Dallas Cowboys

Thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys 53-Man Roster

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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We give our initial thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys moves to establish their 53-man active roster over the weekend.

Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett (left) and owner Jerry Jones (right) talk during warm ups before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys had a busy week. Not only did the Cowboys have to cut down their roster from 90-men to only 53, they also played their final game of the preseason and found a veteran quarterback to play behind rookie Dak Prescott.

After an initial cut down from 90-players to 75 last Tuesday, the NFL required all franchises to get their active rosters down to just 53-players over the weekend. In doing so, every team placed numerous players on the waiver wire. As for the Cowboys, who owned the coveted fourth overall waiver position, they claimed no one,

Instead, the Cowboys cut several of their fringe players and placed some of those young men on their practice squad. Dallas’ inactivity was shocking considering the needs they have at both defensive end and at swing tackle along their offensive line.

But just because Dallas didn’t claim anyone this weekend doesn’t mean the Cowboys didn’t add value to their roster. The Cowboys signed quarterback Mark Sanchez after his release from the Denver Broncos. The veteran provide depth and experience at a position whose starter is injured and has a rookie at the helm in Week One.

With no further ado, here are our thoughts about the Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster and the overall moves the team has made so far.

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) is attended to after getting injured during the first quarter during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback (3)

Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, Mark Sanchez

Thoughts: The fact the Dallas Cowboys released second-year quarterback Jameill Showers in order to sign free agent veteran Mark Sanchez likely means the Cowboys will keep injured starter Tony Romo on their active 53-man roster.

The only other move Dallas could make would be to place the 36-year old on Injured Reserve (IR) with a designation to return. In doing so, the earliest Romo could play for the team would be Week Nine.

Instead, the Cowboys will probably take the roster hit and keep Romo part of their 53-man active roster, hoping he can return earlier than the six-to-ten week projection. But that also means rookie quarterback Dak Prescott will start under center with only Sanchez to back him up.

If both quarterbacks go down during a game, the Cowboys could be forced to turn to wide receiver Cole Beasley as an emergency option. Otherwise, Showers could be called up from the practice squad or another quarterback could be signed or traded for.

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) and outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) tackle Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back (4)

Ezekiel Elliott, Alfred Morris, Darius Jackson, Lance Dunbar

Thoughts: No real big surprises here. The Dallas Cowboys placed last year’s leading rusher Darren McFadden on the Non-Football Injury list, delaying their decision on his future with the team by another six weeks. When McFadden does return, it’s unlikely the Cowboys carry five running backs on their active roster.

But a lot can happen in six weeks, and the Cowboys decision could ultimately be made for them via poor play or injury. Other options include trading either Alfred Morris or McFadden. Preferably the latter since he is in the final year of his contract in Dallas anyway.

The Cowboys could opt to part ways with the injury-prone Lance Dunbar or sixth round rookie Darius Jackson as well. Fortunately, Dallas has bought themselves some time to decide by moving McFadden to the NFI List.

First round rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott should start the season for the Cowboys at running back. Veteran and two-time Pro Bowler Alfred Morris should be Zeke’s primary back-up. Expect Dunbar to be slowly worked in as the team’s main receiving option out of the backfield. And Jackson will likely see the majority of his playing time on special teams unless an injury occurs to one of the other three.

Aug 1, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rod Smith (45) carries the ball at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Fullback (2)

Keith Smith, Rod Smith

Thoughts: In one of their more shocking decisions, the Dallas Cowboys opted to retain both of their fullback projects. It’s is likely due to their ability to play special teams and their positional flex.

Rod Smith is a former running back who could be turned to in short yardage situations, an area the Cowboys struggled with last season. He could also fill in at running back if injuries start to plague the position.

Keith Smith is a former linebacker who could step into that role if needed in an emergency situation. He’s also more comfortable with contact than Rod, likely making him a better blocker than the former running back.

Both players are still learning the fullback position. But I believed the Cowboys would be fine without either. So the Cowboys keeping both on the final 53 was surprising.

Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receiver (5)

Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Lucky Whitehead, Brice Butler

Thoughts: No surprises here. The top three slots on the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver depth chart were locked the day the offseason started. Lucky Whitehead and Brice Butler both earned the remaining two roles through their positive play during the preseason. Whitehead, more as a special teams kick off returner. And Butler as a receiving deep threat.

The only other player who I believed has a real chance of breaking through the active roster was undrafted rookie Andy Jones. The rookie out of Jacksonville University was the Cowboys highest paid undrafted player this offseason, and was praised for his performances through OTA’s and minicamp.

But the inexperienced Jones began to falter during training camp and was a near no-show during the preseason. Although he started to play a bit better towards the end, it was a case of too little, too late. Fortunately, Jones passed through waivers and the rookie was placed on the Cowboys practice squad. With more time, maybe he can develop into the player many saw him becoming earlier this year.

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter in a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End (3)

Jason Witten, Gavin Escobar, Geoff Swaim

Thoughts: The biggest surprise here maybe the fact the Cowboys elected to only keep three tight ends instead of four. That fourth man being rookie tight end Austin Traylor, who passed through waivers unclaimed and was ultimately added to the Cowboys practice squad this weekend.

Traylor will join former basketball star Rico Gathers who also landed on the practice squad. Although Gathers showed the physical traits to become a dominate tight end in the NFL, his lack of football knowledge and experience really hurt him this offseason. A true developmental project, the gifted basketball player will get some much needed time to work on his game while on the practice squad.

The biggest question concerning this group likely surrounds injured veteran tight end James Hanna. The 27-year old was placed on the reserve/PUP list with a knee injury and can not return to the team until Week Eight. The Cowboys signed Hanna to a three-year, $8.25 million contract in March, so they have future plans for their best overall player at the position outside of future Hall of Famer Jason Witten.

When Hanna returns, it could leave either Geoff Swaim or Gavin Escobar as the odd man out. Swaim was a seventh round pick in 2015 who is an solid receiver but struggles as a blocker at times. Escobar, a former second round selection, is an excellent red zone target but has next to no skills as a blocker himself. The deciding factor could be the fact Gavin is in the final year of his rookie contract.

January 29, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Hawaiian hostesses Chelsea Hardin (far left) and Mahina Garcia (far right) pose with Team Irvin linebacker Sean Lee of the Dallas Cowboys (50), Team Irvin guard Zack Martin of the Dallas Cowboys (70), Team Irvin placekicker Dan Bailey of the Dallas Cowboys (5), Team Irvin center Travis Frederick of the Dallas Cowboys (72), and Team Irvin tackle Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys (77) during 2016 Pro Bowl photo day at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line (8)

Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, Doug Free, La’el Collins, Ronald Leary, Joe Looney, Chaz Green

Thoughts: It is not surprising the Dallas Cowboys kept these eight players on their final 53-man roster. Left tackle Tyron Smith, right guard Zack Martin, and center Travis Frederick are All-Pros with several Pro Bowls under their elastic belts.

Right tackle Doug Free and second-year right guard La’el Collins make up the rest of a starting lineup many consider to be the best offensive line in the league.

Outside of the starting lineup, and not very happy about it, is guard Ronald Leary. The veteran begged to be traded this offseason, but had no leverage to force a move due to the fact he had already signed his restricted free agent tender, a one-year, $2.5 million deal.

Although a trade isn’t out of the question, Leary’s value to the team as a back-up is immeasurable. Unless a team wows the Dallas brass with an offer, I’m not sure they can risk letting the former starter go.

Joe Looney and Chaz Green both add to the O-line’s depth. Looney is a versatile center who can play either guard position. And Green is the Cowboys designated swing tackle. It’s a surprising role for the former third round pick who struggled this offseason. Maybe the biggest shocker concerning this positional group is the fact the Cowboys didn’t find a better option than Green on the waiver wire.

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) eludes Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford (98) during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Tackle (4)

Tyrone Crawford, Terrell McClain, Cedric Thornton, Maliek Collins

Thoughts: This positional group has been set in stone for quite a while. Defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford is a lock for the starting role at the three technique. After signing a massive six-year, $45.7 million contract in September of last season, Crawford struggled to live up to those numbers. That was mainly due to a shoulder injury he opted to play through which limited his effectiveness.

Now healthy following shoulder surgery to repair his torn rotator cuff in January, Crawford is finally on track to start earning the contract he receiver a year ago. He’ll likely be joined by veteran defensive tackle Terrell McClain as a starter. McClain, who has struggled through his own injury-demons while in Dallas, seemed to leapfrog big free agent signee Cedric Thornton for the one-technique role during training camp.

As for Thornton, he’ll have plenty of chances to make his impact felt on the field as defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli’s scheme relies heavily on substitutions, keeping his players fresh. The former Philadelphia Eagle has already made a positive impact on his team in the locker room.

Finally, Maliek Collins was a lock to make this final roster due to his draft status. The Cowboys third round pick out of Nebraska hasn’t play very much after recovering from a broken foot he suffered during OTA’s. With limited time in both training camp and the preseason, the 21-year old will need to learn on the fly if he’s going to make a serious contribution in the regular season.

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs past Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) for a first down in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive End (4)

Benson Mayowa, Jack Crawford, David Irving, Charles Tapper

Thoughts: Honestly, I thought the Dallas Cowboys would have gone heavier at this position. With projected starters Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence both suspended for at least the first four games of the season, and the recent injuries suffered by Benson Mayowa (knee), David Irving (groin) and Charles Tapper (back); why wouldn’t the Cowboys staff pad the position?

Apparently the answer is position flex. The Cowboys have several players who can kick out to defensive end if needed. That list not only includes all of the defensive tackles, but linebacker Kyle Wilber as well.

Mayowa and veteran Jack Crawford are the expected starters at the position. Benson at the right defensive spot and Crawford at the left. The others will rotate in to provide addition pass rush and run support.

It is unknown which position Lawrence will play once he returns from a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Last season, the 24-year old made the move from right to left defensive end. After short adjustment period, the Cowboys 2014 second round pick began to excel recording seven of his team-leading 8.0 sacks in the second half of the season.

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) defends against Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker (7)

Sean Lee, Anthony Hitchens, Kyle Wilber, Damien Wilson, Justin Durant, Mark Nzeocha, Andrew Gachkar

Thoughts: With the injury history of Sean Lee, the poor play of Anthony Hitchens at times this offseason, and injuries suffered by Mark Nzeocha (Achilles) and Andrew Gachkar (thumb); it’s no surprise the Dallas Cowboys opted to go with seven linebackers on their final 53-man roster.

Weakside linebacker Lee, middle linebacker Hitchens and strongside linebacker Kyle Wilber are expected to make up the starting lineup in Dallas. Lee is coming off his first Pro Bowl season playing in 14 total games, his most since 2011.

Hitchens is being asked to replace veteran middle linebacker Rolando McClain, who was suspended in the offseason for yet another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. It is unclear if the Cowboys will even keep McClain on the team after his ten-game suspension is served.

Wilbur signed a two-year, $3.25 million contract in March to remain in Dallas. He’ll likely be the team’s starter at strongside linebacker as well as a spot pass rusher at defensive end.

Veteran Justin Durant, second-year Damien Wilson, Gachkar and Nzeocha are all versatile linebackers who can play multiple positions. They’ll fill in as needed to add depth to this linebacker corps.

Dec 7, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) during the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback (5)

Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Orlando Scandrick, Anthony Brown, Dax Swanson

Thoughts: The Cowboys committed themselves to the starting defensive backfield of cornerbacks Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and the returning Orlando Scandrick this offseason. Carr agree to take a pay cut in order to remain in Dallas in April.

Claiborne was a free agent this offseason before deciding to sign a one-year deal worth $3 million in an effort to salvage his legacy as a bust in Dallas. The former first round pick out of LSU had the best offseason of his career afterwards.

Scandrick is returning after a major knee injury that robbed him of the entire 2015 regular season. The 29-year old is looking to reclaim his throne as the Cowboys most effective defender.

Sixth round rookie cornerback Anthony Brown cemented his place on the final 53 after positive performances in both training camp and the preseason.

And it appears 25-year old defensive back Dax Swanson has finally found a home. The journeyman corner played well in the final preseason game against the Houston Texans, but will likely earn his keep in Dallas as a dynamic punt returner.

Safety (5)

Barry Church, Byron Jones, Jeff Heath, Kavon Frazier, J.J. Wilcox

Thoughts: One of the biggest shockers when the Dallas Cowboys announced their final 53-man roster over the weekend is the fact they decided to keep safety J.J. Wilcox around. And to do so, they went heavy at the position, carrying five safeties.

After two initial promising seasons, Wilcox was one of the worst players at his position in 2015. Always a heavy-hitter, the free safety struggled in coverage and regularly displayed poor tackling technique last season.

This preseason was no different, forcing many analysts to predict the fourth-year veteran’s release this weekend. Instead, the Cowboys have decided to keep both Wilcox and his expected replacement, sixth round rookie safety Kavon Frazier.

Wilcox is a core member of the special teams unit, which may have saved his job in Dallas. But if the team decides to add more players to their roster at any point, the veteran safety in the final year of his rookie contract could be the first to go.

Special Teams (3)

Dan Bailey, Chris Jones, L.P. Ladouceur

Thoughts: No reason to break up the band.