What I've Gleaned from the 3 Preseason Games in 2022, and My Final 53

[JBS]

Gallup is on the 53..almost certainly .. Jerry said so

 

[starfan1]

After three preseason games, I have concluded that this off-season has been one of the most interesting in decades. First, and most obvious, we actually had a pretty good draft. We bring in Sam Williams, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert, and Devin Harper.

I like all of those guys.

Williams will be a force on defense. And I'm for keeping him at guard, but wherever Tyler Smith plays, I think he'll do well for us. I can't remember who it was, but a Wisconsin fan was talking to me about Ferguson, saying, "I can't wait to watch him on third and Ferguson." That's exactly what I see: a 3rd down machine. And I think Jalen Tolbert and DaRon Bland both end up being great players for us during their careers. And I think both contribute this year.

UDFA's Make 2022 Offseason Most Interesting in Decades

But this off-season was one of the most interesting because of our UDFAs. We've got a lot of talent there. First, we brought in two really nice running backs: Aaron Shampklin and Malik Davis. I'm not sure which one the Cowboys keep, but I suspect Shampklin goes on PUP and Davis makes the team.

On top of the two preseason standouts at running back, we also brought in a talented TE, Payton Hendershot whose ceiling is the limit. Many thought Hendershot would worthy of a draft pick. In any case, off-the-field issues devalued his draft stock.

Voila.

He's a Cowboy via the undrafted free agency.

Good pick up with Hendershot. It's like getting a free draft pick!

After Hendershot, we have Marquese Bell, who hasn't played perfectly. But he has played rather well at times, tackling along the line as well along the line and recording an interception while defending the pass.

It appears that Bell is another good signing who can not only make the team, but has potential to challenge the starters and push whichever player wins the spot through competition.

Brandon Smith is another player who has a shot to break the roster. He possesses enough talent that he could eventually earn some playing time. Thus far, he's recorded the two longest receptions throughout the preseason.

And don't count out James Houston. Many have reported about the chemistry he has after working with Dak Prescott in the offseason.

Honorable mentions for the 2022 UDFA class are: James Empey, Juanyeh Thomas, and Mika Tafau.

I think there's a good likelihood we see someone else's name other than Bell, Hendershot, Smith, Houston or Davis this year. But even with those five, that's quite a few players to be vying for a spot on an NFL team.

In most cases, that would have me worried. But this UDFA class is not lacking in talent. There's really a lot to unpack when you peel back the layers.

Veteran Players Developing Roles

The other thing I've noticed after watching the Dallas Cowboys in preseason was that a few of our rookies from last year are seemingly turning the corner this year.

We have Semi Fehoko. Fehoko and Brandon Smith looked like two most polished receivers out there. Without seeing it with my own eyes, I'll have to trust the word of reporters and other fans who attended the Cowboys' training camp who say Noah Brown had a good camp.

We didn't see him out there for even a snap, which can only lead us to conclude that Brown has already secured a starting role on offense, and he likely didn't play because the Cowboys didn't want to risk injury to a key player.

With that said, I'm looking forward to see how our second year players like Fehoko, Kelvin Joseph, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston, Bohanna and Galloway play. I definitely noticed some improvement in Galloway and Bohanna. I'm almost positive Odighizuwa will improve on last year's performance.

And despite the fact we no longer have Tyron Smith, I think our running game improves.

I expect the Cowboys to lean on the 12 personnel sets and the creativity of Kellen Moore this year, who I happen to be a big fan of.

I see us as more of ball control, bully ball style of offense. We may not have the best play at left tackle, but then again, I'm optimistic that whatever we do we'll be able to get the run game going consistently since we seem to have a healthy stable of running backs.

Shampklin went out with an injury in preseason, so that may be a blessing in disguise because it allows you to keep him on the injured reserve list and play him after the second half of the season.

So, if I'm the Cowboys, I run the ball this year, and run it some more.

Driving the Bus, Slow and Steady

The Dallas Cowboys have Cee Dee Lamb, and players who can beat you deep like Fehoko and Hendershot, but I think their bread and butter will be setting teams up with the dink and dunk stuff, and letting our players beat you with their athleticism after the catch. Logic tells you that the longer Dak holds onto the ball, the more he's exposed to pressure.

So the Cowboys should perfect their short to medium range passing game, along with a heavy dose of the run game. If they do that, the longer range passes will come.

Overall, I would like to see the Cowboys using the pass to set up the run by going for high-percentage pass plays to get defenses thinking pass. If you can get them thinking pass first, then you'll have more success in with the run game.

Outlook

I'm optimistic for the season. I see the Cowboys anywhere from a 10-7 to a 12-5 team due to a much improved defense.

I would like to note that the defense was ranked number 8 in points allowed last year. To me, points allowed is the most important metric to ranking a defense.

I expect the Cowboys to be a top 5 defense in points allowed in 2022. If they're able to accomplish that, I like their chances at a playoff run.

Below is my guess at the 53, with a tad bit of my own biases inserted into the few roster spots that are up for grabs.


Quarterbacks (2)

Prescott
Grier (I still say Grier, but DiNucci turned it on tonight a little bit. I would poach Strong from the Eagles if I could.)

Running Backs (3)

Zeke
Pollard
Davis (Even though Shampklin may have outplayed him by a tad, I place him on PUP and see how Davis does.)

Receivers (6 for now until Gallup returns)

Lamb
Fehoko
Tolbert
Brown
Turpin (James Houston sounds nice, but there's not enough space for him behind Fehoko, Tolbert, Brown. What would he do when Gallup returns? In any case, you really don't need 7 receivers and you can get by with 6.
B. Smith

Tight Ends (3)

Schultz
Ferguson
Hendershot (More upside than McKeon, overall. Hendershot has an 8.4 RAS, so he's got more athleticism, even though he's a tad smaller. If Ferguson or Schultz get hurt, you still need a well-rounded TE and I think Hendershot is a more complete player, and likely a better STer, too. Place McKeon on the PS, as a veteran.)


Offensive Line (9)

Ball/Veteran Free Agent
T. Biadasz
T. Smith
Terence Steele
Zack

McGovern
Farniok

One of these two scenarios.

Empey (perhaps the Cowboys go with 2 back up centers, given the headache the middle of the OL was last year. Plus, Farniok can play guard. You can also release one when Gallup/Washington returns. If Farniok plays guard, Empey backs up at C. Then again, Empey probably doesn't make it.)

*Waletzko (swing tackle if healthy. If not, we'll have to find a vet and put Well let's go on PUP).

Cornerbacks (6)

Diggs
Bland
Brown
Joseph
Lewis
Wright

Safeties (4)

Kearse
Hooker
Bell
Mukuamu (Mukuamu is better than Wilson, in my opinion. And cheaper. Plus, do you really need 5 safeties?)

Defensive Ends (6)

D-law
Dorance
Fowler
Williams
Basham

Defensive Tackles (5)

Gallimore
Bohanna
Oddigy
Hill
Golston (It's either Golston or Ridgeway. I'll take Golston. I honestly don't like Ridgeway, whatsoever. Overrated.)


Linebackers (6)

Parsons
Barr
LVE
Cox (I could go Cox or Gifford here. Neither are very good at this point)
Harper
Jefferson (Could be Jackson, maybe Gifford)

Special Teams (3)

Anger
Kicker (hopefully not Maher, although it's him right now.)
McQuade

Thanks for taking the time. It’s difficult to know for sure it will be interesting to see how it plays out. I think roster cuts from other teams will be here at least 1 anyway
I also agree with you that Ridgeway is over rated. I don’t care for Wright but as 3rd rounder they won’t give up on him and I think Wilson will be in the 53

 

[DanA]

I agree with most of the outlook. However a few difference with the roster.

I think the big thing for me is who might get poached. Personally, I doubt either of Dowdle/Davis at RB or Smith/Houston at WR would get claimed by another team and even if they did it just makes the choice easy for us (keep the other one). On the other hand I think if either of McKeon/Hendershot are cut, Ridgeway or Wilson, then I think they probably get claimed. So I would be very reluctant to let them go (expecting them to not make the practice squad).

To me, the way through roster cuts is obviously to firstly have a handshake deal with the vested veterans on one year deals. But after that's exhausted I think we should just cut the 3rd RB and 6th WR and hope they make it to the practice squad. If they do make it past that week 1 waiver claim then under current rules we have the power to elevate up to two players from the practice squad without subjecting them to further waiver claims. Of course, you can only elevate a player three times before they must be made a part of the 53 man roster but by week 3 who know where the roster sits with injury or COVID outs. We might have space then.

 

[ghst187]

After three preseason games, I have concluded that this off-season has been one of the most interesting in decades. First, and most obvious, we actually had a pretty good draft. We bring in Sam Williams, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert, and Devin Harper.

I like all of those guys.

Williams will be a force on defense. And I'm for keeping him at guard, but wherever Tyler Smith plays, I think he'll do well for us. I can't remember who it was, but a Wisconsin fan was talking to me about Ferguson, saying, "I can't wait to watch him on third and Ferguson." That's exactly what I see: a 3rd down machine. And I think Jalen Tolbert and DaRon Bland both end up being great players for us during their careers. And I think both contribute this year.

UDFA's Make 2022 Offseason Most Interesting in Decades

But this off-season was one of the most interesting because of our UDFAs. We've got a lot of talent there. First, we brought in two really nice running backs: Aaron Shampklin and Malik Davis. I'm not sure which one the Cowboys keep, but I suspect Shampklin goes on PUP and Davis makes the team.

On top of the two preseason standouts at running back, we also brought in a talented TE, Payton Hendershot whose ceiling is the limit. Many thought Hendershot would worthy of a draft pick. In any case, off-the-field issues devalued his draft stock.

Voila.

He's a Cowboy via the undrafted free agency.

Good pick up with Hendershot. It's like getting a free draft pick!

After Hendershot, we have Marquese Bell, who hasn't played perfectly. But he has played rather well at times, tackling along the line as well along the line and recording an interception while defending the pass.

It appears that Bell is another good signing who can not only make the team, but has potential to challenge the starters and push whichever player wins the spot through competition.

Brandon Smith is another player who has a shot to break the roster. He possesses enough talent that he could eventually earn some playing time. Thus far, he's recorded the two longest receptions throughout the preseason.

And don't count out James Houston. Many have reported about the chemistry he has after working with Dak Prescott in the offseason.

Honorable mentions for the 2022 UDFA class are: James Empey, Juanyeh Thomas, and Mika Tafau.

I think there's a good likelihood we see someone else's name other than Bell, Hendershot, Smith, Houston or Davis this year. But even with those five, that's quite a few players to be vying for a spot on an NFL team.

In most cases, that would have me worried. But this UDFA class is not lacking in talent. There's really a lot to unpack when you peel back the layers.

Veteran Players Developing Roles

The other thing I've noticed after watching the Dallas Cowboys in preseason was that a few of our rookies from last year are seemingly turning the corner this year.

We have Semi Fehoko. Fehoko and Brandon Smith looked like two most polished receivers out there. Without seeing it with my own eyes, I'll have to trust the word of reporters and other fans who attended the Cowboys' training camp who say Noah Brown had a good camp.

We didn't see him out there for even a snap, which can only lead us to conclude that Brown has already secured a starting role on offense, and he likely didn't play because the Cowboys didn't want to risk injury to a key player.

With that said, I'm looking forward to see how our second year players like Fehoko, Kelvin Joseph, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston, Bohanna and Galloway play. I definitely noticed some improvement in Galloway and Bohanna. I'm almost positive Odighizuwa will improve on last year's performance.

And despite the fact we no longer have Tyron Smith, I think our running game improves.

I expect the Cowboys to lean on the 12 personnel sets and the creativity of Kellen Moore this year, who I happen to be a big fan of.

I see us as more of ball control, bully ball style of offense. We may not have the best play at left tackle, but then again, I'm optimistic that whatever we do we'll be able to get the run game going consistently since we seem to have a healthy stable of running backs.

Shampklin went out with an injury in preseason, so that may be a blessing in disguise because it allows you to keep him on the injured reserve list and play him after the second half of the season.

So, if I'm the Cowboys, I run the ball this year, and run it some more.

Driving the Bus, Slow and Steady

The Dallas Cowboys have Cee Dee Lamb, and players who can beat you deep like Fehoko and Hendershot, but I think their bread and butter will be setting teams up with the dink and dunk stuff, and letting our players beat you with their athleticism after the catch. Logic tells you that the longer Dak holds onto the ball, the more he's exposed to pressure.

So the Cowboys should perfect their short to medium range passing game, along with a heavy dose of the run game. If they do that, the longer range passes will come.

Overall, I would like to see the Cowboys using the pass to set up the run by going for high-percentage pass plays to get defenses thinking pass. If you can get them thinking pass first, then you'll have more success in with the run game.

Outlook

I'm optimistic for the season. I see the Cowboys anywhere from a 10-7 to a 12-5 team due to a much improved defense.

I would like to note that the defense was ranked number 8 in points allowed last year. To me, points allowed is the most important metric to ranking a defense.

I expect the Cowboys to be a top 5 defense in points allowed in 2022. If they're able to accomplish that, I like their chances at a playoff run.

Below is my guess at the 53, with a tad bit of my own biases inserted into the few roster spots that are up for grabs.


Quarterbacks (2)

Prescott
Grier (I still say Grier, but DiNucci turned it on tonight a little bit. I would poach Strong from the Eagles if I could.)

Running Backs (3)

Zeke
Pollard
Davis (Even though Shampklin may have outplayed him by a tad, I place him on PUP and see how Davis does.)

Receivers (6 for now until Gallup returns)

Lamb
Fehoko
Tolbert
Brown
Turpin (James Houston sounds nice, but there's not enough space for him behind Fehoko, Tolbert, Brown. What would he do when Gallup returns? In any case, you really don't need 7 receivers and you can get by with 6.
B. Smith

Tight Ends (3)

Schultz
Ferguson
Hendershot (More upside than McKeon, overall. Hendershot has an 8.4 RAS, so he's got more athleticism, even though he's a tad smaller. If Ferguson or Schultz get hurt, you still need a well-rounded TE and I think Hendershot is a more complete player, and likely a better STer, too. Place McKeon on the PS, as a veteran.)


Offensive Line (9)

Ball/Veteran Free Agent
T. Biadasz
T. Smith
Terence Steele
Zack

McGovern
Farniok

One of these two scenarios.

Empey (perhaps the Cowboys go with 2 back up centers, given the headache the middle of the OL was last year. Plus, Farniok can play guard. You can also release one when Gallup/Washington returns. If Farniok plays guard, Empey backs up at C. Then again, Empey probably doesn't make it.)

*Waletzko (swing tackle if healthy. If not, we'll have to find a vet and put Well let's go on PUP).

Cornerbacks (6)

Diggs
Bland
Brown
Joseph
Lewis
Wright

Safeties (4)

Kearse
Hooker
Bell
Mukuamu (Mukuamu is better than Wilson, in my opinion. And cheaper. Plus, do you really need 5 safeties?)

Defensive Ends (6)

D-law
Dorance
Fowler
Williams
Basham

Defensive Tackles (5)

Gallimore
Bohanna
Oddigy
Hill
Golston (It's either Golston or Ridgeway. I'll take Golston. I honestly don't like Ridgeway, whatsoever. Overrated.)


Linebackers (6)

Parsons
Barr
LVE
Cox (I could go Cox or Gifford here. Neither are very good at this point)
Harper
Jefferson (Could be Jackson, maybe Gifford)

Special Teams (3)

Anger
Kicker (hopefully not Maher, although it's him right now.)
McQuade

great write up!
I agree on all your roster picks.
I’m not as optimistic on the season predictions. I think our offense struggles.

 

[Silver N Blue]

After three preseason games, I have concluded that this off-season has been one of the most interesting in decades. First, and most obvious, we actually had a pretty good draft. We bring in Sam Williams, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert, and Devin Harper.

I like all of those guys.

Williams will be a force on defense. And I'm for keeping him at guard, but wherever Tyler Smith plays, I think he'll do well for us. I can't remember who it was, but a Wisconsin fan was talking to me about Ferguson, saying, "I can't wait to watch him on third and Ferguson." That's exactly what I see: a 3rd down machine. And I think Jalen Tolbert and DaRon Bland both end up being great players for us during their careers. And I think both contribute this year.

UDFA's Make 2022 Offseason Most Interesting in Decades

But this off-season was one of the most interesting because of our UDFAs. We've got a lot of talent there. First, we brought in two really nice running backs: Aaron Shampklin and Malik Davis. I'm not sure which one the Cowboys keep, but I suspect Shampklin goes on PUP and Davis makes the team.

On top of the two preseason standouts at running back, we also brought in a talented TE, Payton Hendershot whose ceiling is the limit. Many thought Hendershot would worthy of a draft pick. In any case, off-the-field issues devalued his draft stock.

Voila.

He's a Cowboy via the undrafted free agency.

Good pick up with Hendershot. It's like getting a free draft pick!

After Hendershot, we have Marquese Bell, who hasn't played perfectly. But he has played rather well at times, tackling along the line as well along the line and recording an interception while defending the pass.

It appears that Bell is another good signing who can not only make the team, but has potential to challenge the starters and push whichever player wins the spot through competition.

Brandon Smith is another player who has a shot to break the roster. He possesses enough talent that he could eventually earn some playing time. Thus far, he's recorded the two longest receptions throughout the preseason.

And don't count out James Houston. Many have reported about the chemistry he has after working with Dak Prescott in the offseason.

Honorable mentions for the 2022 UDFA class are: James Empey, Juanyeh Thomas, and Mika Tafau.

I think there's a good likelihood we see someone else's name other than Bell, Hendershot, Smith, Houston or Davis this year. But even with those five, that's quite a few players to be vying for a spot on an NFL team.

In most cases, that would have me worried. But this UDFA class is not lacking in talent. There's really a lot to unpack when you peel back the layers.

Veteran Players Developing Roles

The other thing I've noticed after watching the Dallas Cowboys in preseason was that a few of our rookies from last year are seemingly turning the corner this year.

We have Semi Fehoko. Fehoko and Brandon Smith looked like two most polished receivers out there. Without seeing it with my own eyes, I'll have to trust the word of reporters and other fans who attended the Cowboys' training camp who say Noah Brown had a good camp.

We didn't see him out there for even a snap, which can only lead us to conclude that Brown has already secured a starting role on offense, and he likely didn't play because the Cowboys didn't want to risk injury to a key player.

With that said, I'm looking forward to see how our second year players like Fehoko, Kelvin Joseph, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston, Bohanna and Galloway play. I definitely noticed some improvement in Galloway and Bohanna. I'm almost positive Odighizuwa will improve on last year's performance.

And despite the fact we no longer have Tyron Smith, I think our running game improves.

I expect the Cowboys to lean on the 12 personnel sets and the creativity of Kellen Moore this year, who I happen to be a big fan of.

I see us as more of ball control, bully ball style of offense. We may not have the best play at left tackle, but then again, I'm optimistic that whatever we do we'll be able to get the run game going consistently since we seem to have a healthy stable of running backs.

Shampklin went out with an injury in preseason, so that may be a blessing in disguise because it allows you to keep him on the injured reserve list and play him after the second half of the season.

So, if I'm the Cowboys, I run the ball this year, and run it some more.

Driving the Bus, Slow and Steady

The Dallas Cowboys have Cee Dee Lamb, and players who can beat you deep like Fehoko and Hendershot, but I think their bread and butter will be setting teams up with the dink and dunk stuff, and letting our players beat you with their athleticism after the catch. Logic tells you that the longer Dak holds onto the ball, the more he's exposed to pressure.

So the Cowboys should perfect their short to medium range passing game, along with a heavy dose of the run game. If they do that, the longer range passes will come.

Overall, I would like to see the Cowboys using the pass to set up the run by going for high-percentage pass plays to get defenses thinking pass. If you can get them thinking pass first, then you'll have more success in with the run game.

Outlook

I'm optimistic for the season. I see the Cowboys anywhere from a 10-7 to a 12-5 team due to a much improved defense.

I would like to note that the defense was ranked number 8 in points allowed last year. To me, points allowed is the most important metric to ranking a defense.

I expect the Cowboys to be a top 5 defense in points allowed in 2022. If they're able to accomplish that, I like their chances at a playoff run.

Below is my guess at the 53, with a tad bit of my own biases inserted into the few roster spots that are up for grabs.


Quarterbacks (2)

Prescott
Grier (I still say Grier, but DiNucci turned it on tonight a little bit. I would poach Strong from the Eagles if I could.)

Running Backs (3)

Zeke
Pollard
Davis (Even though Shampklin may have outplayed him by a tad, I place him on PUP and see how Davis does.)

Receivers (6 for now until Gallup returns)

Lamb
Fehoko
Tolbert
Brown
Turpin (James Houston sounds nice, but there's not enough space for him behind Fehoko, Tolbert, Brown. What would he do when Gallup returns? In any case, you really don't need 7 receivers and you can get by with 6.
B. Smith

Tight Ends (3)

Schultz
Ferguson
Hendershot (More upside than McKeon, overall. Hendershot has an 8.4 RAS, so he's got more athleticism, even though he's a tad smaller. If Ferguson or Schultz get hurt, you still need a well-rounded TE and I think Hendershot is a more complete player, and likely a better STer, too. Place McKeon on the PS, as a veteran.)


Offensive Line (9)

Ball/Veteran Free Agent
T. Biadasz
T. Smith
Terence Steele
Zack

McGovern
Farniok

One of these two scenarios.

Empey (perhaps the Cowboys go with 2 back up centers, given the headache the middle of the OL was last year. Plus, Farniok can play guard. You can also release one when Gallup/Washington returns. If Farniok plays guard, Empey backs up at C. Then again, Empey probably doesn't make it.)

*Waletzko (swing tackle if healthy. If not, we'll have to find a vet and put Well let's go on PUP).

Cornerbacks (6)

Diggs
Bland
Brown
Joseph
Lewis
Wright

Safeties (4)

Kearse
Hooker
Bell
Mukuamu (Mukuamu is better than Wilson, in my opinion. And cheaper. Plus, do you really need 5 safeties?)

Defensive Ends (6)

D-law
Dorance
Fowler
Williams
Basham

Defensive Tackles (5)

Gallimore
Bohanna
Oddigy
Hill
Golston (It's either Golston or Ridgeway. I'll take Golston. I honestly don't like Ridgeway, whatsoever. Overrated.)


Linebackers (6)

Parsons
Barr
LVE
Cox (I could go Cox or Gifford here. Neither are very good at this point)
Harper
Jefferson (Could be Jackson, maybe Gifford)

Special Teams (3)

Anger
Kicker (hopefully not Maher, although it's him right now.)
McQuade

Well though of nice post. Like the 53.

 

[Sydla]

You say 6 DEs but list 5.

Golston isn’t a full time DT.

 

[ESisback]

I agree with most of the outlook. However a few difference with the roster.

I think the big thing for me is who might get poached. Personally, I doubt either of Dowdle/Davis at RB or Smith/Houston at WR would get claimed by another team and even if they did it just makes the choice easy for us (keep the other one). On the other hand I think if either of McKeon/Hendershot are cut, Ridgeway or Wilson, then I think they probably get claimed. So I would be very reluctant to let them go (expecting them to not make the practice squad).

To me, the way through roster cuts is obviously to firstly have a handshake deal with the vested veterans on one year deals. But after that's exhausted I think we should just cut the 3rd RB and 6th WR and hope they make it to the practice squad. If they do make it past that week 1 waiver claim then under current rules we have the power to elevate up to two players from the practice squad without subjecting them to further waiver claims. Of course, you can only elevate a player three times before they must be made a part of the 53 man roster but by week 3 who know where the roster sits with injury or COVID outs. We might have space then.

Anyone with real potential will get poached.

 

[Carson]

I’m looking for a backup QB with potential like Skyler Thompson in Miami to replace all of the backups

 

[Hawkeye0202]

 

[Jarntt]

Seems like a lot of people are making the same mistake (in my simple mind only of course) at TE. We need a TE that can block. Our OL may struggle and a good blocking TE is imperative and McKeon will thus make the team. We can talk all we want about how we think the others can block but none of them are lining up and blocking like McKeon. TE is a separate position from WR for a reason.

as far as #3 RB goes my question is still which is best on STs because they aren’t getting touches most games and if injury strikes you can call them up from the practice squad if you like their running ability.

 

[kskboys]

I agree with most of the outlook. However a few difference with the roster.

I think the big thing for me is who might get poached. Personally, I doubt either of Dowdle/Davis at RB or Smith/Houston at WR would get claimed by another team and even if they did it just makes the choice easy for us (keep the other one). On the other hand I think if either of McKeon/Hendershot are cut, Ridgeway or Wilson, then I think they probably get claimed. So I would be very reluctant to let them go (expecting them to not make the practice squad).

To me, the way through roster cuts is obviously to firstly have a handshake deal with the vested veterans on one year deals. But after that's exhausted I think we should just cut the 3rd RB and 6th WR and hope they make it to the practice squad. If they do make it past that week 1 waiver claim then under current rules we have the power to elevate up to two players from the practice squad without subjecting them to further waiver claims. Of course, you can only elevate a player three times before they must be made a part of the 53 man roster but by week 3 who know where the roster sits with injury or COVID outs. We might have space then.

You think Dowdle is ahead of Shampklin?

 

[JoeKing]

The 2022 Dallas Cowboys have the greatest assembly of talent that no one has heard of yet. I can't wait to see them make their introductions. They remind me of our early '90s team just before they started winning Super Bowls. They are about to shock the world, folks. Enjoy!

 

[Jarntt]

Defensive Ends (6)

D-law
Dorance
Fowler
Williams
Basham


Linebackers (6)

Parsons
Barr
LVE
Cox (I could go Cox or Gifford here. Neither are very good at this point)
Harper
Jefferson (Could be Jackson, maybe Gifford)

That’s 5DEs, who is your #6?

Please don’t take this the wrong way, but your take on Cox (that it’s a tossup between he and Gifford and we could go either way on him making the roster) is probably the most off base I’ve seen on any roster projection so far. At first I thought you were kidding.

 

[big dog cowboy]

After three preseason games, I have concluded that this off-season has been one of the most interesting in decades. First, and most obvious, we actually had a pretty good draft. We bring in Sam Williams, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert, and Devin Harper.

I like all of those guys.

Williams will be a force on defense. And I'm for keeping him at guard, but wherever Tyler Smith plays, I think he'll do well for us. I can't remember who it was, but a Wisconsin fan was talking to me about Ferguson, saying, "I can't wait to watch him on third and Ferguson." That's exactly what I see: a 3rd down machine. And I think Jalen Tolbert and DaRon Bland both end up being great players for us during their careers. And I think both contribute this year.

UDFA's Make 2022 Offseason Most Interesting in Decades

But this off-season was one of the most interesting because of our UDFAs. We've got a lot of talent there. First, we brought in two really nice running backs: Aaron Shampklin and Malik Davis. I'm not sure which one the Cowboys keep, but I suspect Shampklin goes on PUP and Davis makes the team.

On top of the two preseason standouts at running back, we also brought in a talented TE, Payton Hendershot whose ceiling is the limit. Many thought Hendershot would worthy of a draft pick. In any case, off-the-field issues devalued his draft stock.

Voila.

He's a Cowboy via the undrafted free agency.

Good pick up with Hendershot. It's like getting a free draft pick!

After Hendershot, we have Marquese Bell, who hasn't played perfectly. But he has played rather well at times, tackling along the line as well along the line and recording an interception while defending the pass.

It appears that Bell is another good signing who can not only make the team, but has potential to challenge the starters and push whichever player wins the spot through competition.

Brandon Smith is another player who has a shot to break the roster. He possesses enough talent that he could eventually earn some playing time. Thus far, he's recorded the two longest receptions throughout the preseason.

And don't count out James Houston. Many have reported about the chemistry he has after working with Dak Prescott in the offseason.

Honorable mentions for the 2022 UDFA class are: James Empey, Juanyeh Thomas, and Mika Tafau.

I think there's a good likelihood we see someone else's name other than Bell, Hendershot, Smith, Houston or Davis this year. But even with those five, that's quite a few players to be vying for a spot on an NFL team.

In most cases, that would have me worried. But this UDFA class is not lacking in talent. There's really a lot to unpack when you peel back the layers.

Veteran Players Developing Roles

The other thing I've noticed after watching the Dallas Cowboys in preseason was that a few of our rookies from last year are seemingly turning the corner this year.

We have Semi Fehoko. Fehoko and Brandon Smith looked like two most polished receivers out there. Without seeing it with my own eyes, I'll have to trust the word of reporters and other fans who attended the Cowboys' training camp who say Noah Brown had a good camp.

We didn't see him out there for even a snap, which can only lead us to conclude that Brown has already secured a starting role on offense, and he likely didn't play because the Cowboys didn't want to risk injury to a key player.

With that said, I'm looking forward to see how our second year players like Fehoko, Kelvin Joseph, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston, Bohanna and Galloway play. I definitely noticed some improvement in Galloway and Bohanna. I'm almost positive Odighizuwa will improve on last year's performance.

And despite the fact we no longer have Tyron Smith, I think our running game improves.

I expect the Cowboys to lean on the 12 personnel sets and the creativity of Kellen Moore this year, who I happen to be a big fan of.

I see us as more of ball control, bully ball style of offense. We may not have the best play at left tackle, but then again, I'm optimistic that whatever we do we'll be able to get the run game going consistently since we seem to have a healthy stable of running backs.

Shampklin went out with an injury in preseason, so that may be a blessing in disguise because it allows you to keep him on the injured reserve list and play him after the second half of the season.

So, if I'm the Cowboys, I run the ball this year, and run it some more.

Driving the Bus, Slow and Steady

The Dallas Cowboys have Cee Dee Lamb, and players who can beat you deep like Fehoko and Hendershot, but I think their bread and butter will be setting teams up with the dink and dunk stuff, and letting our players beat you with their athleticism after the catch. Logic tells you that the longer Dak holds onto the ball, the more he's exposed to pressure.

So the Cowboys should perfect their short to medium range passing game, along with a heavy dose of the run game. If they do that, the longer range passes will come.

Overall, I would like to see the Cowboys using the pass to set up the run by going for high-percentage pass plays to get defenses thinking pass. If you can get them thinking pass first, then you'll have more success in with the run game.

Outlook

I'm optimistic for the season. I see the Cowboys anywhere from a 10-7 to a 12-5 team due to a much improved defense.

I would like to note that the defense was ranked number 8 in points allowed last year. To me, points allowed is the most important metric to ranking a defense.

I expect the Cowboys to be a top 5 defense in points allowed in 2022. If they're able to accomplish that, I like their chances at a playoff run.

Below is my guess at the 53, with a tad bit of my own biases inserted into the few roster spots that are up for grabs.


Quarterbacks (2)

Prescott
Grier (I still say Grier, but DiNucci turned it on tonight a little bit. I would poach Strong from the Eagles if I could.)

Running Backs (3)

Zeke
Pollard
Davis (Even though Shampklin may have outplayed him by a tad, I place him on PUP and see how Davis does.)

Receivers (6 for now until Gallup returns)

Lamb
Fehoko
Tolbert
Brown
Turpin (James Houston sounds nice, but there's not enough space for him behind Fehoko, Tolbert, Brown. What would he do when Gallup returns? In any case, you really don't need 7 receivers and you can get by with 6.
B. Smith

Tight Ends (3)

Schultz
Ferguson
Hendershot (More upside than McKeon, overall. Hendershot has an 8.4 RAS, so he's got more athleticism, even though he's a tad smaller. If Ferguson or Schultz get hurt, you still need a well-rounded TE and I think Hendershot is a more complete player, and likely a better STer, too. Place McKeon on the PS, as a veteran.)


Offensive Line (9)

Ball/Veteran Free Agent
T. Biadasz
T. Smith
Terence Steele
Zack

McGovern
Farniok

One of these two scenarios.

Empey (perhaps the Cowboys go with 2 back up centers, given the headache the middle of the OL was last year. Plus, Farniok can play guard. You can also release one when Gallup/Washington returns. If Farniok plays guard, Empey backs up at C. Then again, Empey probably doesn't make it.)

*Waletzko (swing tackle if healthy. If not, we'll have to find a vet and put Well let's go on PUP).

Cornerbacks (6)

Diggs
Bland
Brown
Joseph
Lewis
Wright

Safeties (4)

Kearse
Hooker
Bell
Mukuamu (Mukuamu is better than Wilson, in my opinion. And cheaper. Plus, do you really need 5 safeties?)

Defensive Ends (6)

D-law
Dorance
Fowler
Williams
Basham

Defensive Tackles (5)

Gallimore
Bohanna
Oddigy
Hill
Golston (It's either Golston or Ridgeway. I'll take Golston. I honestly don't like Ridgeway, whatsoever. Overrated.)


Linebackers (6)

Parsons
Barr
LVE
Cox (I could go Cox or Gifford here. Neither are very good at this point)
Harper
Jefferson (Could be Jackson, maybe Gifford)

Special Teams (3)

Anger
Kicker (hopefully not Maher, although it's him right now.)
McQuade

 

[timb2]

I'm going with this as my Final 53 Cowboy Roster.




QB
Dak Prescott
Cooper Rush
Will Grier

RB
Ezekiel Elliott
Tony Pollard
Malik Davis

WR
CeeDee Lamb
Noah Brown
Simi Fehoko
Jalen Tolbert
Dennis Houston
Brandon Smith


TE
Dalton Schultz
Jake Ferguson
Peyton Hendershot


LT
Tyler Smith
Matt Waletzko


LG
Connor McGovern
Avainte Collins


C
Tyler Biadiaz
Matt Farinok


RG
Zack Martin


RT
Terrence Steele
Josh Ball



RDE
Daunte Fowler
Tarell Basham

RDT
Osa Odighizuwa
Trystin Hill


LDT
Neville Gallimore
Quinton Bohanna


LDE
Demarcus Lawrence
Sam Williams
Chauncy Golston


OLB
Anthony Barr
Jabril Cox
Storey Jackson


MLB
Micah Parsons
Leighton Vander Esch
Devin Harper



RCB
Trevon Diggs
Nashon Wright


LCB
Anthony Brown
Daron Bland


NICKEL
Jourdan Lewis


FS
Malik Hooker
Markese Bell
Juanyeh Thomas


SS
Jayron Kearse
Israel Mukamu


P
Bryan Anger

K
Brett Maher

LS
Jake McQuade

PR/KR
Kavonte Turpin



INJURED RESERVE
Michael Gallup
James Washington
Tyron Smith
Damone Clark
Kelvin Joseph


16 MAN PRACTICE SQUAD
Ben DiNucci
Aaron Shampklin
T. J. Vasher
Sean McKeon
Amon Simon
James Empey
Alec Lindstrom
John Ridgeway
Josiah Bronson
Mika Tafua
Big Kat Bryant
Malik Jefferson
Issia Taylor- Stuart
Tyler Coyle
2 to be named

INTERNATIONAL
Issiac Alarcon


KEY CUTS
Rico Dowdle( Just came down that I think Malik Davis has more upside and we lose Davis on waivers. I like Dowdle just became a numbers crunch)

Braylon Jones( Constantly struggled)

Dorrance Armstrong( I truly do not get the love affair for him. For me, he is like players Demetric Evans or Brandon Noble try hard but athletically they are in over their head)

Carlos Watkins( Just a numbers game and Hill & Bohanna outshines him as the backups)

Luke Gifford( I think we have gone as far as we can go with him. Decent player but better talent on the roster)

Donovan Wilson( I like him,but better talent on the roster)

CJ Goodwin( His age is a factor. He is over 30)

 

[Whyjerry]

After three preseason games, I have concluded that this off-season has been one of the most interesting in decades. First, and most obvious, we actually had a pretty good draft. We bring in Sam Williams, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert, and Devin Harper.

I like all of those guys.

Williams will be a force on defense. And I'm for keeping him at guard, but wherever Tyler Smith plays, I think he'll do well for us. I can't remember who it was, but a Wisconsin fan was talking to me about Ferguson, saying, "I can't wait to watch him on third and Ferguson." That's exactly what I see: a 3rd down machine. And I think Jalen Tolbert and DaRon Bland both end up being great players for us during their careers. And I think both contribute this year.

UDFA's Make 2022 Offseason Most Interesting in Decades

But this off-season was one of the most interesting because of our UDFAs. We've got a lot of talent there. First, we brought in two really nice running backs: Aaron Shampklin and Malik Davis. I'm not sure which one the Cowboys keep, but I suspect Shampklin goes on PUP and Davis makes the team.

On top of the two preseason standouts at running back, we also brought in a talented TE, Payton Hendershot whose ceiling is the limit. Many thought Hendershot would worthy of a draft pick. In any case, off-the-field issues devalued his draft stock.

Voila.

He's a Cowboy via the undrafted free agency.

Good pick up with Hendershot. It's like getting a free draft pick!

After Hendershot, we have Marquese Bell, who hasn't played perfectly. But he has played rather well at times, tackling along the line as well along the line and recording an interception while defending the pass.

It appears that Bell is another good signing who can not only make the team, but has potential to challenge the starters and push whichever player wins the spot through competition.

Brandon Smith is another player who has a shot to break the roster. He possesses enough talent that he could eventually earn some playing time. Thus far, he's recorded the two longest receptions throughout the preseason.

And don't count out James Houston. Many have reported about the chemistry he has after working with Dak Prescott in the offseason.

Honorable mentions for the 2022 UDFA class are: James Empey, Juanyeh Thomas, and Mika Tafau.

I think there's a good likelihood we see someone else's name other than Bell, Hendershot, Smith, Houston or Davis this year. But even with those five, that's quite a few players to be vying for a spot on an NFL team.

In most cases, that would have me worried. But this UDFA class is not lacking in talent. There's really a lot to unpack when you peel back the layers.

Veteran Players Developing Roles

The other thing I've noticed after watching the Dallas Cowboys in preseason was that a few of our rookies from last year are seemingly turning the corner this year.

We have Semi Fehoko. Fehoko and Brandon Smith looked like two most polished receivers out there. Without seeing it with my own eyes, I'll have to trust the word of reporters and other fans who attended the Cowboys' training camp who say Noah Brown had a good camp.

We didn't see him out there for even a snap, which can only lead us to conclude that Brown has already secured a starting role on offense, and he likely didn't play because the Cowboys didn't want to risk injury to a key player.

With that said, I'm looking forward to see how our second year players like Fehoko, Kelvin Joseph, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston, Bohanna and Galloway play. I definitely noticed some improvement in Galloway and Bohanna. I'm almost positive Odighizuwa will improve on last year's performance.

And despite the fact we no longer have Tyron Smith, I think our running game improves.

I expect the Cowboys to lean on the 12 personnel sets and the creativity of Kellen Moore this year, who I happen to be a big fan of.

I see us as more of ball control, bully ball style of offense. We may not have the best play at left tackle, but then again, I'm optimistic that whatever we do we'll be able to get the run game going consistently since we seem to have a healthy stable of running backs.

Shampklin went out with an injury in preseason, so that may be a blessing in disguise because it allows you to keep him on the injured reserve list and play him after the second half of the season.

So, if I'm the Cowboys, I run the ball this year, and run it some more.

Driving the Bus, Slow and Steady

The Dallas Cowboys have Cee Dee Lamb, and players who can beat you deep like Fehoko and Hendershot, but I think their bread and butter will be setting teams up with the dink and dunk stuff, and letting our players beat you with their athleticism after the catch. Logic tells you that the longer Dak holds onto the ball, the more he's exposed to pressure.

So the Cowboys should perfect their short to medium range passing game, along with a heavy dose of the run game. If they do that, the longer range passes will come.

Overall, I would like to see the Cowboys using the pass to set up the run by going for high-percentage pass plays to get defenses thinking pass. If you can get them thinking pass first, then you'll have more success in with the run game.

Outlook

I'm optimistic for the season. I see the Cowboys anywhere from a 10-7 to a 12-5 team due to a much improved defense.

I would like to note that the defense was ranked number 8 in points allowed last year. To me, points allowed is the most important metric to ranking a defense.

I expect the Cowboys to be a top 5 defense in points allowed in 2022. If they're able to accomplish that, I like their chances at a playoff run.

Below is my guess at the 53, with a tad bit of my own biases inserted into the few roster spots that are up for grabs.


Quarterbacks (2)

Prescott
Grier (I still say Grier, but DiNucci turned it on tonight a little bit. I would poach Strong from the Eagles if I could.)

Running Backs (3)

Zeke
Pollard
Davis (Even though Shampklin may have outplayed him by a tad, I place him on PUP and see how Davis does.)

Receivers (6 for now until Gallup returns)

Lamb
Fehoko
Tolbert
Brown
Turpin (James Houston sounds nice, but there's not enough space for him behind Fehoko, Tolbert, Brown. What would he do when Gallup returns? In any case, you really don't need 7 receivers and you can get by with 6.
B. Smith

Tight Ends (3)

Schultz
Ferguson
Hendershot (More upside than McKeon, overall. Hendershot has an 8.4 RAS, so he's got more athleticism, even though he's a tad smaller. If Ferguson or Schultz get hurt, you still need a well-rounded TE and I think Hendershot is a more complete player, and likely a better STer, too. Place McKeon on the PS, as a veteran.)


Offensive Line (9)

Ball/Veteran Free Agent
T. Biadasz
T. Smith
Terence Steele
Zack

McGovern
Farniok

One of these two scenarios.

Empey (perhaps the Cowboys go with 2 back up centers, given the headache the middle of the OL was last year. Plus, Farniok can play guard. You can also release one when Gallup/Washington returns. If Farniok plays guard, Empey backs up at C. Then again, Empey probably doesn't make it.)

*Waletzko (swing tackle if healthy. If not, we'll have to find a vet and put Well let's go on PUP).

Cornerbacks (6)

Diggs
Bland
Brown
Joseph
Lewis
Wright

Safeties (4)

Kearse
Hooker
Bell
Mukuamu (Mukuamu is better than Wilson, in my opinion. And cheaper. Plus, do you really need 5 safeties?)

Defensive Ends (6)

D-law
Dorance
Fowler
Williams
Basham

Defensive Tackles (5)

Gallimore
Bohanna
Oddigy
Hill
Golston (It's either Golston or Ridgeway. I'll take Golston. I honestly don't like Ridgeway, whatsoever. Overrated.)


Linebackers (6)

Parsons
Barr
LVE
Cox (I could go Cox or Gifford here. Neither are very good at this point)
Harper
Jefferson (Could be Jackson, maybe Gifford)

Special Teams (3)

Anger
Kicker (hopefully not Maher, although it's him right now.)
McQuade

This is an opus like post.

 

[john van brocklin]

After three preseason games, I have concluded that this off-season has been one of the most interesting in decades. First, and most obvious, we actually had a pretty good draft. We bring in Sam Williams, Tyler Smith, DaRon Bland, Jake Ferguson, Jalen Tolbert, and Devin Harper.

I like all of those guys.

Williams will be a force on defense. And I'm for keeping him at guard, but wherever Tyler Smith plays, I think he'll do well for us. I can't remember who it was, but a Wisconsin fan was talking to me about Ferguson, saying, "I can't wait to watch him on third and Ferguson." That's exactly what I see: a 3rd down machine. And I think Jalen Tolbert and DaRon Bland both end up being great players for us during their careers. And I think both contribute this year.

UDFA's Make 2022 Offseason Most Interesting in Decades

But this off-season was one of the most interesting because of our UDFAs. We've got a lot of talent there. First, we brought in two really nice running backs: Aaron Shampklin and Malik Davis. I'm not sure which one the Cowboys keep, but I suspect Shampklin goes on PUP and Davis makes the team.

On top of the two preseason standouts at running back, we also brought in a talented TE, Payton Hendershot whose ceiling is the limit. Many thought Hendershot would worthy of a draft pick. In any case, off-the-field issues devalued his draft stock.

Voila.

He's a Cowboy via the undrafted free agency.

Good pick up with Hendershot. It's like getting a free draft pick!

After Hendershot, we have Marquese Bell, who hasn't played perfectly. But he has played rather well at times, tackling along the line as well along the line and recording an interception while defending the pass.

It appears that Bell is another good signing who can not only make the team, but has potential to challenge the starters and push whichever player wins the spot through competition.

Brandon Smith is another player who has a shot to break the roster. He possesses enough talent that he could eventually earn some playing time. Thus far, he's recorded the two longest receptions throughout the preseason.

And don't count out James Houston. Many have reported about the chemistry he has after working with Dak Prescott in the offseason.

Honorable mentions for the 2022 UDFA class are: James Empey, Juanyeh Thomas, and Mika Tafau.

I think there's a good likelihood we see someone else's name other than Bell, Hendershot, Smith, Houston or Davis this year. But even with those five, that's quite a few players to be vying for a spot on an NFL team.

In most cases, that would have me worried. But this UDFA class is not lacking in talent. There's really a lot to unpack when you peel back the layers.

Veteran Players Developing Roles

The other thing I've noticed after watching the Dallas Cowboys in preseason was that a few of our rookies from last year are seemingly turning the corner this year.

We have Semi Fehoko. Fehoko and Brandon Smith looked like two most polished receivers out there. Without seeing it with my own eyes, I'll have to trust the word of reporters and other fans who attended the Cowboys' training camp who say Noah Brown had a good camp.

We didn't see him out there for even a snap, which can only lead us to conclude that Brown has already secured a starting role on offense, and he likely didn't play because the Cowboys didn't want to risk injury to a key player.

With that said, I'm looking forward to see how our second year players like Fehoko, Kelvin Joseph, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston, Bohanna and Galloway play. I definitely noticed some improvement in Galloway and Bohanna. I'm almost positive Odighizuwa will improve on last year's performance.

And despite the fact we no longer have Tyron Smith, I think our running game improves.

I expect the Cowboys to lean on the 12 personnel sets and the creativity of Kellen Moore this year, who I happen to be a big fan of.

I see us as more of ball control, bully ball style of offense. We may not have the best play at left tackle, but then again, I'm optimistic that whatever we do we'll be able to get the run game going consistently since we seem to have a healthy stable of running backs.

Shampklin went out with an injury in preseason, so that may be a blessing in disguise because it allows you to keep him on the injured reserve list and play him after the second half of the season.

So, if I'm the Cowboys, I run the ball this year, and run it some more.

Driving the Bus, Slow and Steady

The Dallas Cowboys have Cee Dee Lamb, and players who can beat you deep like Fehoko and Hendershot, but I think their bread and butter will be setting teams up with the dink and dunk stuff, and letting our players beat you with their athleticism after the catch. Logic tells you that the longer Dak holds onto the ball, the more he's exposed to pressure.

So the Cowboys should perfect their short to medium range passing game, along with a heavy dose of the run game. If they do that, the longer range passes will come.

Overall, I would like to see the Cowboys using the pass to set up the run by going for high-percentage pass plays to get defenses thinking pass. If you can get them thinking pass first, then you'll have more success in with the run game.

Outlook

I'm optimistic for the season. I see the Cowboys anywhere from a 10-7 to a 12-5 team due to a much improved defense.

I would like to note that the defense was ranked number 8 in points allowed last year. To me, points allowed is the most important metric to ranking a defense.

I expect the Cowboys to be a top 5 defense in points allowed in 2022. If they're able to accomplish that, I like their chances at a playoff run.

Below is my guess at the 53, with a tad bit of my own biases inserted into the few roster spots that are up for grabs.


Quarterbacks (2)

Prescott
Grier (I still say Grier, but DiNucci turned it on tonight a little bit. I would poach Strong from the Eagles if I could.)

Running Backs (3)

Zeke
Pollard
Davis (Even though Shampklin may have outplayed him by a tad, I place him on PUP and see how Davis does.)

Receivers (6 for now until Gallup returns)

Lamb
Fehoko
Tolbert
Brown
Turpin (James Houston sounds nice, but there's not enough space for him behind Fehoko, Tolbert, Brown. What would he do when Gallup returns? In any case, you really don't need 7 receivers and you can get by with 6.
B. Smith

Tight Ends (3)

Schultz
Ferguson
Hendershot (More upside than McKeon, overall. Hendershot has an 8.4 RAS, so he's got more athleticism, even though he's a tad smaller. If Ferguson or Schultz get hurt, you still need a well-rounded TE and I think Hendershot is a more complete player, and likely a better STer, too. Place McKeon on the PS, as a veteran.)


Offensive Line (9)

Ball/Veteran Free Agent
T. Biadasz
T. Smith
Terence Steele
Zack

McGovern
Farniok

One of these two scenarios.

Empey (perhaps the Cowboys go with 2 back up centers, given the headache the middle of the OL was last year. Plus, Farniok can play guard. You can also release one when Gallup/Washington returns. If Farniok plays guard, Empey backs up at C. Then again, Empey probably doesn't make it.)

*Waletzko (swing tackle if healthy. If not, we'll have to find a vet and put Well let's go on PUP).

Cornerbacks (6)

Diggs
Bland
Brown
Joseph
Lewis
Wright

Safeties (4)

Kearse
Hooker
Bell
Mukuamu (Mukuamu is better than Wilson, in my opinion. And cheaper. Plus, do you really need 5 safeties?)

Defensive Ends (6)

D-law
Dorance
Fowler
Williams
Basham

Defensive Tackles (5)

Gallimore
Bohanna
Oddigy
Hill
Golston (It's either Golston or Ridgeway. I'll take Golston. I honestly don't like Ridgeway, whatsoever. Overrated.)


Linebackers (6)

Parsons
Barr
LVE
Cox (I could go Cox or Gifford here. Neither are very good at this point)
Harper
Jefferson (Could be Jackson, maybe Gifford)

Special Teams (3)

Anger
Kicker (hopefully not Maher, although it's him right now.)
McQuade

Nice write up, full of good insight.
Thanks for your work here.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

My take? In a nutshell:

The backup talent is weak overall.

Without ANY play by Dak, Zeke, Martin, Lawrence, Parsons etc. all we can do is evaluate the backups against other teams' backups, and it wasn't pretty.

Nothing at all can we glean about the regular season team. Not like the old days when the starters would play at least a quarter in the next to last game so you could at least see if they appeared healthy and in sync with their teammates.

I do NOT like the starters sitting out the entire preseason unless they are like the late 60's/early 70's teams that had played together for several years and didn't need a lot of work to get ready. Yes, I know injuries can occur but just because you didn't play in the preseason doesn't guarantee you won't get hurt in the regular season. But I'm not saying that's the way it should be, just my take on it.

 

[Carson]

My take? In a nutshell:

The backup talent is weak overall.

Without ANY play by Dak, Zeke, Martin, Lawrence, Parsons etc. all we can do is evaluate the backups against other teams' backups, and it wasn't pretty.

Nothing at all can we glean about the regular season team. Not like the old days when the starters would play at least a quarter in the next to last game so you could at least see if they appeared healthy and in sync with their teammates.

I do NOT like the starters sitting out the entire preseason unless they are like the late 60's/early 70's teams that had played together for several years and didn't need a lot of work to get ready. Yes, I know injuries can occur but just because you didn't play in the preseason doesn't guarantee you won't get hurt in the regular season. But I'm not saying that's the way it should be, just my take on it.

That’s most teams though. Look at Philly. Potential division winners and poised for a deep run. Their backups lost to Miami 48-10. Now, Miami did play some 1s and Philly did not. But we competed with Seattle’s 1s vs our 2s and 3s. I promise there is not panic in Philly over their depth.

 

[LACowboysFan1]

That’s most teams though. Look at Philly. Potential division winners and poised for a deep run. Their backups lost to Miami 48-10. Now, Miami did play some 1s and Philly did not. But we competed with Seattle’s 1s vs our 2s and 3s. I promise there is not panic in Philly over their depth.

Yes, most teams don't play starters much if any. Like I said I don't agree, though.

Couldn't care less if anybody panics in Philly or not....