After cutting Cody Mandell and trading Ben Bass to the Patriots for Justin Green, Paul has updated his first preseason projected 53 man roster. Check out his picks for the defensive line. And in case you've missed it, this series of staff projections is a weekly deal during the preseason, so check out the other staff projections out already: Mike Harlos, Jonathan Day, Christopher Mak.

Defense (28 players)

– 4

J.J. Wilcox
Jeff Heath

To me, Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox are the only locks of this unit. Jakar Hamilton has seemed to impress the coaching staff and guys like Bryan Broaddus all off-season, so I think he makes it but he's been hurt. Maybe Dallas tries to sneak him on the PS to start the year. This could be where the Scandrick deal really bites them in the ass. Jeff Heath provides depth and gained a lot of experience by being thrown to the wolves last year. Also a solid special teams member. Ahmad Dixon is kind of my pet cat. Brings a ton of attitude to defense and special teams, which is badly needed.

– 6
Brandon Carr


Terrance Mitchell

Sterling Moore

With the four-game suspension for Scandrick, I think the Cowboys are forced to keep six corners. I think it's too early to give up Webb at this point, but man does he ever need to get it rolling. I believe that last spot comes down to Webb, , and the newly acquired Justin Green.

Outside Linebacker – 4
Bruce Carter
DeVonte Holloman
Kyle Wilber
Will Smith

Again, pretty simple to me. Carter, Holloman, and Wilber are all locks. And Will Smith is a 6th round pick that will help enough on special teams to stick. Wilber will also be used a lot as a nickel rusher, so kind of a two-for-one deal.

Inside Linebacker – 3
Justin Durant
Rolando McClain

All locks. The biggest question is who wins the starting role. According to camp reports both McClain and Durant are off to hot starts. One of those two guys will not be here next year so this will be an excellent year for Hitchens to relax and learn from while getting in on special teams action. Camp reports also have him looking good at OLB.

Defensive Line – 11
DT
DT
DT
DT
DeMarcus Lawrence DE
DE
DE
Tyrone Crawford DE/DT
Ken Boatright DE
Ken Bishop DT
DE

11 D-lineman is a big number but I'll try to explain.

Defensive Tackles: Of course Melton is a lock. And say what you want about the Golden Cock Nick Hayden, but the coaching staff loves him. Terrell McClain provides too much depth and position flex to let go. If you aren't familiar with Davon Coleman then you need to be. I think we have our next UDFA future super star here.

Defensive End: Originally I had Spencer starting the season on PUP. But recent reports seem to show that the think he will be ready to roll by week 2 at the latest. The plan for the d-line is to attack in waves, which is the reason for keeping so many guys. I decided to keep Boatright over Ben Gardner simply because I think Gardner could slip through to the considering his injury, and that we haven't seen him play at all.

 

Offense (25 Players)

Quarterback – 2

Brandon Weeden

I seriously considered keeping Caleb Hanie as a 3rd QB simply because of the uncertainty of Romo's back. But I just couldn't justify cutting from another position group.

/Full Back – 4


Lance Dunbar
Tyler Clutts

Murray and Dunbar are the only locks. And boy is it going to be fun to watch the battle between Ryan Williams and Joseph Randle. I just can't possibly see them keeping 4. I could see them trading Williams much like they did Donte Rosario last year after the 53 was finalized. Neither of the FBs on the roster have really impressed but Clutts, by all accounts, has been the better of the two.

Wide Receiver – 5
Dez Bryant
Terrance Williams


Devin Street

Again, pretty simple. One of the young UDFAs would have to come on strong to steal a roster spot because all five of the WRs listed are locks. They will have to force them to keep six. Keep an eye on Chris Boyd for that.

Tight End – 3
Jason Witten

James Hanna

Because that's all we've got. Literally. None of the other TEs stand a chance. If they keep four, it's going to be a blocking TE from another team's cuts.

Offensive Line – 8
OT
OT
Darrion Weems OT
Travis Fredbeard C
G/C
Ron Leary G
G
Jermey Parnell OT

Pretty solid group right there. Fantastic mix of youth and experience that could be one of the best units in the NFL.

Special Teams – 3
Dan MFN Baily K
LP French Canadian Daddy LS
Chris Jones P

No surprises here. These are the guys and I have zero issues with it.

Practice Squad – 8
Jamar Newsome WR, Chris Boyd WR, Ronald Patrick G, Ben Gardner DE, Dartwan Bush DT, Will Smith LB, and Tyler Patmon CB.

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