This week, the Dallas Cowboys will play football game. Even though the Cowboys won’t be expected to play their starters much this preseason they should still be excited to take on a real rival. Training camp battles are heating up. We are slowly but surely getting closer to answers for the 53-man roster.
We’ll be looking at three Cowboys players who were previously thought to be roster “locks”, but could be cut unexpectedly when cutdown day arrives. Let’s do it!
CB/ST C.J. Goodwin
The Cowboys have not considered him a cornerback, but his athleticism and open field tackling abilities have allowed him to stay. Although it’s easy for Goodwin to be loved by special teamers, he is not providing any defensive depth.
This is especially true this year as young players such as Nahshon Wright and Kelvin Joseph are having strong camps on special team and are all expected to be solid cornerback depth.
While Joseph is a player that many want to see more of in Oxnard’s team, Mike McCarthy stated that he could play a significant role on special teams. It’s up for debate whether or not this is what you want from your 2021 second round pick. We know for now that this is a major part of his role. You have to wonder about the safety of Goodwin’s job, with guys like WR KaVontae Turpin and LB Devin Harper aiming to play almost exclusively on special team roles.
DL John Ridgeway
The Cowboys don’t usually move on from their draft picks, even if they were made on Day 3 in the NFL Draft. The way the defensive line is built could mean that it has more than one surprise cut.
In Dan Quinn’s versatility defense, defensive ends such as Chauncey Golston or rookie Sam Williams can slide inside. This makes it likely that the Cowboys will be able to play long at the end and short at the tackle when they put together their roster.
This brings up a problem. What number of big-bodied one-techniques will the Cowboys have? Only one of Quinton Bohanna and Ridgeway is likely to make it onto the roster. According to early reports from Oxnard Ridgeway appears to be ahead. It’s still early in camp, and Bohanna might win that battle. If so, the Cowboys may have to remove the rookie from Arkansas.
WR Simi Fehoko / TJ Vasher
I know, it’s true. These two players are not one. Let’s not forget the second. The two wide receivers that most of us didn’t think would make it to the roster in the offseason are receiving consistent praise from Oxnard. Based on the comments of coaches and teammates, it seems like KaVontae Torpin and UDFA Dennis Houston will be among the 53-man roster.
Houston is running team drills alongside the kids, while Turpin is receiving love from John Fassel as well as Kellen Moore. This complicates things for Fehoko & Vasher. If the Cowboys have six wide receivers, then this is how my head count would look right now.
Michael Gallup is now out of the picture. It is difficult for me to imagine a Cowboys roster where Fehoko or Vasher are included. Whoever loses this battle will likely be on the outside looking in.