Who makes the final roster could depend on the final preseason game
Who can stand out in the final preseason game to earn their spot at cornerback and the offensive and defensive tackle positions?
The Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to achieve an undefeated preseason record, something not seen in two decades, if they prevail against the New Orleans Saints on Friday night. Despite the preseason not impacting the regular season or playoffs, the results can be crucial for players vying for roster spots. The depth chart remains uncertain, particularly at receiver, offensive and defensive lines, linebacker, cornerback, and safety positions.
The Cowboys boast one of the best defensive tackle combinations in the NFL, with Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Otito Ogbonnia making up the core. However, the roster's upper tiers appear thin, with Jonathan Bullard, a veteran who missed the entire camp thus far, facing potential cut status after a low run defense grade of 63.9 last season.
The other candidates, Jay Toia, D.J. Withers, and Tommy Dunn, have shown varying levels of performance in the preseason, with Toia's grade dropping significantly after the first game and Dunn displaying consistency in run defense.
The Cowboys' offensive line appears solid, with All-Pro Tyler Smith, first-round pick Tyler Booker, Cooper Beebe, and backup T.J. Bass securing their spots. However, issues arise at offensive tackle, where the team's quality option is their left guard, who is likely to be inactive. Nate Thomas, who was competing for starting tackle spots last season, now faces uncertainty as he isn't guaranteed a roster spot. The remaining backups at offensive tackle aren't even in contention for making the 53-man roster.
As for cornerbacks, Dallas is considering veteran players like Adoree Jackson, but the competition behind DaRon Bland, Cobie Durant, Shavon Revel Jr., and Caleb Downs is weak. Trikweze Bridges and Zion Childress seem unlikely to make the final roster, while Josh Butler, recovering from a major injury, and Caelen Carson, Deron Kendrick, and Ameer Speed are fighting for one of the three remaining spots.
Carson's recent improvement in PFF grades could secure his place, while Kendrick's consistency needs improvement, and Speed's potential to steal a spot against tougher competition cannot be ruled out.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
