Machota predicts 53 man roster

[RS12]

Here’s my way-too-early 53-man roster projection.

QUARTERBACK

1.) Tony Romo

2.) Brandon Weeden

3.) Dustin Vaughan

The Cowboys like Vaughan enough that they didn’t draft another QB over the weekend. He’s still in the developmental stages, but he’ll be on the roster.

RUNNING BACK

4.) Darren McFadden

5.) Joseph Randle

6.) Lance Dunbar

7.) Ryan Williams

8.) Jed Collins

It gets tricky here because five running backs are probably too many. Jason Garrett will keep a fullback, which means Williams could be the odd man out. But I’m keeping him at this point because I’m not certain who from the group will emerge during training camp.

WIDE RECEIVER

9.) Dez Bryant

10.) Terrance Williams

11.) Cole Beasley

12.) Devin Street

http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***/2015/05/dallas-cowboys-53-man-roster-projection-2.html/

 

[AzorAhai]

I see no chance Wilber makes this roster. Zero. I also don't see how Hayden makes the roster. There are younger better options at DT. J . Crawford and Hayden should be on notice, Whaley, Gardner, Brent are going to fight for their roster spots and I wouldn't be surprised if neither of them make the 53.

 

[jazzcat22]

This is actually pretty close to what I have for now.
But Dunbar will be out before Williams at RB.

I think Wilber gets pushed off by Rivers or Watson at LB

I also think Whaley makes the team. Remove one of the spots he has for RB and add Whaley.

 

[reddyuta]

I see no chance Wilber makes this roster. Zero. I also don't see how Hayden makes the roster. There are younger better options at DT. J . Crawford and Hayden should be on notice, Whaley, Gardner, Brent are going to fight for their roster spots and I wouldn't be surprised if neither of them make the 53.

agree,no point in Wilber now at all.If Brent cant beat out Hayden then we are in big trouble/

 

[jrumann59]

This is actually pretty close to what I have for now.
But Dunbar will be out before Williams at RB.

I think Wilber gets pushed off by Rivers or Watson at LB

I also think Whaley makes the team. Remove one of the spots he has for RB and add Whaley.

If all things are equal, its either DMac or Dunbar both of those guys will not be on the roster unless something happens to williams or randle.

 

[AzorAhai]

This is actually pretty close to what I have for now.
But Dunbar will be out before Williams at RB.

I think Wilber gets pushed off by Rivers or Watson at LB

I also think Whaley makes the team. Remove one of the spots he has for RB and add Whaley.

I don't see both of Williams and Dunbar making it either. Neither are going to contribute much if at all on ST, unless they use Dunbar as a P/R. I could actually see a bigger power back making it over both of them and rolling with 3 RBs.

Also think they may try to keep the 7th rd LB on the roster if they can't stash him on IR. Basically they have 14 LBs and I would rather keep any of the other 13 than Wilber at this point. He's a man without a position here.

As for Whaley, I think he makes the roster as well. I'm starting to think only one of Brent and Bishop make the roster, but could see both potentially making it. If its one it's Bishop though. Jack Crawford only makes the roster if he can impress at 3T and Gardner may see some action there as well. The DL is going to be one of the funnest positions to watch in TC this year.

This offseason has me hyped! I can't wait until TC gets going. If Romo can stay off IR and the team isn't injury ravaged this should be a good year.

 

[CowboyStar88]

They are very high on Ryan Williams even giving him the 2 year contract after the season. Wouldn't surprise me to see Randle off the roster

 

[jobberone]

Injuries will form some roster spots. If healthy I think Dunbar is your third down back. I think the rest plus maybe a FA and/or a UDFA(s) will compete for 2-3 spots. I realize I'm in the minority with Dunbar but he brings things none of the rest do.

 

[AzorAhai]

Yes he does, but to be a 3rd down back he has to be able to stay in and block if there's a blitz. Dunbar is what, 176 lbs? I don't see him holding up against 240 lb LBs. He's so quick with the ball in his hands, but he's not used efficiently. Teams are going to assume when he comes in its a screen or he's going out for a route. It's almost an open invitation when he goes in to blitz. You're most likely going to be blitzing a empty backfield, or you're going to get a tiny man blocking a large man with a head of steam.

If Dunbar is going to be used properly they need to let him run the ball enough to where they can't sit on anything and he needs to be effective in pass protection. Switch his touches up where they aren't predictable. If they can't do that he's basically another tiny slot reciever who runs the ball occasionally. I'd love to see some 2 RB sets and have him get some bubble screens as a WR also. If they can figure out how to use him he can be a weapon, but it's been 3 years and they haven't figured it out yet, so I'm not very hopeful they ever will.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I don't think their lack of drafting a quarterback means they like Vaughn. Because if it did they would cut Weeden. I think they simply wanted to use all their resources on pieces around Romo.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

There's a lot of competition for backup spots that should be interesting. A lot of those guys that were draft picks and recent free agent pick ups. I can see a few of those guys getting cut. I Forgot we signed guys like Corey White and Keith Rivers.

 

[AzorAhai]

I don't think their lack of drafting a quarterback means they like Vaughn. Because if it did they would cut Weeden. I think they simply wanted to use all their resources on pieces around Romo.

I've seen multiple reports on twitter that they want Vaughn to be QB2 and hope to develop a QB like Blake as QB3. They seemed pretty confident that the Cowboys want to cu Weeden if at all possible.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I've seen multiple reports on twitter that they want Vaughn to be QB2 and hope to develop a QB like Blake as QB3. They seemed pretty confident that the Cowboys want to cu Weeden if at all possible.

If they do that than I can believe they are high on Vaughn. But if in year 2 he's still standing behind Weeden? Hard to see how high they think of him.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

They are very high on Ryan Williams even giving him the 2 year contract after the season. Wouldn't surprise me to see Randle off the roster

If that happens than it must be because of the off the field issues. Because Joseph Randle as it stands now is the only running back on this roster who can play special teams. Ryan Williams can't block or play special teams. Dunbar can't either but he atleast has the shot of being a kick returner. McFadden........not really sure but i'd expect to see him in some special teams packages.

For Randle to get cut he must've had some more off the field issues. It won't be because of play on the field.

 

[jterrell]

wayyy too early but it's a fun exercise all the same.

Dallas won't keep 6 DEs. DL guys who could barely hang on last year will need to really show improvement to stay.
Almost certainly keep 9 OL.
Won't keep 6 CBs.

Machota seemed to pretty much ignored special teams beyond the 3 specialists. Last LB spot or two, a couple RB spots, last WR spot or two and a DB spot or two will be based heavily upon special teams.

 

[jterrell]

I've seen multiple reports on twitter that they want Vaughn to be QB2 and hope to develop a QB like Blake as QB3. They seemed pretty confident that the Cowboys want to cu Weeden if at all possible.

that is mostly wishful thinking. fan stir that stuff. dallas values weeden as a proven back up.
yes, he was pretty bad versus a top 5 defense last year, but he is still a quality back up at the right price.
a far cry form throwing in a kid whose never taken a live NFL snap.

 

[StarBoyz83]

Looks almost perfect. Except I think brent and goodley will make the team. Wilber might not make it also. Maybe we can get chris Johnson in here on the cheap also.

 

[gimmesix]

I see no chance Wilber makes this roster. Zero. I also don't see how Hayden makes the roster. There are younger better options at DT. J . Crawford and Hayden should be on notice, Whaley, Gardner, Brent are going to fight for their roster spots and I wouldn't be surprised if neither of them make the 53.

I would almost guarantee that Hayden will make this roster. The only way I think he doesn't is if Ken Bishop and possibly another player come on really strong, but then Hayden might end up being kept over Brent.

Most likely we go with five DTs. Right now the inside track for those spots would have to be T. Crawford, N. Hayden, T. McClain, J. Brent and Bishop.

The guys who have to prove they can be consistently better are Coleman, Whaley and probably J. Crawford. Gardner might be in that mix if Dallas doesn't see him as more of an end who can contribute some at 3-tech.

At 1-tech, though, the competition really is only among Hayden, Brent, McClain and Bishop. McClain's versatility to play the 3-tech likely means two of the other three are kept.

 

[BlindFaith]

Offense 24

QB (3) - Tony Romo, Brandon Weeden, Dustin Vaughan

RB (3) - Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle, Ryan Williams

FB (1) - Jed Collins

TE (3) - Jason Witten, Gavin Escobar, Geoff Swaim
I think Hanna is done here. I can't see Swaim not making the team after trading away a pick from next year for him.

WR (5) - Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Antwan Goodley, Devin Street
(George Farmer, Deontay Greenberry, Lucky Whitehead)
I think Antwan Goodley can be a bigger, faster Harris.

OT (4) - Tyron Smith, Doug Free, Chaz Green, Darrion Weems

OG (4) - Zack Martin, Ronald Leary, Mackenzy Bernardeau, Ryan Miller
(Donald Hawkins, Tony Hills)
Ryan Miller has the skill. He's coming of a pretty bad concussion though. Hawkins and Hills could be at play here as well. Obviously they don't like them at Tackle otherwise we wouldn't have drafted two.

C- (1) Travis Frederick

Defense 26

DT (6) - Tyrone Crawford, Josh Brent, Ben Gardner, Terrell McClain, Nick Hayden, Jack Crawford
(Chris Whaley, Ken Bishop)
Ben Gardner. I don't think they see him as a DE. Especially now that we have Hardy and Gregory. We have heard reports that Gardner has been living in the gym and has transformed his body. Transformed it into what is the question. If he comes into camp around 285, he could be a good option to back up T Crawford at the three. Jack Crawford showed a little something playing inside. If he has bulked up a little, I like him as a 1T backup. Chris Whaley could be an option at a backup 3T, but I think he will show that he is still another year away.

I really hope that Brent has gotten himself in shape. If so, he's our best option to start at the 1T. Terrell McClain can play both the 1 and the 3. I would love to see Hayden not make the team, but they seem to like him. Maybe Bishop or Whaley can push him off.

DE (4) - DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, Ryan Russell, Jeremy Mincey, Greg Hardy
It will be interesting to see what they do once Hardy is able to play. I don't think they will carry 11 DL. Mincey is, at best, the third option at DE. Russell has ability, but may be too raw at this point. He could be moved down to the PS when Hardy returns. Or they could drop the 6th DL since Mincey can be used some inside. But if Russell shows anything I think he stays up. You don't risk putting pass rushers with ability on the PS.

LB (6) - Rolando McClain, Sean Lee, Anthony Hitchens, Damien Wilson, Andrew Gachkar, Mark Nzeocha
(Jasper Brinkley, Dakoda Watson, Keith Rivers)
I keep Gachkar. He's athletic. Can play multiple positions. And is a special teams guy. I also keep Nzeocha. He is our most athletic LB, but is very raw. Will be a special teams demon. Will probably be our SAM backer of the future. Also can be a nickel backer. Don't think the new guys make the cut. Age and injury issues don't make it worth the risk, especially since we drafted two replacements. Dakoda Watson is interesting due to his athletic ability. But I don't think he's the brightest guy.

CB (6) - Orlando Scandrick, Brandon Carr, Byron Jones, Tyler Patmon, Corey White, Morris Claiborne
(Robert Steeples, Joel Ross)
Yep, I have Carr still on the team. I don't think you play around and cut the guy. We don't need the cap space and he did play better late in the year. If Claiborne is able to make it to camp and shows he can at least get on the field, then maybe they try again to get Carr to take a pay cut and if not, then they release him.
I know there is talk about Jones playing FS. I think it's a bad idea. Corey White has played safety in this league and is probably a better fit there than corner. I'd put him there to start camp and see how he does. Could be our starting FS.

S (4) - Barry Church, JJ Wilcox, Jeff Heath, Tim Scott
(Keelan Johnson)
Barry Church is an average safety. And a below average cover guy. If Corey White can prove himself at FS, I'd be very happy with White and Wilcox as the starters. Church could be a very good nickel/dime LB I think. Jeff Heath makes it again because of his versatility and special teams. Tim Scott is very interesting. Played much of his career at CB for NC. Then switched to a FS his final year. He's not the biggest guy at 5'11 190, but he did 20 reps and has proven he can tackle. And he brings corner coverage ability.

 

[xwalker]

I see no chance Wilber makes this roster. Zero. I also don't see how Hayden makes the roster. There are younger better options at DT. J . Crawford and Hayden should be on notice, Whaley, Gardner, Brent are going to fight for their roster spots and I wouldn't be surprised if neither of them make the 53.

Agree. I don't see Wilber making the team.

If Brent can't beat out Hayden to start, then I'll be disappointed.

I think Whaley will get a spot.

Hardy will start out suspended, so that give them an extra spot for game 1.

Claiborne might start out on PUP which would give them another spot for game 1.

I thought Nzeocha might be able to go on IR, but he did run at a Pro Day, so I don't know if that is an option.

I think they'll keep more than 8 on OL.

It will be hard to keep 4 RBs and a FB. I really hate carrying a FB that only gets about 10 snaps per game.

I would love to see Vaughan take the #2 spot and just carry 2 QBs.