Sean Lee, Joe Thomas, Francis Bernard, Luke Gifford

Smith and Vander Esch have been more productive in this camp than they were a year ago. They have flipped positions with Vander Esch now calling the signals as the middle linebacker. Lee has not practiced much, but the Cowboys know he will be ready for whatever his role will be. Bernard, who was not drafted, has been one of the better stories of camp. He might not be pushing for playing time just yet but he is always around the ball.

CORNERBACK (6): Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown, Trevon Diggs, Daryl Worley, Reggie Robinson II

Lewis was having a great camp before an ankle sprain knocked him out. Considering how much the Cowboys will be in their nickel defense, he will be a vital piece. Brown has been solid but Diggs has improved from early in camp. Worley is an intriguing piece because he can play outside, in the slot and at safety. That kind of position flexibility could open up a roster spot at another position.

SAFETY (4): Xavier Woods, Darian Thompson, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Donovan Wilson

What, no Earl Thomas? No. Thompson is on his way to winning the starting spot opposite Woods, which makes you wonder if that could push Clinton-Dix out of a roster spot even if he is guaranteed $2.25 million. Thompson is smart and reliable and can play all the special teams spots. Wilson, in his second year, will be an intriguing player. He finds himself in the action a lot.

SPECIALIST (4): Greg Zuerlein, Chris Jones, L.P. Ladouceur, C.J. Goodwin

Same as it ever was with this group. Zuerlein has not missed a kick he has attempted in front of the media. Jones is healthy and can do all the things new coordinator John Fassel will want to do. Goodwin, a cornerback, might be the fastest player on the roster and their best special teamer. Ladouceur is as reliable as ever in his 16th season.

 

[Stasheroo]

Cowboys' 53-man roster projection goes light at RB, heavy on linemen
5:00 AM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

The Dallas Cowboys will open the season with a new coach in Mike McCarthy, a quarterback in Dak Prescott who is once again playing for a contract and the usual expectations of a deep playoff run. The new-look Cowboys open the season Sept. 13 on the road against the Los Angeles Rams.

The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Saturday. Here is a projection:

QUARTERBACK (3): Prescott, Andy Dalton, Ben DiNucci

The Cowboys don't need to keep three quarterbacks, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, it might serve the team the best -- at least at the start of the season.

Prescott looks ready for another big season. Dalton is the Cowboys' best backup quarterback since Kyle Orton, excluding Tony Romo, who backed up Prescott after Romo suffered a back injury in 2016. DiNucci has a quick release and athleticism that merits a longer look.

RUNNING BACK (2): Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard

This is where it gets interesting. Why only two backs? Well, teams can call up players from the practice squad with a little more ease than in the past, so Rico Dowdle or Darius Anderson could be brought up later in the week to fill a need if necessary. But in order to potentially go heavier at another position at the start they can go lighter at tailback and not carry a true fullback.

WIDE RECEIVER (5): Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown

The top three are locks and might be the best trio in the league. Wilson has had a strong camp, can play multiple positions and be a punt and kick returner. Brown missed last season with a knee injury but he can be a core special teamer and play multiple spots. A sixth wideout is a possibility, too.

TIGHT END (3): Blake Jarwin, Blake Bell, Dalton Schultz

Without a fullback, it is possible the Cowboys go with four tight ends, but they could simply follow the same logic as stated with the running back position. Jarwin has had moments. Bell has been solid. Schultz has had his best camp, especially as a pass catcher. He can also play some fullback.

OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Joe Looney, Zack Martin, La'el Collins, Cam Erving, Connor McGovern, Tyler Biadasz, Brandon Knight, Terence Steele

The Cowboys will enter the season without Smith (hamstring) or Collins (quadriceps) getting the bulk of the work in camp at either tackle spot. Looney seems to have cemented the starting job as Travis Frederick's replacement. Williams has done a good job coming back from a torn ACL. Erving has not seen much action in camp either but he has experience. Steele gets the last spot solely as a redshirt candidate.

DEFENSIVE LINE (10): DeMarcus Lawrence, Dontari Poe, Tyrone Crawford, Aldon Smith, Everson Griffen, Trysten Hill, Antwaun Woods, Neville Gallimore, Dorance Armstrong, Bradlee Anae

The Cowboys lost Gerald McCoy in the first padded practice to a quadriceps tear and Randy Gregory remains suspended, but this is as deep a group as the Cowboys have had.

The addition of Griffen can open up the possibilities of their pass rush even more. Lawrence has been lining up some in a two-point stance to increase his vision on plays. Smith does not look like someone who has not played since 2015, according to coaches. Crawford's return is more important than folks know.

LINEBACKER (6): Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Sean Lee, Joe Thomas, Francis Bernard, Luke Gifford

Smith and Vander Esch have been more productive in this camp than they were a year ago. They have flipped positions with Vander Esch now calling the signals as the middle linebacker. Lee has not practiced much, but the Cowboys know he will be ready for whatever his role will be. Bernard, who was not drafted, has been one of the better stories of camp. He might not be pushing for playing time just yet but he is always around the ball.

CORNERBACK (6): Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown, Trevon Diggs, Daryl Worley, Reggie Robinson II

Lewis was having a great camp before an ankle sprain knocked him out. Considering how much the Cowboys will be in their nickel defense, he will be a vital piece. Brown has been solid but Diggs has improved from early in camp. Worley is an intriguing piece because he can play outside, in the slot and at safety. That kind of position flexibility could open up a roster spot at another position.

SAFETY (4): Xavier Woods, Darian Thompson, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Donovan Wilson

What, no Earl Thomas? No. Thompson is on his way to winning the starting spot opposite Woods, which makes you wonder if that could push Clinton-Dix out of a roster spot even if he is guaranteed $2.25 million. Thompson is smart and reliable and can play all the special teams spots. Wilson, in his second year, will be an intriguing player. He finds himself in the action a lot.

SPECIALIST (4): Greg Zuerlein, Chris Jones, L.P. Ladouceur, C.J. Goodwin

Same as it ever was with this group. Zuerlein has not missed a kick he has attempted in front of the media. Jones is healthy and can do all the things new coordinator John Fassel will want to do. Goodwin, a cornerback, might be the fastest player on the roster and their best special teamer. Ladouceur is as reliable as ever in his 16th season.

I was wondering about Goodwin? Interesting to see him listed as another specialist. I think Redmond would stick over Steele, who I think the team could get to their practice squad for further seasoning.

 

[Simpleton]

I'd be a bit surprised if we didn't keep a 3rd RB/FB but if the plan is to just use Bell or one of the other TE's in the backfield here and there it'd make sense to not keep one.

 

[Cotton]

Machota: Final Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster projection
By Jon Machota 1h ago

NFL roster projections are usually a popular exercise, so much so that we do them after the draft, before training camp and then again before teams actually make final cuts. Things were made much more difficult this year with no rookie minicamp, minicamp or organized team activities leading into training camp.

Although there have been no preseason games, we’ve been able to watch the Cowboys go through 13 full training camp practices to gather information and make more educated guesses.

The Cowboys must trim their roster down to 53 by Saturday at 3 p.m. (CT). Here’s our projection on who the final 53 will be.

QUARTERBACK (3): Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton are obvious choices. Both have looked good in camp. Even if they had not, those two would be on the roster. In the past, the Cowboys have gone with only two QBs on the active roster. This year is different, as it’s Mike McCarthy’s first season as head coach. Although we haven’t seen a significant difference between the other two quarterbacks, Ben DiNucci and Clayton Thorson, it seems like a good bet that the Cowboys keep three and go with DiNucci, the rookie they used a seventh-round pick to add in April. Other teams were interested in signing him as an undrafted rookie free agent. Dallas used the pick to prevent that from happening. McCarthy really seems to like DiNucci’s upside, so why risk giving another team an opportunity to sign him now? Preseason games would’ve made things more interesting for DiNucci and Thorson. We would’ve seen a lot of them, especially in the final two games.

Dak Prescott

Andy Dalton

Ben DiNucci

RUNNING BACK (2): It might seem odd to only have two running backs on the roster, but once you eliminate the fullback it really isn’t that crazy. It appears like the Cowboys will make do without a traditional fullback, instead having their tight ends play the position when needed. Look for Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard to be running much more out of shotgun formations. Both can also split out wide and be reliable pass-catchers. They have both looked excellent in camp. They will get all of the running back snaps as long as they’re healthy. The other backs on the roster (Darius Anderson, Rico Dowdle and Sewo Olonilua) all have a decent shot at making it back to the practice squad, if necessary. Dallas needs to go heavier at other defensive positions, keeping a third back from this group.

Ezekiel Elliott

Tony Pollard

WIDE RECEIVER (5): Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones spoke recently about possibly keeping six wide receivers. The top five have separated themselves from the group over the last couple of weeks. The sixth spot would come down to Ventell Bryant, Jon’Vea Johnson, Devin Smith, Aaron Parker and Tevin Jones. Bryant suffered a knee injury in Sunday night’s practice that might sideline him for a little while. He’d be the front-runner for the sixth spot. There just seems to be too many other areas, particularly at defensive back, where the Cowboys need to keep an extra player or two. Keeping another defensive back who could be needed Week 1 is more important than a sixth wide receiver that isn’t going to see the field with this loaded group in front of them.

Amari Cooper

Michael Gallup

CeeDee Lamb

Cedrick Wilson

Noah Brown

TIGHT END (3): This prediction hasn’t changed since Jason Witten signed with the Raiders and Dallas added Blake Bell back in March. Blake Jarwin is the clear No. 1, taking over Witten’s spot. Dalton Schultz has looked like an improved receiver in practice. Bell adds experience, mostly as a blocker, coming over from the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. Look for the Cowboys to try to get one of their other tight ends (Cole Hikutini, Sean McKeon, Charlie Taumoepeau) over to their practice squad.

Blake Jarwin

Blake Bell

Dalton Schultz

OFFENSIVE LINE (10): The first nine are set. It’s the 10th spot that will be the most interesting to watch. That will likely come down to tackles Terence Steele and Wyatt Miller, as well as interior linemen Adam Redmond and Marcus Henry. I’m leaning towards Steele because he was given an opportunity to get more reps early in camp when Tyron Smith and La’el Collins weren’t practicing, and he’s a guy this coaching staff wanted in April as an undrafted rookie free agent. The Cowboys probably are in a little trouble if he had to play right away, but Steele could be a good investment for the future who they don’t want to let out of the building. The starting five is expected to be Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Joe Looney, Zack Martin and La’el Collins. Connor McGovern will be the next man up at guard. Cameron Erving will be the swing tackle. Rookie Tyler Biadasz will back up Looney at center.

Tyron Smith, OT

La’el Collins, OT

Cameron Erving, OT

Brandon Knight, OT

Terence Steele, OT

Zack Martin, G

Connor Williams, G

Connor McGovern, G

Joe Looney, C

Tyler Biadasz, C

SPECIAL TEAMS (3): There were never any real position battles here. Kai Forbath was released before camp started and Greg Zuerlein has done nothing to make the Cowboys believe they need a kicking competition. He’s made 30 of 31 field goals during training camp. The only miss came from 60 yards during Sunday night’s practice. He followed up his lone miss by making a 60-yarder on his next kick. Punter Chris Jones had a down year last season, but the expectations are that he will have a bounce-back campaign. L.P. Ladouceur is entering his 16th season as the Cowboys’ long snapper.

L.P. Ladouceur, LS

Greg Zuerlein, K

Chris Jones, P

DEFENSIVE LINE (10): DeMarcus Lawrence, Aldon Smith and Everson Griffen have looked good in camp. Those three are expected to play a lot of snaps and sometimes all three will be rushing at the same time. Dorance Armstrong and Bradlee Anae have the ability to add quality depth on the edge. Tyrone Crawford provides a lot of versatility on the outside and inside. The interior suffered a pretty good blow when Dallas lost Gerald McCoy to injury early in camp. Dontari Poe and Antwaun Woods should be solid up the middle, but the Cowboys will also need something out of Trysten Hill and rookie Neville Gallimore. This front has the potential to be the strength of Dallas’ defense.

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE

Aldon Smith, DE

Everson Griffen, DE

Dorance Armstrong, DE

Bradlee Anae, DE

Tyrone Crawford, DL

Antwaun Woods, DT

Dontari Poe, DT

Trysten Hill, DT

Neville Gallimore, DT

LINEBACKER (6): There are only seven on the current roster, and I could see the Cowboys wanting to keep all seven. I think they go with six and the final two spots come down to Francis Bernard, Luke Gifford and Justin March. Bernard, the undrafted rookie free agent out of Utah, has done more than enough in camp to make this team. It would be pretty surprising if he didn’t make the final cut. That leaves the veteran March and the second-year player Gifford. Health issues with Gifford could ultimately lead to him getting cut. March has played well in camp. The issue here is that the Cowboys like Gifford and know there’s a decent chance another team will grab him if he becomes available.

Leighton Vander Esch

Jaylon Smith

Sean Lee

Joe Thomas

Luke Gifford

Francis Bernard

DEFENSIVE BACK (11): Eleven might seem like too much, but this is where the Cowboys need the most help. Safety is far from a strength, but these four seem locked in: Xavier Woods, Darian Thompson, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Donovan Wilson. With how often they’ll be in nickel and dime, at least six cornerbacks are needed. The top six coming out of camp are Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown, Trevon Diggs and Daryl Worley. That leaves one more spot for special teams standout C.J. Goodwin. Second-year corner Chris Westry has flashed at times. The Cowboys would be thrilled to get him to their practice squad. I just don’t see him making it over the other seven corners. Robinson, Worley and Awuzie have the ability to play safety, so there could be some help there if they get thin at the position.

Trevon Diggs, CB

Chidobe Awuzie, CB

Jourdan Lewis, CB

Anthony Brown, CB

Daryl Worley, CB

Reggie Robinson, CB

C.J. Goodwin, CB

Xavier Woods, S

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S

Donovan Wilson, S

Darian Thompson, S



Here are the five changes from my 53-man projection before camp started:

Out: FB Jamize Olawale, WR Ventell Bryant, DT Gerald McCoy, LB Justin March, CB Maurice Canady.

In: WR Noah Brown, OT Terence Steele, DE Everson Griffen, DT Antwaun Woods, CB Daryl Worley.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

I'd be a bit surprised if we didn't keep a 3rd RB/FB but if the plan is to just use Bell or one of the other TE's in the backfield here and there it'd make sense to not keep one.

Yeah it's just hard to imagine having only 2 RBs on the roster. I mean if Zeke gets hurt in a game you're riding Pollard hard the rest of the way. Just seems a bit risky for a NFL position that carries some of the highest injury risk in my opinion.

 

[Genghis Khan]

I don't think it makes sense to keep Goodwin as basically a 7th CB but go with 2 RBs.

If they move (for example) Robinson to safety full time and cut Dix they can keep someone like Dowdle as the 3rd RB.

 

[Genghis Khan]

Yeah it's just hard to imagine having only 2 RBs on the roster. I mean if Zeke gets hurt in a game you're riding Pollard hard the rest of the way. Just seems a bit risky for a NFL position that carries some of the highest injury risk in my opinion.

Exactly. In game injuries happen all the time. It's a big risk to go with 2 RBs. Especially considering they are reporting that the depth RBs have looked pretty good so it's not as if they'd be keeping a useless player just to have a body (even if they weren't looking good they could always find a RB off the street).

 

[p1_]

I don't think it makes sense to keep Goodwin as basically a 7th CB but go with 2 RBs.

If they move (for example) Robinson to safety full time and cut Dix they can keep someone like Dowdle as the 3rd RB.

Im pulling for Sewo.

 

[p1_]

revelation, disguising formations. mind blown.

 

[Stasheroo]

Yeah it's just hard to imagine having only 2 RBs on the roster. I mean if Zeke gets hurt in a game you're riding Pollard hard the rest of the way. Just seems a bit risky for a NFL position that carries some of the highest injury risk in my opinion.

I'd bet they carry at least one, and possibly two, on the practice squad just in case.

 

[Stasheroo]

I don't think it makes sense to keep Goodwin as basically a 7th CB but go with 2 RBs.

If they move (for example) Robinson to safety full time and cut Dix they can keep someone like Dowdle as the 3rd RB.

Would you really want to weaken the upper safety positions to have Dowdle as a 3rd running back?

 

[Cotton]

 

[Genghis Khan]

Would you really want to weaken the upper safety positions to have Dowdle as a 3rd running back?

My hypothetical would be based on the assumption that Clinton Dix is well underperforming. If Clinton Dix is the 4th safety, then yes it makes sense cover the position with one of your plethora of corners if it keeps another RB on the roster.

I think you are playing Russian Roulette if you keep 2 RBs.

If Clinton Dix is doing well, then fine keep him. Obviously I'm not advocating getting rid of a top 2 safety IF he is one.

The point is there are ways of getting a 3rd RB on the roster.

I'd rather get rid of Goodwin than go with 2 RBs if it came down to it

 

[Cowboysrock55]

My hypothetical would be based on the assumption that Clinton Dix is well underperforming. If Clinton Dix is the 4th safety, then yes it makes sense cover the position with one of your plethora of corners if it keeps another RB on the roster.

I think you are playing Russian Roulette if you keep 2 RBs.

If Clinton Dix is doing well, then fine keep him. Obviously I'm not advocating getting rid of a top 2 safety IF he is one.

The point is there are ways of getting a 3rd RB on the roster.

I'd rather get rid of Goodwin than go with 2 RBs if it came down to it

7 corners is insane. Is Goodwin that unbelievably good at special teams? Seems simple to me. Don't keep 11 DBs. Or don't keep 10 O-lineman, that is probably overkill.

 

[Cotton]

My hypothetical would be based on the assumption that Clinton Dix is well underperforming. If Clinton Dix is the 4th safety, then yes it makes sense cover the position with one of your plethora of corners if it keeps another RB on the roster.

I think you are playing Russian Roulette if you keep 2 RBs.

If Clinton Dix is doing well, then fine keep him. Obviously I'm not advocating getting rid of a top 2 safety IF he is one.

The point is there are ways of getting a 3rd RB on the roster.

I'd rather get rid of Goodwin than go with 2 RBs if it came down to it

I'm with you. I think it would be stupid to go into the season with just 2 RBs.

 

[Stasheroo]

My hypothetical would be based on the assumption that Clinton Dix is well underperforming. If Clinton Dix is the 4th safety, then yes it makes sense cover the position with one of your plethora of corners if it keeps another RB on the roster.

I think you are playing Russian Roulette if you keep 2 RBs.

If Clinton Dix is doing well, then fine keep him. Obviously I'm not advocating getting rid of a top 2 safety IF he is one.

The point is there are ways of getting a 3rd RB on the roster.

I'd rather get rid of Goodwin than go with 2 RBs if it came down to it

Fair enough, thanks for explaining your position.

Me? I'm just fine going with two running backs, with another one or two available on the practice squad if needed. I'd keep a dedicated fullback before I would a 3rd running back. But that's just my opinion.

 

[Genghis Khan]

Fair enough, thanks for explaining your position.

Me? I'm just fine going with two running backs, with another one or two available on the practice squad if needed. I'd keep a dedicated fullback before I would a 3rd running back. But that's just my opinion.

I'm including FB as part of RB, btw.

 

[boozeman]

 

[Cowboysrock55]

I'm including FB as part of RB, btw.

Yeah at least a FB can take some carries if a guy gets hurt. Assuming we keep a FB who can catch a ball and pass protect. I'm really just thinking about mid game if a RB gets hurt. You want someone to be able to give a breather.

 

[boozeman]