Interesting Roster Scenarios

As training camp nears, it’s always fun to speculate what the final roster will look like on opening day. I think we fans too often look at last year's team and assume most people are coming back again to the same role. But as we saw at the end of last year's preseason, Brett Maher was kept instead of Dan Bailey. A big example of a roster surprise most of us didn’t see coming.

Changes happen every year and 2019 will be no exception. It’s probably too early to have an accurate read on what may happen at every position but I still think there are a few positions where changes may happen:

• Backup QB- I think it’s certainly possible that neither Cooper Rush nor Mike White will be the primary backup QB to start the season. If one of them doesn’t emerge in preseason games, I expect to see a veteran backup be picked up after final cuts. As a former 5th round pick, White probably has a longer leash than Rush.

• Kicker- I’m not sure Brett Maher earned the right last year to be called a reliably accurate NFL kicker. He made some big kicks but he also blew a few gimmes too. We may have another K by seasons start. Or Maher may solidify himself. This will be interesting.

• TE- IMO, Jason Witten’s return at age 37 is not necessarily an upgrade at the position. Love Witten but I have a hard time believing he will be the “HOF version” of #82. Blake Jarwin had started to emerge late last season and Dalton Schultz has some upside too. Pretty safe to say the “legend” of Rico Gathers has faded. But Garrett likes to keep 4 TEs. This will be an interesting watch.

• LG/RT- There has been much speculation about these two positions all offseason. Apparently, Connor Williams has bulked up and may finally be ready to step in at LG. Or is he moving to RT? We’ve heard the rumors of a possible La’El Collins trade. Would this year’s 3rd rounder Connor Macgreagor be ready to step in at LG if Williams is moved to RT? Or will Collins stay at RT? This will be an interesting scenario to watch.

What are some roster positions and scenarios you find interesting that may have some surprises this year? Any surprise roster moves you see in the making?

Bobhaze said:

As training camp nears, it’s always fun to speculate what the final roster will look like on opening day. I think we fans too often look at last year's team and assume most people are coming back again to the same role. But as we saw at the end of last year's preseason, Brett Maher was kept instead of Dan Bailey. A big example of a roster surprise most of us didn’t see coming.

Changes happen every year and 2019 will be no exception. It’s probably too early to have an accurate read on what may happen at every position but I still think there are a few positions where changes may happen:

• Backup QB- I think it’s certainly possible that neither Cooper Rush nor Mike White will be the primary backup QB to start the season. If one of them doesn’t emerge in preseason games, I expect to see a veteran backup be picked up after final cuts. As a former 5th round pick, White probably has a longer leash than Rush.

• Kicker- I’m not sure Brett Maher earned the right last year to be called a reliably accurate NFL kicker. He made some big kicks but he also blew a few gimmes too. We may have another K by seasons start. Or Maher may solidify himself. This will be interesting.

• TE- IMO, Jason Witten’s return at age 37 is not necessarily an upgrade at the position. Love Witten but I have a hard time believing he will be the “HOF version” of #82. Blake Jarwin had started to emerge late last season and Dalton Schultz has some upside too. Pretty safe to say the “legend” of Rico Gathers has faded. But Garrett likes to keep 4 TEs. This will be an interesting watch.

• LG/RT- There has been much speculation about these two positions all offseason. Apparently, Connor Williams has bulked up and may finally be ready to step in at LG. Or is he moving to RT? We’ve heard the rumors of a possible La’El Collins trade. Would this year’s 3rd rounder Connor Macgreagor be ready to step in at LG if Williams is moved to RT? Or will Collins stay at RT? This will be an interesting scenario to watch.

What are some roster positions and scenarios you find interesting that may have some surprises this year? Any surprise roster moves you see in the making?

Click to expand...

Good choices of positions to watch.

Personally, I'm thinking Mike White does what he didn't do last year, surpass Cooper Rush as the backup.

The new kicker, fingers crossed, has earned the spot... for now.

I genuinely hope Witten has good intentions. Maybe give him a red zone package.
He claims he wants to coach. Taking Jarwin and Schultz under his wing would be
a welcomed change. (Hopeful but also doubtful... lol)

The LG/RT position watch is definitely the most interesting to me. Here's an area
the FO is doing well at adding talent. Drafting McGovern and Williams improvement
gives them leverage in Collins contract talks or more likely a trade.

I always enjoy reading your posts, Bob.

Bobhaze said:

What are some roster positions and scenarios you find interesting that may have some surprises this year?

Click to expand...

I'm anxious to see how the WR position ends up. The top 3 are set. After that, who knows? Will the Cowboys go 6 deep there this year?

I can see Dallas picking up a veteran LB as insurance off the waiver wires because Sean Lee is now a 50/50 chance he stays healthy for an entire season..

A veteran TE also could be added because not sold Witten has anything left and if Jarwin,Schultz,Gathers,or McElroy have what it takes to become a starter.

I can see someone like Taco Charlton being traded away . Not that Charlton could not become good player,but he could have a better opportunity somewhere else.

I also expect Dallas to trade a CB away because we have solid depth so they have to screw it up some way.My prediction is Anthony Brown.

Bobhaze said:

As training camp nears, it’s always fun to speculate what the final roster will look like on opening day. I think we fans too often look at last year's team and assume most people are coming back again to the same role. But as we saw at the end of last year's preseason, Brett Maher was kept instead of Dan Bailey. A big example of a roster surprise most of us didn’t see coming.

Changes happen every year and 2019 will be no exception. It’s probably too early to have an accurate read on what may happen at every position but I still think there are a few positions where changes may happen:

• Backup QB- I think it’s certainly possible that neither Cooper Rush nor Mike White will be the primary backup QB to start the season. If one of them doesn’t emerge in preseason games, I expect to see a veteran backup be picked up after final cuts. As a former 5th round pick, White probably has a longer leash than Rush.

• Kicker- I’m not sure Brett Maher earned the right last year to be called a reliably accurate NFL kicker. He made some big kicks but he also blew a few gimmes too. We may have another K by seasons start. Or Maher may solidify himself. This will be interesting.

• TE- IMO, Jason Witten’s return at age 37 is not necessarily an upgrade at the position. Love Witten but I have a hard time believing he will be the “HOF version” of #82. Blake Jarwin had started to emerge late last season and Dalton Schultz has some upside too. Pretty safe to say the “legend” of Rico Gathers has faded. But Garrett likes to keep 4 TEs. This will be an interesting watch.

• LG/RT- There has been much speculation about these two positions all offseason. Apparently, Connor Williams has bulked up and may finally be ready to step in at LG. Or is he moving to RT? We’ve heard the rumors of a possible La’El Collins trade. Would this year’s 3rd rounder Connor Macgreagor be ready to step in at LG if Williams is moved to RT? Or will Collins stay at RT? This will be an interesting scenario to watch.

What are some roster positions and scenarios you find interesting that may have some surprises this year? Any surprise roster moves you see in the making?

Click to expand...

QB
Rush was the backup in 2017
Rush/White were the backups in 2018.
If they didn't sign a veteran for 2.years why now?

Kicker
They don't seem worried about it.

OL
A rumor is when somebody says something will happen but don't have evidence.

Speculation is when people propose that something would be a good idea.

I don't think trading Collins has even made it to the rumor category. It's just speculation from what I've seen.

They don't have much depth at OT right now. Trading Collins gives them less depth.

Fleming is a backup for a reason.

Tyron had injuries to 3 separate areas if his body last season. He has not played more than 13 games regular season games the past 3 years.

Connor Williams has not even had a padded practice at OT and is projected to start at LG.

A swap of Collins to LG and Connor Williams to RT is more likely than a trade of Collins; although both are low probabilities.

Possible Surprises (Not Predictions):
Tyrone Crawford could get cut.
He has been a starter for 5 years but does not project to start this year and it costs 7M to keep him.

Witten re-retires after training camp.
Gets hired by the Cowboys in some other role.
If he realizes he just doesn't have it anymore he could decide not to embarrass himself.

Some udfa looks great and forces his way onto the roster. CB Westry or DL Wise or OL Hyatt.

Safety Darian Thompson makes the roster and starts a SS.

Tony Pollard plays more snaps than the 4th WR. He plays snaps at both at RB and WR.

Some team has injuries at CB and overwhelms the Cowboys with a trade offer for CB Lewis.

LB Covington is the SLB when Lee is out injured.

Dak signs for 34M per.

Cooper signs for 20M per.

Taco looks great in the preseason.

timb2 said:

I can see Dallas picking up a veteran LB as insurance off the waiver wires because Sean Lee is now a 50/50 chance he stays healthy for an entire season..

A veteran TE also could be added because not sold Witten has anything left and if Jarwin,Schultz,Gathers,or McElroy have what it takes to become a starter.

I can see someone like Taco Charlton being traded away . Not that Charlton could not become good player,but he could have a better opportunity somewhere else.

I also expect Dallas to trade a CB away because we have solid depth so they have to screw it up some way.My prediction is Anthony Brown.

Click to expand...

I predict none of that happens.

LB Joe Thomas is a solid veteran.
They play 3 LB set less than 30% of snaps.

They seem content at TE even without Witten.

Taco has minimal trade value. They don't give up on 1st round picks this early.

CB Brown is more likely to challenge for a top 2 position than to get traded away. It's common to keep 5 CBs. Jackson would be the 5th. If Westry makes the 53 it's likely for 2020. He is very raw and not likely to do much in 2019.

DL Wise makes the roster IMO

I my self finds the money for Collins

Dak signs for 34M per. so sorry don't see it happening

I think they draft a pocket passer In 20

Bobhaze said:

As training camp nears, it’s always fun to speculate what the final roster will look like on opening day. I think we fans too often look at last year's team and assume most people are coming back again to the same role. But as we saw at the end of last year's preseason, Brett Maher was kept instead of Dan Bailey. A big example of a roster surprise most of us didn’t see coming.

Changes happen every year and 2019 will be no exception. It’s probably too early to have an accurate read on what may happen at every position but I still think there are a few positions where changes may happen:

• Backup QB- I think it’s certainly possible that neither Cooper Rush nor Mike White will be the primary backup QB to start the season. If one of them doesn’t emerge in preseason games, I expect to see a veteran backup be picked up after final cuts. As a former 5th round pick, White probably has a longer leash than Rush.

• Kicker- I’m not sure Brett Maher earned the right last year to be called a reliably accurate NFL kicker. He made some big kicks but he also blew a few gimmes too. We may have another K by seasons start. Or Maher may solidify himself. This will be interesting.

• TE- IMO, Jason Witten’s return at age 37 is not necessarily an upgrade at the position. Love Witten but I have a hard time believing he will be the “HOF version” of #82. Blake Jarwin had started to emerge late last season and Dalton Schultz has some upside too. Pretty safe to say the “legend” of Rico Gathers has faded. But Garrett likes to keep 4 TEs. This will be an interesting watch.

• LG/RT- There has been much speculation about these two positions all offseason. Apparently, Connor Williams has bulked up and may finally be ready to step in at LG. Or is he moving to RT? We’ve heard the rumors of a possible La’El Collins trade. Would this year’s 3rd rounder Connor Macgreagor be ready to step in at LG if Williams is moved to RT? Or will Collins stay at RT? This will be an interesting scenario to watch.

What are some roster positions and scenarios you find interesting that may have some surprises this year? Any surprise roster moves you see in the making?

Click to expand...

QB - They went with Rush last year. I don't see them bringing in a QB at a late date to replace him. You want your backup to get a full camp. I think it's Rush or White as the designated backup.

K - He's totally disposable. He should have competition, and he'll have to win. The world on his problem last year was that he lost strength through the season. Couldn't last. He's probably in better condition now. I bet he sticks.

TE - He's not Pro Bowl Witten, but he's competing with last year's JV squad. I think Witten could play for years to come as an average to good TE. He lost his step long ago. Old age and guile beats youth and a bad haircut. Jarwin is for the base, Witten for 3rd downs, Schultz is the Witten understudy.

LG/RT - Lots of moving pieces here. Collins had surgery. Can Williams and McGregor handle RT and LG? Do we have a young T we want to keep? Adam Redmond? Can we find a suitor for Collins? Real interesting if we keep Collins, and make Williams swing T and blocking TE (bye, Rico). Short yardage you'd really have to get Williams on the field. Too much quality to sit in the bench doing nothing. I've always dreamed of Collins at FB too.

For my moves:

SS - Berry is still out there. All safeties but Woods are on one year deals. All the short timers but Heath are totally disposable. Unless someone really surprises, I expect we upgrade with the best available SS, or at least best available in the box SS. There will be veterans cut better than Heath in the box, and we should take them and upgrade. Heath gets limited to zone passing coverage and special teams.

RB - Unless Zeke is suspended, we only keep Zeke and Pollard at RB, Olawale at FB. We'll live with whoever makes it through wavers from Jackson, Chunn, and Weber for the PS.
But it could get interesting if relations with Zeke sour. Then maybe we pick up a RB cap casualty? With our oline returning to dominance, we should be a prime spot for a guy looking to audition to the league for a contract for next year.

TE - Will anyone else give us anything for their own dreams of Rico? I won't be surprised if we keep him as our blocking TE. Then Schultz goes inactive on game day, but for injuries.

big dog cowboy said:

I'm anxious to see how the WR position ends up. The top 3 are set. After that, who knows? Will the Cowboys go 6 deep there this year?

Click to expand...

I agree. I think the WR position is one of the more interesting positions to watch. As you said, the starters are probably set- but the battle of the backups will be interesting.

I don't think we'll see any surprises on cut day. The bottom part of the roster will change some faces, and maybe a new kicker.

I don’t think Witten will be handed the starting TE spot de facto, but his presence sure as heck better light a fire under Jarwin and Schultz.

Bottom-line: if our young players can’t beat out a 37yo guy who’s a year out of the game, we need to look elsewhere for an alpha TE.

Prediction: If Rico makes the team, it’ll be on the PS.

Bobhaze said:

As training camp nears, it’s always fun to speculate what the final roster will look like on opening day. I think we fans too often look at last year's team and assume most people are coming back again to the same role. But as we saw at the end of last year's preseason, Brett Maher was kept instead of Dan Bailey. A big example of a roster surprise most of us didn’t see coming.

Changes happen every year and 2019 will be no exception. It’s probably too early to have an accurate read on what may happen at every position but I still think there are a few positions where changes may happen:

• Backup QB- I think it’s certainly possible that neither Cooper Rush nor Mike White will be the primary backup QB to start the season. If one of them doesn’t emerge in preseason games, I expect to see a veteran backup be picked up after final cuts. As a former 5th round pick, White probably has a longer leash than Rush.

• Kicker- I’m not sure Brett Maher earned the right last year to be called a reliably accurate NFL kicker. He made some big kicks but he also blew a few gimmes too. We may have another K by seasons start. Or Maher may solidify himself. This will be interesting.

• TE- IMO, Jason Witten’s return at age 37 is not necessarily an upgrade at the position. Love Witten but I have a hard time believing he will be the “HOF version” of #82. Blake Jarwin had started to emerge late last season and Dalton Schultz has some upside too. Pretty safe to say the “legend” of Rico Gathers has faded. But Garrett likes to keep 4 TEs. This will be an interesting watch.

• LG/RT- There has been much speculation about these two positions all offseason. Apparently, Connor Williams has bulked up and may finally be ready to step in at LG. Or is he moving to RT? We’ve heard the rumors of a possible La’El Collins trade. Would this year’s 3rd rounder Connor Macgreagor be ready to step in at LG if Williams is moved to RT? Or will Collins stay at RT? This will be an interesting scenario to watch.

What are some roster positions and scenarios you find interesting that may have some surprises this year? Any surprise roster moves you see in the making?

Click to expand...

I don’t see any surprises at those positions.

GenoT said:

I don’t think Witten will be handed the starting TE spot de facto, but his presence sure as heck better light a fire under Jarwin and Schultz.

Bottom-line: if our young players can’t beat out a 37yo guy who’s a year out of the game, we need to look elsewhere for an alpha TE.

Prediction: If Rico makes the team, it’ll be on the PS.

Click to expand...

Will theykeep 4 TEs? If so,who’s the 4th?

Bobhaze said:

Will theykeep 4 TEs? If so,who’s the 4th?

Click to expand...

IMO, they won’t keep four TEs on the 53-man roster.

It'll be interesting to see if Witten is able to resurrect his mojo at TE to something equal to what it was in 2017. This might be a difficult challenge at his age. He'll be a candidate to win a coaching job as a tight ends coach, assuming he becomes a factor in helping Schultz to find success. It could be granted as a position for the Cowboys or another team, however. Also, Blake Jarwin should win a healthy increase in his number of reps at TE this year.

GenoT said:

IMO, they won’t keep four TEs on the 53-man roster.

Click to expand...

If they do, it may be an indication that Garrett will continue to impose his will on the offense. He’s always loved having 4 TEs on the roster.

xwalker said:

I predict none of that happens.

LB Joe Thomas is a solid veteran.
They play 3 LB set less than 30% of snaps.

They seem content at TE even without Witten.

Taco has minimal trade value. They don't give up on 1st round picks this early.

CB Brown is more likely to challenge for a top 2 position than to get traded away. It's common to keep 5 CBs. Jackson would be the 5th. If Westry makes the 53 it's likely for 2020. He is very raw and not likely to do much in 2019.

Click to expand...

tend to agree with this but i do have a feeling that a CB may get traded. would seem that Lewis or Brown are the most likely options.

xwalker said:

QB
Rush was the backup in 2017
Rush/White were the backups in 2018.
If they didn't sign a veteran for 2.years why now?

Kicker
They don't seem worried about it.

OL
A rumor is when somebody says something will happen but don't have evidence.

Speculation is when people propose that something would be a good idea.

I don't think trading Collins has even made it to the rumor category. It's just speculation from what I've seen.

They don't have much depth at OT right now. Trading Collins gives them less depth.

Fleming is a backup for a reason.

Tyron had injuries to 3 separate areas if his body last season. He has not played more than 13 games regular season games the past 3 years.

Connor Williams has not even had a padded practice at OT and is projected to start at LG.

A swap of Collins to LG and Connor Williams to RT is more likely than a trade of Collins; although both are low probabilities.

Possible Surprises (Not Predictions):
Tyrone Crawford could get cut.
He has been a starter for 5 years but does not project to start this year and it costs 7M to keep him.

Witten re-retires after training camp.
Gets hired by the Cowboys in some other role.
If he realizes he just doesn't have it anymore he could decide not to embarrass himself.

Some udfa looks great and forces his way onto the roster. CB Westry or DL Wise or OL Hyatt.

Safety Darian Thompson makes the roster and starts a SS.

Tony Pollard plays more snaps than the 4th WR. He plays snaps at both at RB and WR.

Some team has injuries at CB and overwhelms the Cowboys with a trade offer for CB Lewis.

LB Covington is the SLB when Lee is out injured.

Dak signs for 34M per.

Cooper signs for 20M per.

Taco looks great in the preseason.

Click to expand...

Those sure look like some predictions, and there's nothing wrong with that. We all have them.

xwalker said:

Safety Darian Thompson makes the roster and starts a SS.

Tony Pollard plays more snaps than the 4th WR. He plays snaps at both at RB and WR.

Click to expand...

I sorta have the feeling Thompson makes an impression. Not sure he will get all the way to starter this year but something feels like he has a chance to be a player

I think Pollard could have a huge year. Maybe not huge as in "all time statistical" but very good stats and versatility gives the cowboys something they haven't had ... maybe ever. thinking a Marshall Faulk type mismatch nightmare.

Pollard could eat into Zeke's overall #'s but his production per touch could go way up.

McKDaddy said:

I sorta have the feeling Thompson makes an impression. Not sure he will get all the way to starter this year but something feels like he has a chance to be a player

I think Pollard could have a huge year. Maybe not huge as in "all time statistical" but very good stats and versatility gives the cowboys something they haven't had ... maybe ever. thinking a Marshall Faulk type mismatch nightmare.

Pollard could eat into Zeke's overall #'s but his production per touch could go way up.

Click to expand...

Wow! Those are some pretty big expectations for Pollard!