It's still a little early in the offseason to predict what the team will look like when the 2018 season gets underway. But, I thought it was a good time to share with you what I think the Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster could look like on opening day.
Now, the Dallas Cowboys have only had a little over a month of organized team activities and minicamp, which isn't a lot of time to know how to shape the roster for the season, but it's a start. How these players end up performing in training camp and preseason will ultimately determine their fate with the Cowboys this season.
I decided to break up my prediction for the Cowboys 53-man roster into a couple of articles. Today, I will share with you which players I think make the final cuts on the offensive side of the ball.
Specialist (3)
Dan Bailey, Chris Jones, L.P. Ladouceur
I thought I'd start my Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction with the only position I believe is set in stone right now. We shouldn't see any changes to this group unless an unfortunate injury were to happen during training camp.
Quarterback (3)
Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, Mike White
The Dallas Cowboys typically like to carry just two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, but I think they will go with three this year after spending a fifth-round draft pick on QB Mike White. Cooper Rush showed enough promise last season to beat out Kellen Moore to be Prescott's backup QB and should reprise that role once again this year. White could challenge for that responsibility, but Rush has the advantage with a year in the system.
Running Back (4)
Ezekiel Elliott, Rod Smith, Tavon Austin, Bo Scarbrough
I went back and forth about whether or not to keep a traditional fullback on the Cowboys 53-man roster, but ultimately decided against it. Dallas did send a 2018 fifth-round draft pick to the Oakland Raiders to acquire Jamize Olawale, but I think Rod Smith can fill that role if needed. The Cowboys have already classified Austin as a “web back”, but he will receive touches as a RB and WR. Scarbrough gets the nod for now over Darius Jackson, but that could change.
Wide Receiver (6)
Allen Hurns, Michael Gallup, Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams, Noah Brown, Cedrick Wilson
I can't see the Cowboys carrying less than six WRs on their game day roster with all of the unknown at the position, despite Austin's receiving ability. This is almost a completely revamped position with quite a bit of youth. Beasley will reprise his role in the slot and Hurns/Gallup will likely be the ones asked to replace Dez Bryant's production. Brown could push for more playing time at Williams' expense and Wilson has been a pleasant surprise in offseason practices already.
Tight End (3)
Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin, Dalton Schultz
Is it time to give up on Rico Gathers? Yes, I think so. Unless he is able to show that he is capable of handling all of his responsibilities as a complete TE in training camp and in the preseason, I don't give him much of a chance to make the Cowboys 53-man roster. Much like the WR position, there is a lot of unknown about the current group of TEs. But, this is an athletic group and I think they will be just fine this season.
Offensive Line (8)
Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, La'el Collins, Connor Williams, Cameron Fleming, Joe Looney, Marcus Martin
The position flex of the Cowboys offensive lineman allows them to go with just eight this season. Connor Williams will be the only new starter and Cameron Fleming should take over the role as the new swing tackle. I decided to keep both Joe Looney and Marcus Martin because of her ability to play any of the interior positions. But, the Cowboys could decide to keep one of the two and stick with Chaz Green for another season.
