In the final week of preseason, an eerie date is slowly creeping out toward all players in the NFL. Very soon, teams will begin to cut players who had high hopes of making the team. Some will end up on the roster, others on the practice squad. Knowing what we’ve seen so far in the preseason, here’s how the Dallas Cowboys 2024 roster could end up.
53-Man Dallas Cowboys Roster Prediction for 2024
Offensive Predictions
QB: Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, Trey Lance (3)
In a recent press conference, Jerry Jones confirmed that Lance would make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster. He was the only major uncertainty here. Prescott has been a reliable quarterback during the regular season and Rush has proven himself a formidable backup.
WR: CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, Ryan Flournoy (6)
Honorable Mention: Racey McMath, Tyron Billy-Johnson, Jalen Moreno-Cropper
The biggest uncertainties here have to be Brooks and Flournoy. All of the honorable mention players have had great camps, so it’ll be tough to see who slides into the six, or if the six becomes a seven.
RB/FB: Ezekiel Elliot, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke (4)
Honorable Mention: Royce Freeman, Malik Davis
Elliott and Dowdle are more than likely locked in their spots. Luepke probably is too, even though there hasn’t been much fullback play in the offseason. That only leaves Vaughn, who looked very impressive against the Las Vegas Raiders. Freeman and Davis haven’t made too much of a splash during gameplay. If Vaughn can have a repeat game, he’s guaranteed here.
TE: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, John Stephens Jr. (3)
Honorable Mention: Peyton Hendershot
There’s a good chance Hendershot comes into the 53 over Stephens. He has the seniority. However, Stephens Jr. has made a pretty incredible case during the preseason games. If the Cowboys aren’t his team, he’s bound to be picked up by a team lacking tight end coverage.
Offensive Line: Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, T. J. Bass, Zack Martin, Terence Steele, Cooper Beebe, Brock Hoffman, Asim Richards, Josh Ball (9)
Honorable Mention: Chuma Edoga, Matt Waletzko
The O-Line competition was steep this year, but here’s the most likely scenario. Chuma Edoga has been out with an injury for the past few weeks. He could get put on IR and then placed on the practice squad from there. However, they’ve got a strong showing for a lot of these guys and a team without them just doesn’t feel possible.
Total Offense: 25
Defensive Predictions
EDGE: DeMarcus Lawrence, Marshawn Kneeland, Viliami Fehoko, Carl Lawson (4)
Honorable Mention: Tyrus Wheat, Chauncey Golston
This group was especially difficult. Wheat or Golston could easily switch out with Lawson, as Wheat has had a phenomenal camp. But the other three are pretty locked in. Lawrence is a veteran. Kneeland has stepped up. Fehoko’s name is everywhere.
DT: Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith, Jordan Phillips, Linval Joseph, Justin Rogers (5)
Honorable Mention: Albert Huggins
Another group that’s pretty much solidified. This puts Smith, last year’s first-round draft pick, in a place of growth. The other players in this room are amazing veterans. More uncertainty here since the Cowboys had six DTs last year.
LB: Micah Parsons, Eric Kendricks, Marist Liufau, Damone Clark, DeMarvion Overshown (5)
Honorable Mention: Willie Harvey Jr., Buddy Johnson, Damien Wilson
A little deeper at LB because which of these guys can actually get cut off? The first four are locked in. Overshown is the most uncertain. He still is suffering from a few issues and we haven’t seen him on the field much. Wilson could beat him out as a vet. Harvey and Buddy have made a strong case to be on the roster too.
CB: Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, Caelan Carson, Kemon Hall, Andrew Booth Jr. (6)
Honorable Mention: Josh DeBerry, Josh Butler
Might have been the toughest room yet. The honorable mentions are still strong contenders. The last three, Carson, Hall, and Booth Jr., have made stronger cases on why they should be on the field. They’ve just outright played better.
S: Malik Hooker, Markquese Bell, Israel Mukuamu, Donovan Wilson, Juanyeh Thomas (5)
Honorable Mention: Julius Wood
Possibly the easiest room on the defensive side. Hooker stands strong as the vet. Bell has had incredible play. So has Mukuamu and Thomas, especially against the Raiders. Wilson provides a stronger veteran presence for these younger players.
Defense: 25
Special Teams: Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg (3)
Dallas Cowboys Roster Subject to Change
There are players the Cowboys could easily leave off of the list in order to strengthen a weaker room. That’s what the honorable mentions are for, most of which will make it into the practice squad more than likely.
With only one preseason game left, against the Los Angeles Chargers, we’ll see which players make a strong, last stand.
Main Image: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
