My Top 9 deep roster contributors

[Typhus]

Heres a brief look at some deep roster guys that aren't talked about alot with Free probably being the most well know out of the group.
There might be a few diamonds in the rough, and I'm banking that out of this group, we might find a couple that can add depth or in some scenarios, acutally push a starter.

#1
Matt Stewart LB
The Dallas Cowboys signed linebacker Matt Stewart to a one-year deal. Stewart signed with the Arizona Cardinals on April 17, 2008 but was released on the final roster reduction and remained out of football. Stewart was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Falcons before joining the Cleveland Browns for three years. For his career, he has played in 93 games with 61 starts and totaled 357 tackles (201 solo), eight sacks, one interception and eight pass breakups.

2005: In his first season with the Browns, appeared in 14 games, including 12 starts at outside linebacker and recorded 41 tackles, including 22 solo, 3 TFL, 1 interception, 3 PBU and 1 forced fumble...Had a season-high 7 tackles, including 2 solo, vs. Jacksonville on Dec. 4...Recorded his first career interception vs. Miami on Nov. 20...Started at RLB on opening day, but suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss the next two games...Moved back into the starting lineup vs. Detroit on Oct. 23 and started there for the remainder of the season.

2004: In his fourth season in Atlanta, started all 16 regular season games at outside linebacker and ranked second on the club with 89 tackles and a career-high 4 PBU...Also started both playoff contests and totaled 7 tackles.

2003: Started all 16 games for Falcons for first time in NFL career...Finished season with new career-highs in total tackles with 108 and solo tackles with 65...Added 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 special teams tackles.

2002: Started 13 of 16 games played and ended up with a personal-best of 87 tackles, including 49 solo stops...Added three quarterback sacks, one recovered fumble, one blocked kick and eight special teams tackles...Missed starts vs. Carolina (10/20) with a rib injury and vs. Chicago (9/15) and at Minnesota (12/1) when the team opened in nickel defense.

2001: Finished with 16 tackles on defense in 15 games played as a rookie...Added 17 special teams stops to finish behind team leader LB Artie Ulmer who posted 21 tackles...Began the season slowly after suffering a hip flexor in preseason finale vs. Tampa Bay (8/31)


#2
Travis Wilson WR
Height: 6-1
Weight: 213
Travis Wilson was originally a third round draft pick (78th overall) in 2006 by the Cleveland Browns out of Oklahoma. He played in four games with one start in his two years with the Browns, recording two catches for 32 yards. He was released by Cleveland on the final roster reduction in 2008 and signed to the Denver Broncos practice squad on September 3. He was released by the Broncos on September 23.
The Cowboys consider futures signee Travis Wilson a "sleeper" to contribute at wideout this season, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Wilson, a 2006 third-round pick of the Browns, is no lock to make it out of training camp, but he'll likely get a look behind Miles Austin at flanker.

#3
Marcus Dixon DE
Height: 6-4
Weight: 294
Intriguing player here. Like his size and play making ability, and apparently so do the Cowboys since they brought him back for another look. Could he be another "Leon Lett"?,, on the field, not off.
Made a stupid mistake as a teen, which affected his considerations around the league. Heres another player with all the physical attributes you would want, he just needs to get his mental attributes in order.

#4
Junior Siavii
Height: 6-5
Weight: 320
The Dallas Cowboys added a young lineman on January 23, 2008 with NFL experience in Junior Siavii. Siavii was out of football in 2006 and 2007 but was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round (36th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft.
The balls in JR's court so to speak. He was a 2nd round pick for a reason, so its up to him to prove it now. probably his last chance.
Like his size and it sure would be nice to have a different body type at NT to come in and relieve Rat for a breather once in awhile.
His development would give the Dl some major felxability, and finally finding that "Big bag Of Dirt" body type in the middle would be just what this 3-4 needs.

#5
Justin Rogers
Height: 6-4
Weight: 250
With the availability of veteran linebacker Greg Ellis (heel) in question leading up to the 2007 season opener, the Dallas Cowboys claimed Justin Rogers off waivers from the New England Patriots on Sept. 2, 2007. Rogers provided depth at linebacker while seeing full-time action on Dallas' special teams units through the entire season. He returned to Texas where he played college ball at Southern Methodist University and attended Commerce High School in Greenville, Texas.


#6
Doug Free OT
Height: 6-6
Weight: 306
Drafted in the fourth round 07' (122nd overall) by Dallas.
Hard to get accurate weight info, but I'm sure the guy has put on a few pounds since he was drafted.
I would like to see him around 320 with his 6'6" frame. If there ever was a perfect scenario for him to prove himself its now, this TC will be his proving ground and a chance to fill some much needed depth for this OL.

#7
Alan Ball CB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 176
Again, this weight was his original recorded weight when initially drafted in 07. I have seen his weight anywhere from 180 to 192, so we wont really know how much size he has added this off season until TC begins. I'm hoping that he come in close to 200, so that he can burn down to around 190 midway through the season. Being 6'1", 200 is a little heavy for the guy, 190 looks about right for him without compromising his speed, but with enough size to endure a full season.
Deion sure like this kid when we drafted him, and it sure would be nice to find another 7th round gem like we did with Rat.

#8
Tra Battle S
Height: 5-11
Weight: 173
The Dallas Cowboys added Tra Battle on Nov. 26 to provide the club with young, athletic depth at safety while also adding skill on the special teams units. Battle, who spent the 2007 season on San Diego's practice squad, comes to Dallas with a familiarity in the club's defensive philosophy, playing in a similar defense in San Diego. He played in one game for the Chargers on special teams before signing with Dallas.


#9
Steve Octavien LB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 238
With Kyle Kosier (foot) landing on injured reserve, the Dallas Cowboys filled his roster spot with Steve Octavien. Octavien, a rookie linebacker who spent training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs and some time on the Washington Commanders practice squad, will provide Dallas with added depth at linebacker and on special teams.
Looks like a DeCamillis guy right here. Not sure his 6 foot frame gets him anywhere near starting time, but might be a playmaker for Special Teams.

 

[THUMPER]

I would really like to see Doug Free step up and be a possible replacement for Flozell next season (2010) but that means he has to get some playing time this year. He could have had some last year while Flo was hurt but evidently the coaching staff believed Flo at 70% was still better than Free or McQuistan. That's not a good sign so he really needs to step it up if he wants to remain on the roster or have a shot at starting someday.

Marcus Dixon is another guy I though might push for a starting spot and he still might but he needs to show more desire than he has so far. More time studying and working on his techniques as well as pushing himself more in practice. If you want to get noticed then you have to do it in practice first.

Stewart is intriguing but I have never seen him play (that I remember anyway) so I don't know what to expect from him. It would be nice if he is all that and can provide solid depth at LB for us.

Wilson looks like a Keyshawn clone which is OK with me. I look for WRs that catch the ball consistently. Getting first downs is more important IMO than making an occasional big play after dropping or not catching 4 passes. Keeping drives alive is critical. Keep their defense on the field and their offense off it. Hopefully Wilson has good hands, if not he won't make the final roster.

Siavii just seems to be unmotivated but if he can be he could be a good player. Unfortunately, motivation isn't Wade's strong suit.

 

[CF74]

Keeping drives alive is critical. Keep their defense on the field and their offense off it.

That was a major problem this past season and it's why our defense wore down and looked worse than it is. We gotta win the time of possession battle if we are gonna go deep next season. Somebody call Head Coach Jerry Jones and tell him we need to run the ball more...

 

[cowboyjoe]

I will add a few players that i am interested in;

44 Hannah, Rodney
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Tight End
Height: 6-6
Weight: 255
College: Houston
Years: R





PRO: Rodney Hannah originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2007 and recorded four catches for 24 yards at Minnesota in the preseason earning a spot on the practice squad. Hannah continues to improve on the football field learning from one of the best in Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten.

2007:
- Spent the entire season on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.

COLLEGE:
- Is a natural athlete with little football experience playing only his senior year at the University of Houston.
- Played in 13 games and had 11 receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown as a senior.
- Prior to joining the football team, played in 27 basketball games for the Cougars, averaging 1.9 points and 2.6 rebounds while also tallying 13 blocked shots and 15 steals for his career.
- Prior to Houston, attended Yuba Junior College where he was named first-team All-Bay Valley Conference and helped lead Yuba to 46-18 overall record in his two years at the school.
- Also helped Yuba enjoy one of the best years in school history as they advanced to the Elite Eight in the California Junior College Tournament and finished with a 24-7 record in his sophomore season.

PERSONAL:
- Rodney Hannah played football and basketball at Roseville, Calif., High School and was an all-star selection in both sports.
- Was a first-team all-conference selection at wide receiver and finished among the state's top-10 leaders in receiving yards.
- Was also named a first-team all-conference selection in basketball and ranked among the state's top-10 leaders in both rebounding and shot blocking.
- Was a sociology major at the University of Houston.
- 2007 Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club.
- Annual team Holiday Hospital Visits.
- Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas Program.


37 Hawkins, Michael

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Cornerback
Height: 6-1
Weight: 188
College: Oklahoma
Years: 3





2003-04 (Arena Football League): Spent the entire 2004 and the first part of the 2005 Arena League seasons with the Dallas Desperados as a defensive specialist. Was first signed by Dallas on Dec. 30, 2003, after impressing the team in an open tryout of roughly 450 players earlier that year (he was one of only two players signed by the Desperados). Played in five games during the 2004 season, recording four tackles (three solo) and a forced fumble. Missed the first four contests of the '04 campaign after suffering a quadriceps contusion during training camp that landed him on injured reserve on Jan. 30.
Michael Hawkins # prospect in 2005 NFL Draft.
Michael Hawkins NFL Draft BioMichael Hawkins NFL Draft Bio

Michael Hawkins a 6-1 ", 175 lbs, Corner Back who was an NCAA college standout for Oklahoma in 2005. Michael Hawkins who would grow up in his hometown of Carrollton, TX showed inklings of the enormous potential he possesses at an early age. Family, friends, college and NFL scouts alike felt that he would become an NCAA college football standout player and maybe even turn that into a quality NFL career. Michael Hawkins has demonstrated enough skill to be a top rated NFL prospect and we look forward to seeing great things from him in the future!




Draft Year: 2005


Michael Hawkins NFL Prospect Stats
Pre-Rank Prospect Name Position Played Height Weight
Michael Hawkins Corner Back 6-1 175
Round Selected Team School Hometown
5 167 Green Bay Packers Oklahoma Carrollton, TX
Learn more about 2005 NFL Draft Prospect Michael Hawkins


Sportspool.com pre ranked Michael Hawkins as a projected # prospect for the 2005 NFL Draft

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Michael Hawkins is a top NFL prospect from the 2005 NFL Draft. 2005 draft prospect Michael Hawkins player profile, bio, statistics, pre ranked mock draft and more. Enjoy our information database on Michael Hawkins a 6-1' 175 lbs Corner Back from Oklahoma.

Michael Hawkins, FS+CB, Oklahoma
Height: 6:01.2 Weight: 176
Overview: Hawkins is a very quick pass defender who spent the 2004 season performing for the Dallas Desperados in the Arena Football League. He only played one year of college football at Oklahoma in 2002, but was regarded as one of the top prep players in the country during his days at R.L. Daniels High School. Hawkins was an All-State selection by the Dallas Morning News in 2001 at R.L. Daniels High. He was rated one of the top ten 10 cornerbacks in the nation by Max Emfinger/USA Today.com and the seventh best cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com. He was a member of the Houston Chronicle's Texas Top 100 team, Prep Star's Dream Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football Super Team and Super Prep All-American team. The first-team All-District pick participated in the 2002 Oil Bowl. He recorded 51 tackles, including 27 solo stops and one tackle for loss during his senior year. He also intercepted three passes, had 12 passes broken up and caused two fumbles. He caught two passes, with both receptions going for touchdowns and averaged 57.0 yards on two kickoff returns. He made 40 stops and intercepted two passes as a junior. He also competed in track, participating in the 100 meter, long jump and triple jump events. In his only season at Oklahoma, Hawkins played in five games during the 2002 season. He recorded five tackles (4 solos) with a pass deflection and returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown vs. Texas-El Paso.

Analysis: Positives...Compactly built athlete with adequate lower body definition...Shows good ball awareness...Smooth and well-balanced in his backpedal...Turns his hips well coming out of his cuts and breaks aggressively to the ball...Has good hip flexibility turning coming out of transition, which gives him better quickness in his turn-&-go...Has a good feel for the zone, making the switch-off with proper body adjustments...Has the top end speed and burst out of his breaks to quickly recover in deep patterns...Shows timing and leaping ability going up for the pass...Displays soft hands to pluck and snatch the ball...Drives on the ball quickly and anticipates the deep pass well...Takes proper angles to the receiver in zone coverage.

Negatives...Lack of size prevents him from being an impact hitter...Backpedals on his heels at times, but shows good body control...Frame has little room for additional growth... Not aggressive playing off his blocks...Lets the ball carrier slip by in run force, as he looks too passive near the line...Sometimes struggles to stay with the receivers on deep routes... Lacks the strength to reroute at the line of scrimmage and seems hesitant at times in press coverage...Competent tackler, but tends to gamble that his speed will compensate for the large cushion he allows.

Agility tests: CAMPUS: 4.38 in the 40-yard dash...Bench pressed 225 pounds 12 times... 395-pound squat...6.78 three-cone drill...34-inch vertical jump.

High school: Attended R.L. Daniels (Carrollton, Tex.) High School, playing football for coach Tim Beck... All-State selection by the Dallas Morning News in 2001...Rated one of the top ten 10 cornerbacks in the nation by Max Emfinger/USA Today.com and the seventh best corner-back in the nation by Rivals.com...Member of the Houston Chronicle's Texas Top 100 team, Prep Star's Dream Team, Dave Campbell's Texas Football Super Team and Super Prep All-American team...First-team All-District pick participated in the 2002 Oil Bowl... Recorded 51 tackles, including 27 solo stops and one tackle for loss during his senior year...Also intercepted three passes, had 12 passes broken up and caused two fumbles... Caught two passes, with both receptions going for touchdowns and averaged 57.0 yards on two kickoff returns...Made 40 stops and intercepted two passes as a junior...Also competed in track, participating in the 100 meter, long jump and triple jump events.

Personal: General Studies major...Resides in Carrollton, Texas.

 

[DallasEast]

Getting first downs is more important IMO than making an occasional big play after dropping or not catching 4 passes. Keeping drives alive is critical. Keep their defense on the field and their offense off it.

Quoted For Truth

 

[RS12]

with as many bad and mediocre teams as there are in the league you would think that if any of these guys could play, they would be on a worse teams roster.

The only one I really have any hope for is Dixon. Free being uninjured and inactive all season when "false start" Adams cant play any more tells me everything I need know about him. As far as Savii goes if at 6:5 and 320 after five years you have not figured out how to stand your ground and clog the middle, you cant play in this league.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Marcus Dixon DE

Could he be another "Leon Lett"?,, on the field, not off.

No. Leon was a dominate D-lineman. There are only a handful of players in the league who can dominate a game like Leon did. Dixon isn't one of them.

 

[Biggems]

#3
Marcus Dixon DE
Height: 6-4
Weight: 294
Intriguing player here. Like his size and play making ability, and apparently so do the Cowboys since they brought him back for another look. Could he be another "Leon Lett"?,, on the field, not off.
Made a stupid mistake as a teen, which affected his considerations around the league. Heres another player with all the physical attributes you would want, he just needs to get his mental attributes in order.

What a nonsensical analysis. Does the author even know the kid's story. It's not his fault that the town he lived in was predominantly racist. It's not his fault that chick sold him down the river, that she was too weak to stand up for the truth, instead giving into public pressure to burn him at the stake.....

His only fault was having sex while in HS and trusting that chick, who screwed him over in the end. So I guess millions of HS kids need to get their mental attributes in order, since they are having sex too.....and some are getting falsely accused of wrong doing.

 

[Woods]

I think the Cowboys like Alan Ball quite a bit. IMO, he sticks and we should continue to see improvement from him.

I'm assuming the staff likes Hannah as well since they made no attempt to keep Curtis.

I think Siavii makes the roster this year.

I'm not really sure on Matt Stewart. Octavian (sp?) may be a good shot because of STs.