Believe it or not, but the Dallas Cowboys are now officially in offseason mode. It’s time for the evaluation process to begin and what better place to start then the roster as it stands right now prior to any offseason moves.
With that in mind, I thought I’d put together a list of the Dallas Cowboys current depth chart heading into the 2021 offseason. Mike McCarthy and company have a lot of work ahead of themselves, but knowing who is and isn’t part of their future is a good place to start.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Dallas Cowboys current depth chart…
Quarterback (1)
Dak Prescott, Andy Dalton, Garrett Gilbert, Ben DiNucci
Ben DiNucci would be the Dallas Cowboys starting QB if the season were to start today. That’s not going to stand of course. It’s either going to be Dak Prescott, a new rookie QB, or maybe a stopgap veteran starting for the Cowboys in 2021. What Dallas decides to do at the QB position this offseason will no doubt impact their future for years to come.
Running Back (5)
Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Rico Dowdle, Jamize Olawale, Sewo Olonilua
I don’t foresee the current RB depth changing too much, if at all, in the offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. There of course will be quite a bit of trade talk in regards to Ezekiel Elliott, but I highly doubt he’s going anywhere. It will be interesting however to see whether or not they carry a FB. They can save a little money by releasing Olawale and they also didn’t carry one in 2020.
Wide Receiver (4)
Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown
The Dallas Cowboys WRs unfortunately didn’t get to live up to their potential in 2020 due to the QB carousel they were forced to play with, but the sky’s the limit for them in 2021. Depth-wise Dallas is in pretty good shape with Cooper, Gallup, Lamb, and Wilson under contract. Adding another WR for more depth behind them though isn’t out of the question.
Tight End (3)
Blake Jarwin, Dalton Schultz, Blake Bell, Sean McKeon
The Cowboys have two capable starters in Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz and also a good developmental prospect in Sean McKeon. They could easily stick with the status quo at TE for the 2021 season or try to upgrade the position through the draft. With Jarwin returning from a serious injury and with Schultz entering the final year of his rookie contract, drafting a TE isn’t out of the question.
Offensive Tackle (4)
Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, Cam Erving, Brandon Knight, Terence Steele
Health is key for the Dallas Cowboys at offensive tackle moving forward. If Smith and Collins can return 100% healthy and stay that way they are set, but if not they are in serious trouble. Brandon Knight and Terence Steele performed admirably in 2020, however, they are best served as backups. Dallas would be wise to invest in another starting caliber OT at some point in the draft.
Offensive Guard (3)
Zack Martin, Connor Williams, Connor McGovern
Zack Martin will once again reprise his role at right guard and Connor Williams will likely remain the starter at left guard. Connor McGovern proved he is capable of starting in 2020, but will likely be relegated to backup duties next year at both guard and probably center as well. Finding another versatile interior offensive lineman for depth purposes wouldn’t be a bad idea though.
Center (1)
Joe Looney, Tyler Biadasz
Tyler Biadasz will be the future and hopefully longtime starter at center for the Dallas Cowboys moving forward. With Joe Looney possibly leaving in free agency depth becomes an underrated offseason “need”, even with Connor McGovern’s position flex. Maybe Looney can be enticed to stick around on an affordable, team friendly contract.
Defensive End (4)
DeMarcus Lawrence, Aldon Smith, Randy Gregory, Dorance Armstrong, Bradlee Anae
The Dallas Cowboys surprisingly find themselves in pretty good shape at defensive end heading into the 2021 offseason. They would probably love to bring back Aldon Smith, but they’re not going to overpay to keep him around. If Smith is brought back somehow it’s unlikely they add any more depth to the position. If not though, they could draft another DE as early as the first-round.
Defensive Tackle (3)
Antwaun Woods, Tyrone Crawford, Trysten Hill, Neville Gallimore
If upgrading the defensive tackle position isn’t the top priority for the Dallas Cowboys in the offseason it’s right there at the top of the list. I wouldn’t consider Antwaun Woods, Trysten Hill, or Neville Gallimore as anything more than depth. Hill and Gallimore may turn into capable starters, but Dallas can’t count on that. It’s way past time to invest more resources in the DT position.
Linebacker (4)
Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Sean Lee, Joe Thomas, Francis Bernard, Luke Gifford
Jaylon Smith and LVE are the only proven LBs currently under contract for the Dallas Cowboys and will probably reprise their roles as starters in 2021, despite both coming off a disappointing 2020 season. Upgrading the LB position is an underrated offseason “need” for the Cowboys in my opinion. With LVE’s inability to remain healthy and Smith’s inconsistent play, depth at the position becomes even more of a concern.
Cornerback (3)
Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown, Maurice Canady
The Dallas Cowboys could very well have something special in Trevon Diggs, but other than him the CB position is in desperate need of being upgraded. Dallas could re-sign Awuzie for depth purposes pretty cheaply considering his injury plagued 2020 season and that still wouldn’t prevent from selecting a CB early in the 2021 NFL Draft. In fact, that could very well be the offseason plan.
Safety (2)
Xavier Woods, Darian Thompson, Donovan Wilson, Reggie Robinson
Donovan Wilson has put his name in contention as a potential starter at safety moving forward, but that depends on what the Dallas Cowboys think of him. Whether he starts or not the Cowboys will need at least one more starting caliber safety, possibly two, and better depth behind them. Dallas has ignored investing much in this position just like at DT and it’s finally starting to catch up to them.
