The start of training camp is right around the corner. Being the protagonist of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game that opens the preseason games gives the possibility of starting a little earlier than the rest. For that reason the Cowboys will be preparing from July 21 in Oxnard, California.
A great attraction will be the different positional battles that players will have to earn a place on the roster. Although that question in turn allows us to see in which sectors Dallas is strong and in which there is a lack of talent compared to each other. We will then carry out an order dividing the template by position. Today we will choose the five most incomplete.
10- Safeties
A position that is often overlooked by management is separated as the weakest position. In 2021 the lack of quality was noted there and the Joneses did nothing to cover it. Keanu Neal’s free agency addition was in theory to strengthen that area, but Dan Quinn immediately confirmed that he will be used as a linebacker.
The presence of Donovan Wilson is interesting because of what he showed in the last weeks of last season. However, Wilson will perform mostly close to the box in specific situations. What the defense still lacks is a free safety that meets pass coverage efficiency. The “center fielder” role at deep leaves doubts.
That role will initially be carried out by another former Falcon like Damontae Kazee. While he performed well in Atlanta, he will be coming back from a torn Achilles tendon that could severely limit his athleticism. The best known remaining members are Jayron Kearse and Darian Thompson along with the real chance to move to rookie CB Israel Mukuamu.
9- closed wings
The value of tight ends varies in offenses depending on the importance they have in the system. For the Cowboys this is not a problem because Dak Prescott has very dangerous tools in another position. However, the available talent is not that high. It won’t be a complication for Kellen Moore, but it’s worth noting that he’s the emptiest in the unit.
Dalton Schultz’s great performance in 2020 surprised everyone. Schultz was seen as a simple blocker, but exploded in the NFL with 63 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns. Blake Jarwin is returning from a cruciate ligament injury, so he shouldn’t be burdened with excessive expectations. Jeremy Sprinkle, Sean McKeon and UDFAs Nick Eubanks and Artayvious Lynn will fight to stay.
8- Special equipment
This case is a complete part that includes the unique positions of the unit. The kicker’s position improved a lot with the signing of Greg Zuerlein last year, but the important thing is that the special teams looked much more competent after the arrival of the experienced John Fassel as coordinator.
The first half of the season hadn’t been a good one for Tony Pollard returning kicks, but that changed dramatically in the second. Pollard earned his spot as a pivotal piece with three 50-plus-yard returns. There will be a battle between Hunter Niswander and Bryan Anger for being the punter. Jake McQuaide will be the long snapper.
7- Corners
The sector that generates the most uncertainty could be said to be this. The special teams are ahead because they are less relevant, although they could well have swapped locations. Quinn’s plans will be in serious trouble if the performance of this group does not live up to the hopes placed here.
Cornerbacks rank very low because of the few certainties there are. Most of the excitement revolves around projections because current options for competing against elite wide receivers are scant. The only insured headline is Trevon Diggs and even he had coverage issues as a rookie.
The feeling is that the Cowboys will start by relying on experience to fill the other positions. Due to the lack of filming of the youngsters, Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis leave as the favorites to line up with Diggs in the nickel packages. Although the absence of a reliable CB1 is what lowers its rating, especially since it is an essential area.
There’s no question that Kelvin Joseph has the potential to become that shutdown corner everyone is looking for. Although the small number of games he had at the college level suggests that it will take time to reach the level that the NFL requires. Nahshon Wright It’s Quinn’s other big draft bet where there will be a lot of eyes watching closely.
The add-on options are under-tested cornerposts. The most striking example is Reggie Robinson, who had no participation after being a fourth-round pick. Much will depend on an evolution of Diggs so that the cornerbacks show a better level than in last season.
6- defensive line
The trend is repeated with the defensive linemen. The next post wouldn’t be bad, but this is another critical sector with a lot to test. DeMarcus Lawrence is the only member who gives some stability to the line, but his level was not very promising either. The version of Lawrence capable of exceeding ten sacks seems to be getting further and further away.
Something that is quite reassuring here is the depth. However, what is most relevant is the performance of those who will spend most of their time on the field. The X factor will surely be Randy Gregory. The pass rusher took advantage of every snap he had in 2020, but he still hasn’t played a full season since he turned pro.
Replacement defensive ends are options with a not-so-high ceiling. Dorance Armstrong, Bradlee Anae and Ron’Dell Carter will be competing for places with the numerous offseason additions. Tarrell Basham and Carlos Watkins are veterans who came in free agency as a backup plan. Chauncey Golston he will get his chance by being the 84th pick.
The tackles will be another position with many battles. Trysten Hill is expected to be fit after her ligament injury in Week 5, but she will have plenty of competition. Canadian Neville Gallimore showed interesting things once Dontari Poe was cut. Newbies like Osa Odighizuwa Y Quinton Bohanna it could have important functions from the start.
The key will be who will gain the confidence of the new coordinator. In that part of the defense is where the most regrettable performance was seen and a notable improvement is expected. While there are many bets, these are options with a higher floor. Rookies, for example, are solid prospects who could bring much-needed energy.
