Training camp for the Dallas Cowboys may prove pivotal for several players fighting for roster spots. Even some of those with a spot locked up already could use camp to show why they belong on the field starting week one in September.
This team has plenty of talent, yet still has holes that need to be addressed before they head on the road to face the Cleveland Browns in week one.
A few of these players might not sound like sleepers to you, but because of the team’s needs on the field, they very well could be, as training camp starts next week.
RB Deuce Vaughn
Deuce Vaughn was the story of the 2023 draft; getting the call from his father asking if he wanted to come to work with him as a Dallas Cowboy. Yet, the explosive running back at Kansas State in college hardly saw the field at all in 2023.
With Tony Pollard gone, an aging Ezekial Elliott, and unproven backs, Vaughn has the best chance he is going to get.
During his college years, Vaughn amassed 3,604 rushing yards on 651 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scored 34 touchdowns. He also caught 116 passes for 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns as a receiver.
With a weak running back room and the rising possibility of Vaughn being used as a wide receiver, keep an eye on him at training camp next week.
Vaughn will either make the roster as a flex guy or be a tight roster cut.
I still think Vaughn can bring a few sleeper traits to the football field. You don’t put up that type of production at a Power 5 school because you can’t play.
CB Eric Scott Jr.
A name you probably haven’t heard in a bit is Eric Scott Jr. The Cowboys drafted Scott Jr. in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He did not receive any snaps in his rookie season, but he has one last chance to prove his worth to the Cowboys.
Dallas traded up to get him in the draft last year, so they like him enough. Still, with the Cowboys signing Gareon Conley and the return of Trevon Diggs, Scott will have to show significant improvement to crack the Cowboys roster.
He is still worth a watch.
With not re-signing Stephon Gilmore, this team will need depth there, and it will come down to Scott and the others behind Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis.
WR Ryan Flournoy
In his two years with Southeast Missouri State, Flournoy was their best player on offense, totaling 1,823 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 15.4 yards per reception.
Being 6’1, 220, he gets off the line of scrimmage quickly, and with how fast this offense plays, he could be a great low-key addition to it.
CeeDee Lamb.
Brandin Cooks.
Jalen Tolbert.
Those are the top three. After that, it is anyone’s game to see the field.
With the departure of Michael Gallup, Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin, and Jalen Brooks are the three who have the best shot at catching passes for America’s Team in 2024. Turpin might find himself doing a little bit of everything; he is a Swiss Army Knife.
These three sleepers could surprise us when camp starts next week. If they perform well enough, it should keep them on the roster, at least, for the time being.
The first thing this team should do is make sure CeeDee Lamb gets a new contract before the season starts. If not, these guys may be needed far more than any of us want.