The Dallas Cowboys have a little bit extra time on their hands to evaluate the roster now that the Week 4 preseason game with the Houston Texans has been canceled. That doesn’t necessarily mean they will make cuts early, it just means they have a little extra time to evaluate every single position.
It may just be me, but I still have some concerns with a few positions and believe the Cowboys could stand to find some upgrades. They can do this in one of two ways: 1) they can work out a trade with another team, or 2) put in a waiver claim for someone who was recently cut by their ball club.
Now, the Dallas Cowboys depth chart is pretty talented from top to bottom, but if you continue reading below you will see the positions I believe might still need to be upgraded. As always, feel free to agree or disagree.
Linebacker
The linebacker position for the Dallas Cowboys became a real concern when Anthony Hitchens went down with an injury against the Indianapolis Colts. Fortunately, it wasn’t as serious as believed and he will only be out for approximately eight weeks. But, it is a serious hit to the depth of the position.
Right now, Sean Lee might be the only sure thing. Justin Durant will likely step in at MLB for Hitchens and Damien Wilson will probably start at SAM. But, Durant has yet to get a lot of practice repetitions and Wilson still faces a possible suspension. Things are even more cloudy regarding second-year LB Jaylon Smith and his availability. Is he ready to take on a full-time workload?
The Dallas Cowboys will undoubtably keep a close eye on the waiver wires once cuts are made and possibly explore a trade for more linebacker depth. Unfortunately, there are just too many unknowns at this point to fill secure in what they currently have on the roster. The linebacker position might just be the one position on the entire team that needs an upgrade the most.
Defensive End
If you look at the depth chart at the defensive end position you will notice the Dallas Cowboys currently have enough bodies to make it through the entire season. But, like the LB position, there are concerns because of availability. We already know about the players that are suspended to start the year (Damontre Moore and David Irving), but there are concerns with some of the other DEs as well.
Two DEs have back concerns that are worrisome (Lawrence and Tapper) and there has still not been any word of when Tyrone Crawford might be able to return to the field. It’s hard to believe the Cowboys are relying on Taco Charlton to be a huge difference maker as a rookie, but at least he’s been healthy so far.
DEs are really difficult to come by, but the Dallas Cowboys have to be keeping a close watchful eye out for someone who can come in and at least help get them through the first month of the season until they can get their suspended players back on the field. If they are looking for an upgrade they will probably have to do it via trade because of how far down they are the waiver wire.
Defensive Tackle
As things stand right now, I think there are only three DTs who are guaranteed a roster spot: Maliek Collins, Cedric Thornton, and Stephen Paea. With as much as defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli likes to rotate his DL, depth is definitely a concern.
I think Lewis Neal has a chance to start the season as Collins’ backup at the 3-technique, but he might just be a fill-in until suspensions are served. Both Tyrone Crawford and David Irving can kick inside DT, but neither may be available to start the season. Depth at DT isn’t really a top priority, but finding an upgrade isn’t out of the question.
The Cowboys did draft two DTs, but neither is expected to make the final 53-man roster. They will probably try to sign them back to the practice squad, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see them put in a waiver claim or work out a trade for a player they believe may be an upgrade.
Left Guard
Through all of the off-season practices and four preseason games, the Dallas Cowboys still probably don’t know who will start at LG on opening day of the season. Jonathan Cooper and Chaz Green have received the most opportunities to prove themselves, but neither has really stood out.
Green simply can’t remain healthy, so there’s no way they can feel comfortable with him as a starter. Cooper probably gets the nod because of that, but even he has had a history of injuries in his NFL career. Byron Bell is a wild card here, but even he hasn’t been able to stand out.
The Dallas Cowboys will probably stick with status quo here, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be looking for an upgrade. They can’t afford to let the LG position negatively affect one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. If I’m the Cowboys, I’m exploring all possibilities and leave no stone unturned.
