The Dallas Cowboys have added eight rookie draft picks and 10 undrafted free agents over the past few days. They also agreed to a contract with former star running back Ezekiel Elliott. So with this influx of talent, now is a good time to re-evaluate how the projected 2024 roster will fare for the rest of the offseason.
We're not done recruiting players yet. Like Zeke before him, there are still veteran free agents out there who can fill some holes on the depth chart. There are also trade opportunities, as the Cowboys acquired WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore last year. In some cases, they can be more pronounced after the draft when teams are looking to add young talent and acquire something for veteran release candidates.
Yes, this projection process has only just begun. But this will give us an idea of where the Cowboys are today and what moves will occur between now and training camp.
Offense (24)
quarterback (2)
Dak Prescott, Trey Lance
running back (3)
Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Doodle, Deuce Vaughn
fullback (1)
hunter luepke
wide receiver (5)
CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert
Cavonte Turpin, Jalen Brooks
tight end (4)
Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker,
John Stevens, Peyton Hendershot
Offensive line (9)
Tyler Smith, Zach Martin, Terrence Steele
Tyler Guyton, Cooper Beebe, Brock Hoffman
TJ Bass, Asim Richards, Nathan Thomas
Big additions to the offensive line in Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe were the highlights of the draft. Guyton probably won't be the next Tyron Smith, but he has the potential to be a quality starting LT for many years. The bar wasn't set that high at center by Tyler Biadasch, so I hope the Beebs can make the switch soon. There's still a chance that TJ Bass and Brock Hoffman will compete for the job, especially if Beebe needs more time. It was a tough weekend for players like Josh Ball and Matt Waletzko, who will likely lose their roster spots to new players.
Dallas has some business decisions to make at the bottom of the depth chart at RB, WR, and TE. Are they keeping their fullbacks in the first place? Will they go long at receiver to secure Ryan Flournoy? Do they need a fourth TE on their roster, or can they just rotate practice squad players? The above configuration is just one way to make the math work, and everything is predicted. It comes down to usage rates, special teams value, and the fear of losing certain players from the practice squad.
Speaking of teams, is that where Cooper Rush will land this year? Perhaps Dallas is looking to trade Rush for a late-round pick or other veteran asset for a team in need of quarterback depth. But unless they're doing a complete fraud on us, Trey Lance pretty much has to be your primary backup. They could value his presence in the room and keep Rush as QB3, but that would free up a valuable roster spot at another position.
Defense (25)
defensive end (6)
Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams
Marshawn Kneeland, Chaucey Gholston, Viliami Fehoko
defensive tackle (4)
Osa Odighizuwa, Maji Smith
Justin Rogers, Denzel Duxon
Linebacker (5)
Eric Kendricks, Damone Clark, Demarvion Overshawn
Marist Liufo, Damian Wilson
Cornerback (6)
Trevon Diggs, Daron Brand, Jordan Lewis
Israel Mukuamu, Eric Scott, Kaelen Carson
Safety (4)
Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson
Juany Thomas, Marquez Bell
I feel like I've improved somewhat defensively since the draft. Dallas added Marshawn Kneeland to the pass rush rotation, added depth at linebacker and Marist Liufau as a true mic option behind Eric Kendricks, and a new replacement for the non-certified Nahton Wright. They added Kaelen Carson as a viable CB candidate, addressing several key needs. The top of the depth chart was not affected by this draft, but it was expected that it would be.
Still, the Cowboys should actively seek more help at defensive tackle. They have run-staffing options in Maji Smith, veteran Carl Davis, and rookie Justin Rodgers. But unless they plan to follow Mike Zimmer's plan and move Chauncey Golston or Viliami Fehoko inside, they'll need at least one more to back up Osa Odighizuwa. UDFA Denzel Daxon has that opportunity, but he will likely become a free agent or trade target in the coming months.
At linebacker, there is depth between re-signed veteran Damian Wilson, fourth-year prospect Buddy Johnson, UDFAs Jason Johnson and Brock Morgenson, and other players added along the way. There will be a battle for the bottom of the chart. For now, I'm going to go with Wilson given his experience, but it's really a crapshoot at this point.
special teams (4)
K Brandon Aubrey, P Brian Unger
LS Trent Sieg, ST CJ Goodwin
You don't need to change anything here. Three are locks, and the only way CJ Goodwin disappears is if someone can provide meaningful work at key positions while bringing his special teams value closer. Nothing like this hasn't happened since 2018, so we'll have to wait and see what happens from this year's camp.
