DC: 20 Questions: Which Undrafted Rookie Has Best Chance To Make Roster?

[jobberone]

20 Questions: Which Undrafted Rookie Has Best Chance To Make Roster?
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 4:49 PM CDT
By DallasCowboys.com Report

The offseason practices are in the rearview mirror as the Cowboys are heading towards training camp, which begins on July 24 in Oxnard, Calif.

That’s usually the place where many of the questions regarding this team start to get answered.

The staff writers at DallasCowboys.com – Rob Phillips, David Helman, Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus – are attempting to answer 20 pressing questions as the team gets ready for camp and the 2017 season.

Today, we continue the series with a focus on undrafted rookies. Over the years, the Cowboys have found great players after the draft and still have a few key players on this team including Cole Beasley, Jeff Heath and Dan Bailey. So which player will stand out this year?

Helman: I’m going to go out on a limb and say there won’t be one in 2017. That’s a pretty bold prediction, given this team’s success in finding undrafted talents like Cole Beasley, Ron Leary and Jeff Heath just in the past few years. But the numbers just don’t work out very well this year. It’s hard to imagine an undrafted rookie cracking the 53-man roster at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive line, or defensive back. Perhaps Nate Theaker or Dan Skipper can earn a spot on the offensive line, but that’s arguably the deepest position on the team. Jahad Thomas is another intriguing talent, but he’ll be facing stiff competition from the likes of Alfred Morris and Rod Smith, who already have the edge of experience. This is a deep roster, and I’m not going to be surprised if the veterans hold off the undrafted rookies this summer.


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[jobberone]

Skipper, Skipper, Skipper

I think the RB has a decent shot. I've seen him run. IF he plays STs, KR, and 3rd down RB then maybe. I want to see more of Smith and maybe save a roster spot playing him at RB and FB.

 

[big dog cowboy]

It will probably come down to injury. Should a player get hurt in preseason, there your opportunity Mr. UDFA.

 

[Setackin]

DL

 

[Alexander]

Usually LBers or the secondary are a place to look. Nzeocha is unreliable and if another LBer is available and can demonstrate a special teams mentality, they could make it.

That means Lucas Wacha, Joe Jones or Keenan Gilcrest.

 

[Stash]

Usually LBers or the secondary are a place to look. Nzeocha is unreliable and if another LBer is available and can demonstrate a special teams mentality, they could make it.

That means Lucas Wacha, Joe Jones or Keenan Gilcrest.

That's exactly the spot I was thinking. After the top 4 linebackers, I think there's room for improvement.

 

[conner01]

My bet right now would be none but it's all about training camp and whether they can shine and play special teams

 

[erod]

I still think Adrian Hamilton could be the next Lawrence Taylor.

I remember reading that here. A lot.

 

[gimmesix]

Blake Jarwin could get a lot of time to prove himself with both Hanna and Swaim limited. If one of them isn't ready at the start of the season or if Rico needs too much development, I could see Jarwin making the team.

 

[McGillicutty]

It will probably come down to injury. Should a player get hurt in preseason, there your opportunity Mr. UDFA.

Agreed. I like skipper. A guy with freakish size like that is definitely worth a long term look

 

[Kaiser]

Three reactions to this article on UDFAs -

1 - McClay has rebuilt the roster to the point that there are not a lot of spots for guys like this to fill. Even our later picks like Marquez White, Noah Brown, and the DTs Ivie and Carrell are likely on the practice squad instead of the active roster. That's a very good thing.

2 - if a UDFA makes the team, I don't think its the guys they mention. IMO its Jeremiah McKinnon, the CB who was a UDFA last year and spent time on the Titans practice squad.

3 - Our practice squad could be very, very good this year.

 

[Satchel89]

Usually LBers or the secondary are a place to look. Nzeocha is unreliable and if another LBer is available and can demonstrate a special teams mentality, they could make it.

That means Lucas Wacha, Joe Jones or Keenan Gilcrest.

I think Wacha makes the team. Your right about the Linebacker position. Nzeocha is always hurt and that's who I think he replaces. There's my bold prediction

 

[dallasdave]

Skipper, Skipper, Skipper

I think the RB has a decent shot. I've seen him run. IF he plays STs, KR, and 3rd down RB then maybe. I want to see more of Smith and maybe save a roster spot playing him at RB and FB.

Hope he brings Ginger and Mary Ann

 

[jobberone]

Hope he brings Ginger and Mary Ann

LMAO.

 

[phildadon86]

Usually LBers or the secondary are a place to look. Nzeocha is unreliable and if another LBer is available and can demonstrate a special teams mentality, they could make it.

That means Lucas Wacha, Joe Jones or Keenan Gilcrest.

Who was the other Jones? Lenny Jones or something. Looked like a beast in OTAs

 

[Scotman]

Is there a UDFA DE on our roster? Is he drug-free? If so...my money is on him.