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Let's not forget about these three guys who could make a decent impact for the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL season.
As the Dallas Cowboys are now preparing for offseason programs such as OTAs and training camp, there is plenty to talk about regarding the roster and the team they will be in the 2016 season. Over the past few years, competitiveness has become a mantra for this football team, building more depth and talent in the process. Here are three less-heralded players that could each have a solid role in Dallas if they can not only stay healthy, but are given the chance to succeed as well.
Brice Butler
When Dez Bryant went down with a major foot injury in Week 2 last year, the Cowboys eventually made the move to trade for Butler in hopes of him becoming a deep-ball receiver and a depth player. However, due to Devin Street's inconsistencies, Butler emerged as the No. 4 receiver on the depth chart. He flashed on multiple plays, but a hamstring injury caused him to miss a big chunk of the season.
While Butler may not be a primary receiver in Dallas in 2016, the Cowboys not only traded for him to become a depth guy, but they also gave up their fifth-round pick thinking that he could be better than any receiver the Cowboys took later in the draft. He's a 6' 3", 215-pound receiver with sub 4.4 speed. He's not only a deep-ball guy, but he's an intriguing player that can be used in the red-zone. With Bryant coming back, Butler could be a big steal with all of the one-on-one coverages he will face.
Terrell McClain
Injuries haven't allowed McClain to ever fully emerge as a key cog across the Cowboys' defensive line, but make no mistake that he has the ability to be just that. McClain is a versatile tackle that can play either 1-technique or 3-technique. Dallas has a plethora of players at defensive tackle, but by rotating McClain in and out, they will have the ability to keep him fresh and get the most out of him in the process.
McClain will be just 28 years old when the 2016 season rolls around. Again, he's an unknown player that has the potential to breakout if he can stay healthy. If McClain can fully recover from the toe and bone bruise injuries he suffered at the start of the 2015 season, then he will have the opportunity to be extremely productive this upcoming season.
Jack Crawford
All of the attention is currently on Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence because of their suspensions. And while Gregory and Lawrence are the team's top pass-rushing options, Crawford was also one of the main contributors to the pass-rushing group. With Gregory and Lawrence likely out for the first four games of the season, Crawford will get the chance to make his impact felt with consistency.
After the hype of free agency died down, the Cowboys signed Crawford to just over $1 million. The signing made too much sense. Not only was the contract cheap for the production Crawford had in limited opportunities, but the Cowboys also had a need at the position. Dallas will need even more production out of Crawford to start the year, and when he was called upon in 2015, he provided some energy and generated some pressure as well.
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