OXNARD, Calif. – After 15 training-camp practices and one preseason game, it’s time once again to make a roster projection for the Dallas Cowboys.
Most of it remains the same from the projection made at the start of training camp, but there several things could factor into what happens when the Cowboys make the actual cut to the 53.
Away we go:
Quarterbacks (3): Tony Romo, Brandon Weeden, Dustin Vaughan
Comment: Vaughan really helped himself in the game against the San Diego Chargers after just a so-so start to camp. He is still not a lock but with another strong showing he can make it a lock. Jameill Showers is an interesting case and could be practice squad material because he can do so many other things.
Running backs (3): Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, Lance Dunbar
Comment: Could the Cowboys still look for a runner via a trade, free agency or waiver wire pickup before the season starts? Absolutely. But the sense is they will go with their top three backs unless McFadden suffers another injury.
Fullbacks (1): Tyler Clutts
Comment: I had him on the bubble when camp started, but he has been a jack-of-all trades with the injuries to the tailbacks, and he can play all of the special teams’ units.
Wide receivers (5): Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Devin Street, Lucky Whitehead
Comment: I think the Cowboys will look for a veteran backup type of receiver to have some insurance if something happens to Bryant or Williams. Whitehead remains in the fifth spot and not just because of his return ability. But none of the younger receivers really has established himself in camp. David Porter has had an interesting start to his practices and will be worth watching.
Tight ends (4): Jason Witten, James Hanna, Gavin Escobar, Geoff Swaim
Comment: It is a little strange to go with four tight ends and a fullback, but the Cowboys like what they have received from Swaim, a seventh-round pick. Hanna is going into the last year of his contract. Escobar is more of a pass-catching tight end. Swaim gives them another on-the-line tight end.
Tackles: (3): Tyron Smith, Doug Free, Darrion Weems
Comment: The Cowboys are saying all-is-well with Smith (biceps) and Free (foot), but there has to be some concern at their lack of practice despite their experience. Their time off has helped Weems knock off some rust from a year off due to shoulder surgery. He needs to play better in the preseason but for now the Cowboys are not looking for a veteran swing tackle. That could change.
Guards (3): Zack Martin, Ronald Leary, La'el Collins
Comment: The only time Collins has worked with the first team has come when Leary has needed time to rest a sore back. There really hasn’t been a competition there. Leary has been good in practices. Collins was terrific against San Diego, but he needs more work against better competition.
Centers (2): Travis Frederick, Mackenzy Bernadeau
Comment: With Martin getting some work at center there is some wonder if Bernadeau could be on the bubble. Collins could be the swing guard on gameday. Bernadeau has been decent in camp and offers some veteran experience. This might be worth revisiting later in camp.
Defensive tackles (6): Tyrone Crawford, Nick Hayden, Terrell McClain, Ken Bishop, Jack Crawford, Davon Coleman
Comment: This is the same group as the first projection with the addition of Coleman. I’m a little worried that Coleman is doing what he did last year: start fast in camp and peter out, but he mhas something to him. Jack Crawford has played tackle exclusively in camp but I had him at end in my camp projection. Tyrone Crawford, Hayden, McClain and Bishop have all had injuries but nothing considered too serious.
Defensive ends (4*): Greg Hardy(suspended), DeMarcus Lawrence, Jeremy Mincey, Randy Gregory, Ryan Russell
Comment: The one change is Russell for Ben Gardner. I think this is strictly a numbers’ crunch right now because Gardner has been decent. But I’ve seen the effort Rod Marinelli has put in Russell and I just don’t believe they will let him go. Is it possible to keep 11 defensive linemen? I guess, but then they have to go lighter somewhere else and I can’t see where that would be.
Linebackers (6*): Sean Lee, Rolando McClain (suspended), Anthony Hitchens, Jasper Brinkley, Andrew Gachkar, Damien Wilson, Kyle Wilber
Comment: The Cowboys are doing all they can to protect Lee as he comes back from a torn ACL. It’s smart because of his value, but he needs work. It’s a dicey balance they need to strike. Wilson, a fourth-round pick, has been a solid playmaker in camp. Wilber has added some middle linebacker duties to his resume.
Cornerbacks (6): Orlando Scandrick, Brandon Carr, Byron Jones, Morris Claiborne, Tyler Patmon, Corey White
Comment: Scandrick has missed time with a knee injury. Carr suffered a broken hand but will be back for the regular season at the latest. Jones suffered a shoulder injury. Claiborne has not missed a day as he comes back from two knee surgeries. Patmon and White have been solid. This group is as deep as the Cowboys have had in some time, but they need to get their guys some action.
Safeties (4): Barry Church, J.J. Wilcox, Jeff Heath, Danny McCray
Comment: With Byron Jones and White able to play safety maybe McCray could be in trouble, but he is core special teamer. Same with Heath. I do wonder if the Cowboys would look at giving Jones more work at free safety but so far that hasn’t happened.
Specialists (3): Dan Bailey, Chris Jones, L.P. Ladouceur
Comment: Same as it ever was.