While there are still two weeks of preseason games left, the Dallas Cowboys‘ 13-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 provided some clarity on how the 53-man roster might shake out.
Following Sunday night’s loss, here is an updated projection of the Cowboys’ depth chart and roster for Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns.
Predicting Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart, 53-Man Roster
Quarterback (3)
Starter: Dak Prescott
Backups: Cooper Rush, Trey Lance
There isn’t much to talk about at the top, as Dak Prescott is in cruise control at QB1 for the Cowboys. Beyond that, there seem to be a lot more questions than answers.
Dallas traded a fourth-round pick for Trey Lance before last season, as they felt it was a low-risk/high-reward opportunity on a former No. 3 overall pick. Sunday afternoon, however, was not a great showing for the young signal-caller.
Lance finished the day going 25-41 for 188 passing yards and zero touchdowns with 44 rushing yards. If the season were to start today, he’d still be considered QB3 behind Cooper Rush.
Running Back (4)
Starters: Ezekiel Elliott
Backups: Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Hunter Leupke
Ezekiel Elliott, on paper, looks to be the starter in Dallas. There is familiarity and comfortability with the franchise’s former first-round pick and long-time running back.
However, Rico Dowdle may be Dallas’s best option at the position right now, and he showed up nicely on Sunday against the Rams.
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Rounding out the group is another veteran, Royce Freeman, who has been dealing with a groin injury that has hampered him over the last week. Alongside fullback Hunter Leupke, who has been getting work at tight end as well.
This will be an all-hands-on-deck group this season, with each of these guys assuming a part.
Wide Receiver (6)
Starters: CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert
Backups: KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy
The top three names on this list are officially solidified.
Coming into training camp, the questions centered around Jalen Tolbert and whether he could take control of the WR3 job. With Tolbert sitting on the sideline with the other starters not in action, it appears he has done enough to be in the driver’s seat.
The rest of the group is very interesting, and they are the most fun bunch to watch this training camp. Dallas will have tough decisions to make, with some talented guys potentially missing the cut.
However, as young as it is, this group has a chance to sneakily be better than many had even thought.
Tight End (4)
Starters: Jake Ferguson
Backups: Luke Schoonmaker, John Stephens Jr., Brevyn Spann-Ford
Whether Dallas will go with three or four tight ends remains to be seen right now. With Leupke doubling as a running back and tight end, it may allow for the Cowboys to go short here in favor of somewhere else.
However, for now, the Cowboys keep four to ensure they keep this young bunch together, led by rising star Jake Ferguson.
Offensive Line (9)
Starters: Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Brock Hoffman, Zack Martin, Terence Steele
Backups: Chuma Edoga, T.J. Bass, Cooper Beebe, Asim Richards
Things are starting to take shape in the offensive line room, and preseason game No. 1 provided some much-needed clarity at key spots.
Rookie first-round pick Tyler Guyton, in limited action, looked comfortable, and Brock Hoffman started at center before being pulled soon after.
With both players looking good in their limited action, this could be the first look at who may be in the driver’s seat for both of those position battles.
Tyler Guyton is fun to watch https://t.co/M18bvCAQAv pic.twitter.com/6I8qkGESqW
— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) August 11, 2024
The rest of the group is rounded out by youth and talent. Chuma Edoga is a veteran who has been around for a while. However, the rest of the group is young and somewhat inexperienced. But Dallas feels good about each of them individually.
Defensive Tackle (5)
Starters: Osa Odighizuwa, Mazi Smith
Backups: Chauncey Golston, Justin Rogers, Carl Davis
Defensive tackle is quite possibly the weakest group the Cowboys have on their roster right now.
With a chance they add at the end of training camp by way of cut-day, we leave a disclaimer that the back end of this group could look a bit different when it is all said and done.
EDGE (5)
Starters: Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence
Backups: Marshawn Kneeland, Tyrus Wheat, Al-Quadin Muahammad
Once a deep position group, the Cowboys are simply lacking depth at EDGE behind their two starters.
Much like at defensive tackle, there may be some back-end roster churning to add to the group, but as long as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence are healthy, it will always be at least a good group.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: Eric Kendricks, DeMarvion Overshown, Damone Clark
Backups: Marist Liufau, Willie Harvey Jr.
Linebacker looks to be one of the younger and brighter spots on Dallas’ roster.
With Eric Kendricks a veteran presence in the middle, the rest of the group is rounded out by young, athletic guys eager to make plays.
Secondary (9)
Starters: Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson
Backups: Jourdan Lewis, Caelen Carson, Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas, C.J. Goodwin
Top to bottom, this may be the deepest position group the Cowboys have on the roster.
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Held down by a now-healthy Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland coming off of a career year, Dallas’ secondary has a chance to be special this season.
Coupled with the fact they have a steady safety room anchored by Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson, throwing the ball on these guys could prove to be quite the challenge.
Special Teams (3)
Kicker: Brandon Aubrey
Punter: Bryan Angers
Long Snapper: Trent Sieg
Nothing out of the ordinary to see here. Brandon Aubrey looks to be one of the NFL’s best kickers once again, while Bryan Anger is a long-time veteran who is as steady as they come.