Dallas Cowboys Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones spoke to the media about where the team is ahead of the final 53-man roster cut that is a week away.
Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys’ Very Comfortable’ With Current Roster
“I do think this team — when we came to camp — you know, I think it’s as deep a team as we’ve ever had. This is no question — going to be the hardest 53 [man roster] cut that we’ve had in years and years in terms of trying to get down to our numbers. We do have some good depth there,” said Jones.
When Jones was asked about a possible trade and looking outside the building for more depth, he said he thinks they have the answers on the team. But the same mentality stands for being open if the right opportunity arises.
“I’ve always told you we’re always open if the right situation came along and we felt like it made our team better, then we’ve looked at it, but we also feel very comfortable with the players we have on this team,” said Jones.
He specifically mentioned the talent in the linebacker and safety rooms, saying that because of how defensive coordinator Dan Quinn designed the defense, there is depth within both units.
Jones Discusses Injuries to Rookie Pass Catchers
Jones spoke about DeMarvion Overshown and John Stephens Jr. being out for the season with ACL injuries.
He said that although injuries are part of the game, both guys were in their plans. But he says he’s glad that both of them have bright futures.
“You feel for the players; they’re competitors. They are top-notch young men — that’s why they are successful. But the great news is if you were going to have something early — it’s the best time to have it happen because they’ll get through this rehab.
“They’ll have a full offseason being able to go, and their future is bright as far as we’re concerned,” said Jones, who explained both players could have contributed to the team this year.
Jones said Overshown was leading the rookie class in their draft picks this year and described Stephens as “a priority college free agent” and a guy that had found himself a spot on the team.
Do the Cowboys Have a Super Bowl-Caliber Roster?
Jones spoke about where he would categorize this team as being the best they’ve had to make a successful Super Bowl run.
“I think it’s right there at the top in terms of, you know, the past … going all the way back to [Tony] Romo’s runs. You know, I think this team has the depth. I think it’s got quality,” said Jones.
He commented on the team’s ability to acquire WR Brandin Cooks and CB Stephon Gilmore in the offseason, saying they make a “huge difference” in improving the team from last year.
But Jones mentioned Zack Martin as an “integral part” of the Cowboys as well, saying, “[We] had long visits about it that Zack … he’s going to be wearing one of those gold jackets like DeMarcus [Ware] too … he’s not only a great player on the field but his leadership with the team in that offensive line room,” said Jones.
Offensive Line Depth Still Needs Work
Jones spoke on the offensive line depth, saying it’s a “work in progress.”
He talked about giving Josh Ball more reps during this time to make him a better player.
But overall, they are still determining who the top nine or 10 guys are on the team.
“We got some good battles going on there in terms of who deserves a roster spot when you start looking at the offensive lineman from six to nine or six to 10,” said Jones.
Jones on Mazi Smith
Jones feels that rookie DT Mazi Smith is learning what they want from him.
“I mean, what he did at Michigan … he was playing in a square stance, and, you know, he knew what was expected of him. We’re asking him to do more. He’ll only get better in terms of what we want from him,” said Jones.
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Jones said Smith represents everything they thought they would get in terms of his strength, and the Cowboys expect him to help shore up the run defense.
Overall, he feels that Smith will make a big difference in improving the run defense for the team this year and open up opportunities for the secondary.