Jerry Jones is not afraid to overspend on undrafted free agents after the draft. If there’s a chance a guy can make his team better the Dallas Cowboys will pay a little extra to bring him to town. It doesn’t hurt that the Cowboys have a great brand.
When La’el Collins went undrafted – the Cowboys’ recruiting prowess was on full display.
Someone of that talent level won’t be sitting there this year (barring some extremely crazy unforeseen circumstances). It wouldn’t be wise to expect to find the next Tony Romo or even the next Cole Beasley. However, there are still football players to be found and there’s a 90-man roster that needs to be filled.
Here are some players I believe the Cowboys should target if they go undrafted.
Sefo Liufau, QB, Colorado
Over 6’ 3” with a big arm, Sefo Liufau would be a great option as a developmental quarterback. While not the most accurate, Sefo finishes his college career with a 62.9% completion rate and 6.9 yards per attempt.
He leaves behind numerous school records at his position – according to CUBuffs.com he owns 84 school records and is tied for the record in another 14 categories. Obviously it will be a big challenge to transition to the NFL but he would be in a very cerebral quarterback room that you hope helps him learn to read a defense.
I’Tavius Mathers, RB, Middle Tennessee
A possible Lance Dunbar replacement. In 2016 Mathers had 66 receptions for 633 yards, a 9.6 average. Under 5’ 11” and under 200 lbs. He’s not going to shed linebackers or run over safeties (See: Zeke, in Seattle) but he does have speed, running a 4.44 40-yard dash at his pro day.
Mathers has previous experience at Ole Miss. Could possibly contribute on special teams.
Quincy Adeboyejo, WR, Ole Miss
An athletic prospect that would need development in route running, Adeboyejo had a nice combine showing with a 4.42 40-yard dash and a 6.73 3-cone time. He has size at 6’ 2” although he is just under 200 lbs. hopefully an NFL training team could help with that.
Pita Taumoepenu, LB/DE, Utah
This is the kind of guy I would love to see Rod Marinelli get his hands on.
Late to football, with nice physical measurables and a quick get-off-the-snap, he played as a pass rush specialist finishing his college career with 25.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles to boot.
Stands at 6’ 1” 243 lbs. with 32” arms and nearly 10” hands. With some work he could hopefully contribute as a rotational player late in the year or more likely year two.
Jamal Agnew, CB, San Diego
An undersized guy that has a knack for knowing where the ball is, Agnew amassed 59 passes defensed, 11 interceptions, and 13.5 tackles for loss in his time at San Diego. As Orlando Scandrick gets up there in age why not take a guy in a similar mold that could learn from him?
Not invited to the combine, he ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at his pro day. Can read a quarterback’s eyes and is a competitor that would fit well with this coaching staff’s ideals.
I love looking at the UDFA’s. Sefu and Adeboyejo were two guys I had looked at as well. Both are good prospects. I am not familiar with the other 3 but you know there is going to be a gem that makes the 53. Its fun to keep an eye on them.
It’s fun to take a guess as to who might fit the Cowboys scheme as well as position needs. Never know who it will be though. I’m okay with Adeboyejo just running 8 & 9 routes all day. Thanks for the feedback!