UDFA - Who makes the team?

[xwalker]

Here is the list with measureables:
(click twice to enlarge)

 

[Risen Star]

I put together my own 53 man roster the other day and I ended up with 15 rookies making the team.

Obviously that isn't happening but I like the chances for guys like Scott, Benford, Leary, Adcock, Madison...maybe Hamilton, Whitley and Adams.

 

[xwalker]

1. Would any of these guys NOT make it to the Practice Squad? They have the option to offer Practice Squad guys more than the minimum to stay.

2. Would any of these guys contribute in year 1, not including Special Teams?

CB - The 5th spot appears to be wide open.

S - They would need to keep 5 Safeties for a UDFA to have a chance, IMO.

DE - No.

OLB- They would probably have to keep 9 LBs for Hamilton to make it.

OL - Leary is one of the rare UDFAs that appears to be lock to make the team. I was surprised Adcock didn't get drafted.

FB - No.

RB - Possible.

TE - They need a blocking TE, but one of the many athletic OLinemen could probably do some of that task. Jermey Parnell is probably faster and more agile than either of these guys.

WR - Maybe, but they can probably keep any of these guys on the Practice Squad.

LS - Doubtful.

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

I put together my own 53 man roster the other day and I ended up with 15 rookies making the team.

Wow. That's a lot of turnover from one year to the next. Add in the seven new players acquired in free agency and we're talking about over 40% of the roster being churned.

If it turns out that way it will be a tacit admission that this team was woefully undermanned in 2011. A .500 record may someday look like a great result, in retrospect.

 

[Silver N Blue]

Here is the list with measureables:
(click twice to enlarge)

[URL="http://www.walker-texas.com/2012-cowboys-udfa.jpg"][/URL]

Hamilton and Leary

 

[Risen Star]

Wow. That's a lot of turnover from one year to the next. Add in the seven new players acquired in free agency and we're talking about over 40% of the roster being churned.

If it turns out that way it will be a tacit admission that this team was woefully undermanned in 2011. A .500 record may someday look like a great result, in retrospect.

Yeah, it wasn't my intention. I was just putting together the players I wanted to make it and thought had a realistic chance. Then when I added them all up I saw how unrealistic my projections were.

 

[Wimbo]

Leary, Beasley.

 

[baj1dallas]

One of the linemen.

 

[RS12]

Madison, Leary, Benford, Hamilton.

 

[AbeBeta]

TE - They need a blocking TE, but one of the many athletic OLinemen could probably do some of that task. Jermey Parnell is probably faster and more agile than either of these guys.

.

Blech. This idea I like even less than using DLine guys as FBs. Just makes it far too obvious what the play is

 

[jnday]

Madison, Leary, Benford, Hamilton.

This is a good list. I would replace Benford with Adcock though.

 

[Risen Star]

This is a good list. I would replace Benford with Adcock though.

Don't be so sure. Stephen singled out Benford after the draft. He definitely enters training camp as one of their most coveted UDFA.

 

[speedkilz88]

For accuracies sake, Saalim Hakim's original numbers were from the UFL and were inflated. He's now listed at dc.com as 5-11 183

 

[sago1]

Although undrafted, Hakim was coveted by 16 teens before he finally signed contract with us. If he shows promise in TC/preseason games, there's no way for us to put him on the PS cause he won't make it thru waivers--even if he needs more work.

 

[speedkilz88]

It's way too early to worry about a guy not making it to the practice squad. Whether teams will be interested will depend on how well he plays in preseason. There is a big difference from being a highly sought after with 90 man training camp rosters compared to 53 man regular season rosters.

Hakim did have a real good day last week at Cowboys Stadium according to one of the dc.com radio shows.

 

[EPL0c0]

Donovan Kemp, physically, can make this team. He's quick and athletic. Having watched him play over the years, he runs decent routes, consistancy in his pass catching but probably not enough for the NFL I'm afraid (dropped a few big passes and a gimmes at the worst time possible).

He is a good special teams player though, not afraid to run down and make a tackle. If he makes the team it'll be on STs; in that sense I see him in the kind of roll we saw Sam Hurd (w/o the drug dealing sidejob)

 

[RS12]

Today CBS Rapid reports read into it what you will.

5 rookie free agents on the rise: No. 5 -- OLB Hamilton
by Nick Eatman, CBSSports.com

Adrian Hamilton is trying to learn the aspects of a 3-4 outside linebacker and making the adjustment from Prairie View A&M to the NFL isn’t easy. But Hamilton knows how to rush the passer, garnering 22 sacks last season. He’s showing flashes in the OTAs that he could be an elite edge-rusher over time.

27 minutes ago CBSSports.com

5 rookie free agents on the rise: No. 4 -- OT Dever
by Nick Eatman, CBSSports.com

There isn’t much depth at the backup tackle spots, so a player such as Notre Dame’s Taylor Dever has a legitimate shot to stick around. Currently, Dever is working with the second-team and has held his own against the likes of OLBs DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer.

28 minutes ago CBSSports.com

5 rookie free agents on the rise: No. 3 -- RB Dunbar
by Nick Eatman, CBSSports.com

This is a crowded position with DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones and Phillip Tanner seemingly with roster spots locked up. But Lance Dunbar, a local standout from nearby North Texas, has been impressive with his quickness. He catches the ball well and his special teams experience could give him a chance.

29 minutes ago CBSSports.com

5 rookie free agents on the rise: No. 2 -- G Leary
by Nick Eatman, CBSSports.com

Right after the draft, it appeared the Cowboys as high on Ronald Leary as any other undrafted free agent and some of the draft picks. The former Memphis tackle whose stock dropped out of the draft because of a knee injury, has switched to guard. He’s working with the second-team offense, displaying tackle-like feet with guard-like strength. His chances seem good to make this roster.

31 minutes ago CBSSports.com

5 rookie free agents on the rise: No. 1 -- WR Beasley
by Nick Eatman, CBSSports.com

The foot injury to rookie WR Danny Coale (broken foot) and the lack of separation by some of the incumbent candidates has left the door wide open for other young WRs. Cole Beasley, a former SMU standout is taking advantage. While he stands just 5-8, Beasley is arguably one of the best route-runners on the team and constantly gets open.

32 minutes ago CBSSports.com

 

[perrykemp]

Wow. That's a lot of turnover from one year to the next. Add in the seven new players acquired in free agency and we're talking about over 40% of the roster being churned.

If it turns out that way it will be a tacit admission that this team was woefully undermanned in 2011. A .500 record may someday look like a great result, in retrospect.

14 Rookies played for the Packers last year who were coming off of the 2011 Superbowl victory AND had 18 veterans returning from IR who didn't even play on that Superbowl team.

Ted Thompson ruthlessly cuts older players each season. In Thompson's first seven seasons as the Packers, 71 rookies made the Packers -- so an average of 10 per season which would be the entire rookie class (on average) plus 2-3 UDFAs.

I don't think Risen's estimate and hope for 15 rookies making the Cowboys this coming season should be considered unrealistic or unwanted.... clear out the dead wood... bring in young legs with cheap rookie/UDFA contracts.

 

[JohnsKey19]

Leary and Lionel Smith. An outside chance that one of Benford or Hakim makes the roster...

Hamilton seems to good to be true. So i'm guessing we later find out unfortunately he's got a bum knee or something...but i'd love for him to pan out and make the roster.

 

[muck4doo]

Leary has the best chance to make the team. I can't wait to see how Hamilton does in the pre-season games. If he can take that next step he will be the awesomest UDFA this year.