{"id":67042,"date":"2019-06-16T10:20:24","date_gmt":"2019-06-16T14:20:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=67042"},"modified":"2021-06-01T05:07:53","modified_gmt":"2021-06-01T09:07:53","slug":"dallas-cowboys-roster-projection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/06\/16\/dallas-cowboys-roster-projection\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Cowboys Roster Projection 2.0: Post-Minicamp Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0Dallas Cowboys\u2019<\/a>\u00a0mandatory minicamps are officially in the books. With the team beginning their quest for a sixth championship, let\u2019s take a look at who has the best chance to make it on the Week One roster in the second Cowboys roster projection.<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys Roster Projection 2.0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Quarterback (2)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Dak\u00a0Prescott, Mike White<\/p>\n

No changes from the original here. Dak Prescott<\/a><\/strong> is the unquestioned starter while the battle for the backup position rages on into the summer. Mike White<\/a><\/strong> gets the nod for now, but Cooper Rush<\/a><\/strong> isn\u2019t out of it by any means. This battle will be decided in the preseason, although the winner ultimately doesn\u2019t matter. Neither player is good enough to captain the Cowboys if something happens to Prescott.<\/p>\n

Running Back (4)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Ezekiel\u00a0Elliott, Mike Weber, Tony Pollard, Jamize Olawale<\/p>\n

Once again, this is the same as before. Ezekiel Elliott<\/a><\/strong> is arguably the best running back in the NFL and will continue to serve as the top option in the Cowboys rushing attack. Mike Weber<\/strong><\/a> and Tony Pollard<\/strong><\/a> will serve as valuable depth, with Pollard possibly playing a role in the passing game. Jamize Olawale<\/a><\/strong> will serve as a valuable lead blocker for anyone in the backfield.<\/p>\n

Wide Receiver (6)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Amari\u00a0Cooper, Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb, Allen Hurns, Tavon Austin, Cedric Wilson<\/p>\n

Amari Cooper<\/a><\/strong> is the star of the show, while Michael Gallup<\/a><\/strong> looks to build on a promising rookie season. Randall Cobb<\/a><\/strong> is reportedly developing chemistry with Prescott and could be a great add if he can stay healthy. Allen Hurns<\/a><\/strong> is working his way back from his gruesome injury, although he could be a cap casualty. Tavon Austin<\/a><\/strong> will come back to play his gadget role while Cedrick Wilson<\/a><\/strong> rounds out the depth. Noah Brown<\/a><\/strong> is the 54th<\/sup> man on the roster and could easily make the team should injury strike any of the other receivers.<\/p>\n

Tight End (3)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Jason\u00a0Witten, Dalton Schultz, Blake Jarwin<\/p>\n

The Rico Gathers<\/a><\/strong> hype train is officially dead. With all the talent on the roster, Dallas cannot justify carrying a fourth tight end. Jason Witten<\/a><\/strong> returns to be the starter while Dalton Schultz<\/a><\/strong> and Blake Jarwin<\/a><\/strong> serve as the depth. The Cowboys typically like to use four tight ends, but they can simply use Olawale as the fourth tight end as needed.<\/p>\n

Offensive Line (9)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Tyron Smith, Connor Williams, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, La\u2019el Collins, Mitch Hyatt, Connor McGovern, Cameron Fleming, Joe Looney<\/p>\n

The starting lineup is set with Tyron Smith<\/a>, Connor Williams<\/a>, Travis Frederick<\/a>, Zack Martin<\/a><\/strong>, and La\u2019el Collins<\/strong><\/a>. Frederick is reportedly working his way back from his nerve condition and should be ready for the start of the season. The rest of the line should combine to form one of the better units in the league.<\/p>\n

Mitch Hyatt<\/strong><\/a> was the steal of undrafted free agency and could easily begin the year as the top swing tackle. If he\u2019s not ready for the job, then Cameron Fleming<\/a><\/strong> proved he can be an adequate backup. Connor McGovern<\/a><\/strong> and Joe Looney<\/a> <\/strong>start the year on the bench, but both are capable of coming in and starting if necessary.<\/p>\n

Defensive Line (10)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Demarcus Lawrence, Trysten Hill, Antwaun Woods, Robert Quinn, Maliek Collins, Taco Charlton, Dorrance Armstrong, Kerry Hyder, Tyrone Crawford, Daniel Wise<\/p>\n

The Cowboys should have a fantastic front four in Demarcus Lawrence<\/a>, Trysten Hill, Antwaun Woods<\/a>,<\/strong> and Robert Quinn<\/a><\/strong>. Even if Hill isn\u2019t ready to win the Week One starting job, Maliek Collins<\/a><\/strong> is a serviceable starter on the inside. Taco Charlton<\/a><\/strong> hasn\u2019t been what the Cowboys expected, but he deserves one more year to turn his career around. Dorrance Armstrong, Kerry Hyder<\/a>, Tyrone Crawford<\/a>, <\/strong>and Daniel Wise<\/strong> round out the depth, although these players probably won\u2019t see the field with much regularity.<\/p>\n

Linebackers (6)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Leighton Vander Esch, Jaylon Smith, Sean Lee, Justin March-Lilliard, Christian Covington, Jalen Jenks<\/p>\n

Leighton Vander Esch<\/a><\/strong> and Jaylon Smith<\/a> <\/strong>are the unquestioned starters with Sean Lee<\/a><\/strong> remaining as the veteran mentor. Justin March-Lilliard <\/strong>should be the first option off the bench while Christian Covington<\/a><\/strong> could be classified as a linebacker or a defensive lineman. Jalen Jenks<\/strong> will play special teams while, in this Cowboys roster projection, Dallas cuts\u00a0Joe Thomas<\/a><\/strong> to gain almost $2 million in cap space.<\/p>\n

Cornerbacks (5)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Byron Jones, Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown, Michael Jackson<\/p>\n

Bryon Jones<\/strong> and Chidobe Awuzie<\/a><\/strong> are set to start for the Cowboys, although Jourdan Lewis<\/a><\/strong> has a chance to take Awuzie\u2019s spot. Lewis is good when he\u2019s on the field but his undersized frame seems to have the coaches doubting his ability to start. Anthony Brown<\/a><\/strong> earns the slot cornerback role while Michael Jackson<\/strong><\/a> serves as depth and could even see time at safety.<\/p>\n

Safety (5)<\/h3>\n

In:<\/em> Xavier Woods, George Iloka, Jeff Heath, Kavon Frazier, Donovan Wilson<\/p>\n

Xavier Woods<\/a><\/strong> and Jeff Heath<\/a><\/strong> are still the starters for now, but I\u2019d bet on George Iloka<\/a><\/strong> taking a starting spot by September. No matter who earns the starting nods, these three should see the majority of the snaps. Kavon Frazier<\/a> <\/strong>and Donovan Wilson<\/strong><\/a> are a little redundant, but they\u2019re the best options remaining on the depth chart. While neither player will do much in pass coverage, they\u2019re both stout against the run. That matters when the schedule demands playing Saquon Barkley<\/a><\/strong> twice a year.<\/p>\n

Special Teams (3)<\/h3>\n

In: <\/em>Chris Jones, Brett Maher, L.P. Ladouceur<\/p>\n

Duh.<\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>