As the Dallas Cowboys wrap up their Week 1 preseason, three rising stars can earn a roster spot. While it is only preseason, plenty of players are chasing a spot to earn that star on their helmet. There are talks about fading stars, but these three are heading in the direction to earn that star.
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DeMarvion Overshown, Will Grier and Juanyeh Thomas all made exciting debuts against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite their 28-23 loss. The trio have shown why the spotlight should be turned on them. There are others with that same spotlight, like Deuce Vaughn and Jake Ferguson. These three rising stars may not get lucky because anything in the preseason can happen. However, they are in pole position now.
Rising Stars: Three Dallas Cowboys Who Could Survive Roster Cuts
DeMarvion Overshown
As the lights shined bright in the preseason opener, Overshown led the team with six tackles at the half. He is considered a missile for Dallas’ defense and is someone to watch as the Cowboys make changes on defense to involve everyone. Before that, he was already making good impressions on the team, especially star edge-rusher, Micah Parsons. He gets the chance to finish his story from Austin to Dallas.
The third-round rookie has been getting praise from the stars as fans are excited to see what he can provide to help Parsons at third string right behind Damone Clark. In one practice he made promising strides by finishing the day snagging two interceptions including one that ended Dallas’ practice. He may not get the showing in the regular season, but he is sure someone who can step up when needed.
Do not be surprised if the Cowboys move him to back up Parsons or have him in the mix to spice up the defense.
Will Grier
Despite Cooper Rush starting the game, Will Grier got his opportunity for the rest of the game. He had a standout performance by throwing two touchdowns and only one interception during the first preseason game against the Jaguars
Grier hopes to make the roster, he has shown that during training camp. He has been taking snaps as QB2, so it seems like the Cowboys are looking to move on from Cooper Rush.
However, Grier is looking to remain consistent despite any pressure that he may get from the preseason environment. He is still fighting for a spot. As he got healthier, he looks forward to giving all that he can. The pressure is still on since Rush has more experience as he has been with the team since 2020 after signing a new deal.
A successful preseason will likely buy him a lot of time to learn from Dak Prescott, under that offensive system. There have been talks about Rush replacing Prescott at one point during the 2022 season, Grier is locking in to drive the ball down the field. While Rush is still gunning to be the only backup quarterback for Prescott, Grier has the chance to play lights out with more playing time in the rest of the three preseason games.
Consistency and productivity are things that Grier is focusing on not mismatching, and if he accomplishes it, expect him to be QB2 behind Prescott.
Juanyeh Thomas
Thomas gave fans a great reminder in the preseason game that Dallas’ defense led the league in most takeaways. He picked off Trevor Lawrence on the second play. Thomas’ athleticism has always stood out in training camp, especially from making that sideline interception. Thomas has had an excellent showing at training camp and has even impressed Head Coach, Mike McCarthy.
Thomas got the chance with the first team and has been taking advantage of that opportunity. He is a physical star that seems to be getting better each practice.
It is a fact that playing for Dan Quinn’s defense is a huge plus. He did not get a chance to play last regular season, only in the 2022 preseason. Thomas can bolster the ball-hawking defense and help Dallas lead in takeaways for a second year.
JUANYEH THOMAS INT
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