Earlier this week I shared with all of you my way-too-early Dallas Cowboys 55-man roster prediction for the 2020 season. A lot of it is purely speculation and guesswork on my part, because there’s a lot of moving parts that could change how Mike McCarthy and his staff put together this year’s team between now and the start of the season.
To get a better understanding of the players who we will likely see suit up for the Dallas Cowboys this year I decided to take a different approach this time around. Today, I thought I’d identify the players who I believe have already locked up their roster spot for the 2020 season. Believe it or not, this was much easier in my opinion then predicting who makes it through final roster cuts.
Let’s take a look…
QUARTERBACK
- Dak Prescott
- Andy Dalton
Dak Prescott may not have signed his franchise tag yet or received a long-term contract extension, but he is the unquestioned starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Any thought of Andy Dalton challenging Prescott for the starting job is absurd. The former Cincinnati Bengals starting QB signed with Dallas to be the backup.
RUNNING BACK
- Ezekiel Elliott
- Tony Pollard
Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are the only two running backs who I believe have locked up a roster spot right now. I was really close to adding Jamize Olawale here, but I really think he could be challenged by the undrafted free agent RB/FB Sewo Olonilua (6’3″, 238) out of TCU. That uncertainty puts Olawale’s job in jeopardy right now.
WIDE RECEIVER
- Amari Cooper
- Michael Gallup
- CeeDee Lamb
Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb give the Dallas Cowboys the best trio of wide receivers in the entire NFL. There’s no doubt in my mind they have locked up their roster spots. Behind them though nothing is guaranteed. Cedrick Wilson might have the best chance of sticking around, however, that’s not something I’d be willing to put money on.
TIGHT END
- Blake Jarwin
- Blake Bell
Blake Jarwin is expected to take over for Jason Witten as he Dallas Cowboys TE1 and Blake Bell will slide into Jarwin’s backup role for the 2020 season. Dalton Schultz will compete with Cole Hikutini, who spent last season on the practice squad, and undrafted rookies Sean McKeon (Michigan) and Charlie Taumoepeau (Portland State).
OFFENSIVE LINE
- Tyron Smith
- La’el Collins
- Zack Martin
- Connor Williams
- Connor McGovern
- Tyler Biadasz
Right now, I only have six offensive lineman as roster locks for the Dallas Cowboys. They have their starting offensive tackles in Tyron Smith and La’el Collins and starting guards in Zack Martin and either Connor Williams or Connor McGovern. This year’s fourth-round draft pick, Tyler Biadasz, is the only other OL whose job isn’t in jeopardy in my opinion.
I think the recent signing of Cameron Erving puts Joe Looney on notice. Erving’s ability to play any position on the OL could push Looney off the roster. The same can be said for Brandon Knight, although him being the younger/cheaper option gives him a better chance of sticking around as a potential swing tackle.
*Tune in tomorrow for the Dallas Cowboys defensive roster locks
