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FB Nick Ralston has Best Shot at Making Cowboys Roster out of UDFAs

After adding 11 new players through the 2021 and others in , the haven't left much room for their undrafted to get onto the . If any of the undrafted rookie class can make it, Nick Ralston from Louisiana may have the best opportunity.

When I did my latest 53-man roster projection shortly after the draft, I didn't have Ralston or any other UDFA making the team. The numbers just aren't looking good for them as the draft aftermath has already seen Dallas part ways with a trusted veteran in DT and experienced, versatile depth option in G/C .

But unlike the defensive or offensive lines, or pretty much any other spots on the Cowboys' roster, there are no immediately superior prospects at fullback. After 's in March, Dallas only had left on the roster as an official FB prospect.

Olonilua, like Ralston now, was an undrafted in 2020. After Olawale chose to opt-out of the season under the policy, Sewo managed to be active for just a couple games and only saw a handful of snaps on . He spent most of the year on the as Dallas elected to go with no fullback for most of the season.

Both Olonilua and Ralston are now up against each other for the job, but perhaps even more the potential that the job won't even exist. One of them will have to convince the Cowboys that keeping a true fullback is a good use of a roster spot.

Ralston comes into this competition with high praise for his blocking and receiving skills on , plus his work on special teams. While Olonilua was more of a convert to fullback from his college career at TCU, Ralston seems more ready-made for the role right out of the box.

While true fullbacks are an endangered species in the , may be one of the few coaches left who appreciates their value. He made John Kuhn a household name at the position during his Green Bay years and appeared committed to Jamize Olawale in 2020.

The fact that Dallas continues to bring in these prospects indicates they'd like to utilize the position. The opportunity is there for someone who proves his worth and can contribute both on offense and special teams; a prerequisite for any FB to make the team these days,

Only time will tell how Nick Ralston stacks compared to Sewo Olonilua, but the fact they're both here indicates that the Cowboys still want a fullback on the roster. With no established veterans to contend with, Ralston may have the easiest road to making the team of any of this year's undrafted rookies.

Jess Haynie
Jess Haynie
Cowboys fan since 1992, blogger since 2011. Bringing you the objectivity of an outside perspective with the passion of a die-hard fan. I love to talk to my readers, so please comment on any article and I'll be sure to respond!

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