The Dallas Cowboys' first preseason game of 2023 is nearly upon us, and with it comes the first unofficial depth chart.
The team released the depth chart on Monday, and most of it looks up to par with what we were expecting.
However, there are a few things that could make us raise an eyebrow.
It's important to take this depth chart with a grain of salt, as it is labeled as unofficial, but the Cowboys have this certain order for a reason.
Today, I am going to tentatively dip my toe in the water with a few observations on the depth chart that could mean something under the surface.
Isaiah Land Listed As a Defensive End
The undrafted rookie from Florida A&M was a pass rush specialist in college, so this isn't a complete shock.
However, he is listed at only 215 pounds, and coaches spoke of him coming in as a linebacker.
It's difficult to imagine Land lining up play after play across from players who outweigh him by 100 pounds.
Micah Parsons played 81% of his snaps at defensive end in 2022, but has over 30 pounds on Land, and is still listed as a linebacker on this depth chart.
Land does stand at 6'4″ tall, so he has a ton of room to add weight to grow into that frame.
It's possible that is the long-term plan the Cowboys have in mind for him.
Chuma Edoga Listed as Backup Left Tackle
Dallas signed veteran Chuma Edoga to one of their patented one year deals prior to the draft.
Edoga brings four years of NFL experience with him to an offensive line that lacks it past the established starters.
The reason I'm questioning this listing is because although Edoga has been listed as a tackle his whole career, Dallas made comments about him filling in at guard.
Dallas has moved him all across the line so far in training camp, playing every position except center.
Edoga has been consistently thrown off of his stance, and often ending up in Dak Prescott's lap wherever he has lined up along the line.
He has not looked good, and imagining him protecting any quarterback's blindside is bringing back bad memories of Adrian Clayborn bullying Chaz Green.
It feels like Edoga would do better listed as a guard where he can have help on either side of him instead of being left out on an island.
KaVontae Turpin Lined Up Behind Brandin Cooks
This is one that Cowboys fans should raise their eyebrows with anticipation.
The 2022 version of the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver room lacked explosion and speed behind CeeDee Lamb.
KaVontae Turpin was on last year's roster, but was sparingly used on offense, much to the dismay of Cowboys Nation.
So far in training camp, Turpin has seen more looks on offense than he did in the entire season previous.
He has looked quick on his feet, explosive in and out of his breaks, and has made some highlight reel catches.
The former USFL MVP seems to be putting it together at wide receiver.
Maybe it has something to do with playing the same position as six time 1,000 yard wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Who better to learn from than a player Turpin shares many of his best traits with?
It's been mentioned several times that Cooks has been playing a vital role as mentor to the younger wide receivers on the roster.
Anything he can rub off onto Turpin is a win for Dallas.
Jabril Cox Ahead of DeMarvion Overshown
This may be just a tactic by the Cowboys to motivate the rookie, but what if it isn't?
DeMarvion Overshown has garnered much praise in training camp, and even wore the green dot on his helmet to call the defense.
That is a wealth of responsibility for the young 3rd round pick to shoulder, but the coaches seem to trust him.
Maybe Jabril Cox has quietly elevated his play enough to warrant being higher on the depth chart.
As the preseason unfolds, we will know more.
The Running Back Pecking Order
The top of the depth chart is no surprise.
Tony Pollard is in line to start after a high ankle sprain and fractured fibula ended the best season of his career.
Behind him is still a mystery.
Rico Dowdle earns the second spot, and likely the start versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first preseason game this week.
Dowdle went undrafted in 2020, and made the Cowboys final roster as a rookie before injuries derailed his career early on.
He fractured his hip in 2021, landing him on injured reserve for the season.
A knee scope in 2022 put him behind the eight ball, and Dallas decided to place Malik Davis on the final roster over Dowdle.
Now fully healthy, Dowdle seems to be running away with the RB2 spot on this team.
Davis files in third on the depth chart, which is not surprising.
The surprising thing to me is seeing Deuce Vaughn so far down on the depth chart.
He is even listed after Ronald Jones, who is suspended for the first two weeks of the season.
Vaughn has looked shifty and explosive when given opportunity, and hopefully this early depth chart has no bearing on him receiving touches in the first preseason game.
