2020 player profile – Syndication Server

Daryl Worley adds versatility, size for Cowboys in crafty late FA signing

The Dallas Cowboys added valuable CB Daryl Worley this offseason, who has the size and versatility they crave at CB.

There was a lot of work the Dallas Cowboys needed do this offseason to rebuild the cornerback position. After Byron Jones departed via free agency, it left just two accomplished corners on the roster. Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis and a few nondescript names remained on the ledger.

The team went to work, re-signing slot man Anthony Brown, signing Maurice Canady (who has since opted out), Saivion Smith and then adding two cornerbacks in the draft. Apparently they weren’t done compiling talent at CB. The day after the draft concluded, Dallas also signed former Oakland Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley to continue to shore up the secondary.

Worley is a former 2016 third-round pick of the Carolina Panthers and is just 25 years old, but the Cowboys will be his fourth team in five years.

He was traded from the Panthers to the Philadelphia Eagles in March of 2018, but Worley’s arrest for a DUI in April of that year got him released before he played a game for the team. The Raiders swooped in and signed Worley, who was suspended for four games as a result of the arrest.

Worley played his college ball at West Virginia, where he played in 11 games and started in five as a freshman and he continued to get better as his career progressed. He had three interceptions as sophomore, but it was in his junior season when Worley’s stock rose. Worley earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors and picked off six passes in his last season with the Mountaineers, which tied for fourth in the nation.

In his first two years with the Panthers, Worley intercepted three passes and broke up 19, playing primarily as their starting RCB before he was traded to the Eagles.

Worley has been a member of the Raiders for the past two seasons and has played admirably, mostly on the left side. Last season, the veteran CB had eight passes defended, a tackle for a loss, and an interception in 15 games. Worley has five career interceptions, with at least one in each of his four seasons.

If the Cowboys were looking to create more turnovers, Worley does get his hands on a lot of passes.

The biggest reason the Cowboys signed Worley was because of his size. Listed at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, he fits the prototypical mold of CB the Cowboys are targeting.

Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay mentioned in an interview after the draft about how the team wants “big, long corners.” Worley fits that bill.

Cowboys VP of player personnel Will McClay on drafting CBs Trevon Diggs, Reggie Robinson II: "We needed some guys to be press corners, No. 1. And then the other thing was guys who can affect the ball." Likes new corners' size. "This was a good draft for those big, long corners."

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 28, 2020

Worley was already an intriguing name to remember for the defense, but since Canady has opted-out, he’ll get even more of an opportunity now.

Dallas does seem to have significant depth at CB and Worley is going to have value as a veteran presence as the team works in two rookie corners in Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson. He’ll be battling for the third or fourth spot in the rotation and his experience early in the season, especially since there’s been no real offseason practices, could turn out to be a difference maker.

The CB crunch ultimately might not be an issue as there are still rumors the Cowboys might convert one of their corners to a safety moving forward. Awuzie appears to be the most likely player to change positions, but don’t discount Worley as an option for snaps at safety either. He lined up at safety for the Panthers in 2017 and the Raiders used him there in spot duty as well, so Worley does make some sense.

If Awuzie does move, Worley will be counted on to play a bigger role in the secondary. Of course it could be Worley taking on multiple roles himself.

Head coach Mike McCarthy was asked specifically about Worley in Saturday’s press conference after the Cowboys first practice of the season.

"The versatility… He's a great fit.He's definitely someone you can use in a matchup… He's off to an excellent start" – McCarthy on free agent CB/S Daryl Worley

— KD Drummond (@KDDrummondNFL) August 15, 2020

The Cowboys were diligent in adding talent to the secondary this offseason and Worley was a nice pickup. He can line up on either side of the field, has some experience at safety and should be a core piece of the special teams units. Dallas can use him as a valuable jack-of-all-trades player who can help anywhere he’s needed.

At just 25 years of age, Worley’s best football is still in front of him. Worley could be one of the unsung heroes for the Cowboys as they enter the 2020 season.

People often mention glue guys and under the radar players that help teams win games, Worley fits that bill for the Cowboys.

You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi.

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TCU RB Darius Anderson will try to parlay part-time role into full-time employment with Cowboys

Darius Anderson comes into the 2020 season as an undrafted free agent out of TCU.

In 2020, the Dallas Cowboys have an elite one-two punch when it comes to the running back position. Coming off another stellar season, Ezekiel Elliott will be a primary focus for Mike McCarthy’s new system. Tony Pollard showed several glimpses of speed and hybrid abilities racking up 455 yards on the ground, scoring twice and adding 15 receptions and a touchdown catch as a rookie. While this is set up for a successful 2020, what if this year’s running back room was a three-headed monster?

Darius Anderson comes in as an undrafted free agent out of TCU. Anderson caught the eye of scouts at the 2020 Senior Bowl where he finished the game with 43 rushing yards along with 87 receiving yards and a touchdown. Considering the volume of touches in this particular game, Anderson made the most of it.

Anderson had almost 5,000 career rushing yards and over 50 rushing touchdowns in high school and helped lead his team to a state championship his senior year. When considering a college to attend, he ultimately decided to stay home in Texas and committed to Texas Christian University (TCU). Anderson didn’t see the field much as a freshman but followed up with 768 yards in his sophomore season and saw the endzone eight times.

He had only 598 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his junior year which was a set back in both yards and scoring. As a result of this, he entered into his senior year listed third on the depth chart but quickly moved his way up to the starting role where he was able to set his personal best in rushing yards with 823. He also showed versatility by catching 22 balls for 128 yards which was also a career high.

Anderson finished his collegiate career with 18 rushing touchdowns and was named honorable mention All-Big 12 in both 2017 and 2019.

Anderson’s strengths definitely lie within his vision and patience as a runner. He doesn’t have elite running back speed but he makes up for this in his ability to accelerate. Having this attribute opens the door for Anderson to get opportunities on special teams.

From The Athletic’s Dane Brugler:

Anderson is shifty in small spaces, but there is too much east-west on tape as he attempts to bounce runs outside. His marginal run strength and upright pads make it tough on him break tackles. In pass protection, he is barely a speed bump, squaring and extending, but rushers too easily go right through him. Overall, Anderson has the initial quickness to out-leverage pursuit angles and cut away from trouble, but he is too easily tripped up and needs to show better versatility as a pass catcher and blocker to warrant an NFL roster spot.

2019 Highlight Reel

2018 Game Film vs Ohio State

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4hHyBKu_Uc

On the surface the Cowboys may be all set at running back with Elliott and Pollard. The best chance for Anderson to make this year’s squad is definitely on special teams. However, much like how Anderson went into his senior year as the No. 3 running back on the depth chart, it may only take a few really good days in camp to show McCarthy that he’s due for a few reps to make some noise.

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown.

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Coaching turnover could attract turnover-magnet Donovan Wilson to Cowboys rotation

Donovan Wilson’s penchant for creating turnovers might lead to him to becoming a surprise answer for the Dallas Cowboys at safety.

When people talk about the Dallas Cowboys and the safety position, it’s usually who can they bring in to pair with one of their starting safeties. Xavier Woods has solidified one safety spot and the team signed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to likely next to him.

However, that didn’t stop the fans from wishing stud safety Jamal Adams would be traded to Dallas. While it didn’t happen and Adams was eventually shipped to Seattle for a Sound-emptying bounty, there might be another Dallas safety to keep an eye on for the upcoming season, second-year man Donovan Wilson.

Playing his college ball at Texas A&M, Wilson was known as a big hitter despite not having outstanding athleticism. His draft profile showed a prospect unafraid to come down into the box and deliver the boom on ball carriers. Yet it wouldn’t be fair to label him as just a physical presence because Wilson also had a nose for the ball, picking off eight passes for the Aggies.

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The Cowboys drafted Wilson and he quickly made an impression last summer. The rookie picked off three passes in the preseason, which had to have gotten the attention of the coaching staff, and endeared him to the fan base. For a team that has lacked a ball hawk in the secondary for years, seeing the interceptions, even in exhibition games, was a sight for sore eyes.

With the Cowboys constantly on the lookout for safeties and turnovers, Wilson was making his case to make the team as a late-round pick, making the 53-man roster out of training camp.

During the 2019 season, Wilson did see action in 11 games, but didn’t make much an impact. With Woods, Jeff Heath and Darian Thompson garnering most of the playing time, Wilson wasn’t called upon much.

Not much has changed in front of Wilson for the upcoming season. There are still three veteran safeties ahead of the second-year player: Woods, Clinton-Dix and Thompson.

However, to complicate things even further, there are rumors about the Cowboys possibly moving corner Chidobe Awuzie to safety. If that happens, that’s a good deal of traffic in front of Wilson, who will be fighting for a roster spot again in 2020.

Wilson looks determined to not allow that to happen. He put in the work this offseason and appears ready to win a job.

Close mouth don’t get fed #humblesavage pic.twitter.com/5oRoPBylHT

— Donovan Wilson (@donlwilson6) July 27, 2020

A potential positive for Wilson are the new defensive coaches. Wilson never seemed to get a real look in the regular season under Rod Marinelli’s staff, but he’ll have a clean slate under new DC Mike Nolan. If the Cowboys remain serious about creating more turnovers, Wilson could be in line for a jump in snaps his sophomore season.

Wilson also now has a familiar face in his corner; the Cowboys hired Maurice Linguist as a defensive backs coach. Linguist arrives from Texas A&M, where he helped coach Wilson in 2018.

It feels like the Cowboys are in a never-ending search for quality safeties. Wilson may have been a late-round flyer, but he made plays last preseason to warrant a long look at becoming a bigger part of the safety rotation. His ball skills alone could help a secondary that has issues creating turnovers.

Even without a top spot in the pecking order at safety, at the very least, Wilson should be a core specials teams player.

There won’t be a preseason this year to see how much Wilson has improved, but don’t be surprised if he makes an impact in some way for the 2020 Dallas Cowboys.

You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi.

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown.

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March to a different beat, Cowboys ST ace now gets to work with one of NFLs best

Justin March enters his third season with the Cowboys. His special teams ability can keep him around and play a key role this season.

When looking at the 2019 Dallas Cowboys, there were a few glaring holes to fill which could be addressed internally. According to Football Outsiders, the Cowboys ranked No. 30 in special teams play last season. The team addressed this situation by hiring a new special teams coach in John “Bones” Fassel from the Los Angeles Rams.

When thinking of players currently on the 2020 Dallas Cowboys roster that can aid in special teams play, linebacker Justin March immediately comes to mind

March has excelled over the last few seasons in Dallas as a special teams player. Last year March appeared in all 16 regular season games for the Cowboys and was called upon to play in 62% of the special teams plays.

March began his career in 2015 when he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Kansas City Chiefs out of Akron.

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Unfortunately for March, his rookie season came to an abrupt end with a knee injury and placed on injured reserve. His active playing career began in 2016 with five games started for Kansas City playing both linebacker and on the special teams unit. Once again, a setback occurred when March broke his hand against the Raiders and was once again put on season-ending injured reserve. In those five games started he registered 22 tackles and one for a loss. Kansas City would part ways with March and released him in 2017.

The Miami Dolphins saw March as a versatile young player and gave him a one-year deal where he appeared in just two games and was waived by Week 3. The Seattle Seahawks claimed him off waivers but only to be once again released after appearing in just one game.

His career was in a little bit of a jam when the Dallas Cowboys finally came calling immediately after Seattle waived him; March’s fourth team in one month.

Immediately March was looked at as a special teams contributor. In his first season with the Cowboys he played 10% of the snaps on special teams and appeared in seven games. Showing immediate promise, March appeared in all 16 games in the 2018 and 2019 season respectively. He registered 27 tackles and 11 of them being solo.

When taking a look at 2020 there is more opportunity to shine. The Cowboys obviously have felt that his skill set is more than fitting to be on this team as he was granted another one year contract this off-season. Listed right now on the team’s website as the back up to middle linebacker Jaylon Smith, March has to stay even more ready and show his versatility this season more than ever with Leighton Vander Esch coming off of his neck injury and Sean Lee adding another year onto a very seasoned body. Along side March, Joe Thomas and Luke Gifford and undrafted rookie Francis Bernard round out the linebacker room.

Ultimately it’s up to Fassel to keep March around in 2020. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan may think March’s size hinders his ability to contribute as a linebacker. There’s also the question of whether or not the Cowboys would even keep 7 linebackers on the active roster. There’s a fight ahead in this year’s training camp. March has done enough to be included on this depth chart for the last three seasons and being only 27 years of age, the upside outweighs the down by a mile.

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown.

Ranking the 7 draft picks and 15 UDFAs

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Cowboys News: Preseason cancelled, Lawrence awesome, Dak’s MVP chances

The Cowboys top pas rusher DeMarcus Lawrence is getting a lot of preseason praise. Fourth-round cornerback Reggie Robinson agrees to terms.

Despite only have five sacks in 2019, Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is still getting a lot of preseason recognition as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Fourth-round cornerback Reggie Robinson became the third Cowboys rookie to agree to contract terms, but he still has to put ink to paper after he passes the new league in-person intake process.

With Byron Jones now in Miami, the position battle at cornerback has become one of the more intriguing competitions as training camp approaches. The Cowboys have a plethora of newcomers who are expected to contribute early, but who will have the most impact? Cowboys MVP candidates, the player profiles of Leighton Vander Esch, Luke Gifford, and Mitch Hyatt and more are covered in the news and notes.

NFLPA tells players there’ll be no preseason, training camp rosters reduced to 80 players :: CBS Sports

The NFLPA confirmed to the players on a phone call Tuesday evening that there will be no preseason games and roster for training camp will be set at 80.

Vander Esch went from maligned to All-Pro to maligned again :: Cowboys Wire

Leighton Vander Esch was received with mixed emotions by the Cowboys fan base in 2018, only to become an All-Pro as a rookie. Now, he looks to recover from his neck issue that plagued his 2019 campaign and return to dominance.

Mitch Hyatt will need to play to his strengths, experience to earn role with Cowboys :: Cowboys Wire

After not seeing any game action in his rookie season, Mitch Hyatt looks to earn his spot on the Cowboys roster through his experience playing high-level collegiate ball at Clemson.

In year 2 of 3-year plan, LB Luke Gifford will gain value for Cowboys :: Cowboys Wire

Luke Gifford made a splash during the preseason in 2019, only to have his season ended with a broken left arm. Now, he looks to show his value and which will provide more strength to an already deep LB room.

Several Cowboys show up as prospective MVP candidates, with Dak Prescott tabbed as the likeliest :: Blogging The Boys

Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott lead the way as potential MVP candidates on the Cowboys for 2020.

Dallas Cowboys: The most impactful newcomer in 2020 :: The Landry Hat

Form Aldon Smith to Trevon Diggs who will be the Cowboy’s most impactful newcomer?

NFL likely to allow helmet decals honoring victims of police brutality :: Cowboys Wire

In another attempt to listen to the demands of the players the NFL is likely to allow helmet decals honoring victims of police brutality and systematic racism.

Reggie Robinson II becomes third Cowboys rookie to agree to terms :: Cowboys Wire

Fourth-round cornerback Reggie Robinson II agrees to terms on his rookie deal, but he still has yet to take his physical or Covid-19 test, so he hasn’t officially signed yet.

DeMarcus Lawrence is another Cowboy getting preseason recognition :: Blogging The Boys

I’m addition to Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper the Cowboys top pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence is getting preseason praise as well.

NFL training camp 2020: Most important position battles for each NFC East team, including Cowboys DBs :: CBS Sports

Patrik Walker of CBS Sports breaks down how with Byron Jones no longer on the roster the battles at cornerback in training camp are crucial.

Ranking the 7 draft picks and 15 UDFAs

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Vander Esch went from maligned to All-Pro to maligned again

The Wolf Hunter spent more time on the sideline last year than anyone would hope for. If he’s

One of the biggest question marks for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2018 NFL draft was how were they going to replace their all-time touchdown receptions leader, Dez Bryant, who was released from the team just two weeks prior. Many suspected they would go the wide receiver route in Round 1 with names like D.J. Moore, Calvin Ridley, and Courtland Sutton on the board, but the Cowboys had other plans.

Sean Lee was coming off of a 100-plus tackle season in 2017 but he missed five games due to injury along with parts of others. Jaylon Smith, after battling a gruesome leg injury that forced him to miss his rookie season, showed some flashes of his talent with 81 tackles. However, when Anthony Hitchens signed with the Kansas City Chiefs linebacker became a big priority as well. The Cowboys selected Leighton Vander Esch out of Boise State No. 19 overall making him one of four linebackers selected in the first round (Roquan Smith, Tremaine Edmunds, Rashaan Evans).

Draft Profile

Vander Esch was seen as a budding prospect with immense upside. Due to his small hometown, he played 8-man football in high school. He didn’t begin to ascend until his last year with the Broncos, when he exploded onto the scene.

Vander Esch isn’t just a good athlete, he was one of the most athletic to join the league in quite some time, a great combination of size, speed and strength.

From Dane Brugler’s 2018 Draft Guide:

STRENGTHS: Lateral range to mirror and pursuit speed to close…plant-and-drive quickness to unlock and go…high football intelligence…backfield vision and toughness to scrape down the line and find the correct gap…functional strength to find work in the trenches…gets skinny through gaps with budding skills as a blitzer… coordinated feet to control his movements in coverage…effective in his zone drops, using his eyes to feel routes and find passing lanes… strikes with pop in his pads, tackling low and bringing his legs with him…motor doesn’t quit and defends both sidelines…workable body type with length, adding 40+ pounds since he arrived in Boise… team captain with impressive character on and off the field…self-starter and quickly proved his worth as a walk-on, earning a scholarship during his redshirt season.

An athletic marvel, the arrow was pointing directly up.

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Even though Vander Esch was one considered one of the best linebackers coming out of the collegiate ranks the pick received a mixed reaction from the Cowboys fan base.

Nonetheless, Vander Esch was slated to have a huge role right from the start as the Cowboys tried to make the playoffs for the second time in three years.

From my #Cowboys visit yesterday, why they are high on first-round LB Leighton Vander Esch… by the way, they also love the early returns on G Connor Williams, who will step in and solidify that OL. DAL believes they hit on their first 2 picks, at least. pic.twitter.com/pXxe2siPky

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2018

Living up to first-round expectations

Regardless of how fans viewed the pick, expectations were high considering he was a first-round pick. Albeit in a backup role Vander Esch recorded 20 tackles in his first three games. Things begin to open up for him once Lee went to the sidelines with a hamstring issue, and the rookie never looked back.

By Week 4 the Cowboys were struggling at 1-2 and in desperate need of a spark, insert Vander Esch into the starting lineup. He flourished immediately as he compiled 30 tackles over his first three career starts, and more importantly, helped the Cowboys win two of those games.

Lee briefly returned to his starting role for two games before going to the injured list again, and just like he did weeks earlier, Vander Esch took full advantage. In a Sunday Night Football showdown with the rival Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10, Vander Esch was all over the field recording 13 tackles (all solo) and his first career interception as the Cowboys earned a tough 27-20 victory. A week later in Atlanta against the Falcons he continued his stellar play with three pass breakups and another interception as the Cowboys won with a last-second field goal, 22-19.

Leighton Vander Esch’s first career NFL Interception! #DALvsPHI pic.twitter.com/xw37LHrmhb

— Adam Collins ✭ (@AdamCollinsCN) November 12, 2018

Interception #2 for Leighton Vander Esch this season! #DALvsATL pic.twitter.com/20iIRzzHFQ

— Adam Collins ✭ (@AdamCollinsCN) November 18, 2018

Two weeks later the Cowboys hosted the 10-1 New Orleans Saints who hadn’t lost since the season opener and were averaging 37 points per game on offense. Vander Esch led the team with 10 tackles as the Cowboys defense held the Saints to only 10 points and picked up their fourth consecutive victory.

Cowboys defense HITTIN HITTIN 😳 Jaylon Smith STICKS Alvin Kamara then Leighton Vander Esch STICKS Mark Ingram 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/zMlysXs88N

— VERSACEBOYENT (@versaceboyent2) November 30, 2018

By seasons end, Vander Esch had proven worthy. His 140 tackles set a franchise rookie record and ranked third in the NFL. He was selected to the Pro Bowl, named second-team All-Pro, and selected to the PFWA All-Rookie team. His 87.5 grade from Pro Football Focus was fourth among all qualified linebackers.

Vander Esch’s chemistry with Smith was also apparent in 2018. The former finished fourth while the latter was ranked sixth in linebacker grades for Pro Football Focus. Also, they were the only set of teammates to finish in the top 15 in tackles.

Neck issue

When the 2019 season began Vander Esch was looking to build upon the amazing rookie campaign that put him in the conversation with not only the best young linebackers in the NFL but the best overall at the position. During the first six weeks of the season the team struggled with a 3-3 record, however, Vander Esch racked up 51 tackles over that span, putting him just four tackles off his rookie pace.

Unfortunately for the young bull, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses in his second year in the NFL. In Week 7, he left the Cowboys showdown with the Eagles with a neck issue. When one puts on the tape, a Week 1 collision with teammate Jeff Heath showed great trauma to Vander Esch’s neck and one has to wonder if that was the beginning of the issues that plagued him all season.

The Cowboys had a bye in Week 8 which gave him time to recover. After missing a game against the New York Giants, Vander Esch returned in Week 10 and had 13 tackles in a tough 28-24 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, but his return would be short-lived. Vander Esch would play his final game of the 2019 season a week later against the Detroit Lions as his lingering neck problems got him placed on injured reserve.

2020 Outlook

In January, Vander Esch had “minimally invasive” neck surgery to fix the nerve issue that derailed his 2019 season and is expected to make a full recovery.

Back in May, Vander Esch joined Bobby Belt and Jane Slater of The ‘Boys and Girl podcast to talk about how he feels heading into the new season, the defensive scheme change, and much more. “I am doing wonderful,” Vander Esch said. “I feel as good now as I ever have, before I even got hurt. I mean I’m ready to roll. I’ve been training full-go for a couple of months now, so it’s not holding me back whatsoever.

The 2020 NFL season is a mystery currently with the COVID-19 pandemic canceling out all normal procedures. However, if things go according to plan, Vander Esch could see a role in 2020. Back in April, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported that Smith could possibly see a switch to outside linebacker in Mike Nolan’s hybrid scheme. This would move Vander Esch to middle linebacker with Sean Lee as the other outside linebacker.

Whether Vander Esch plays inside or outside linebacker in 2020 there’s no doubt he’ll be productive, but the key is his health. If he is fully recovered from his neck procedure he instantly puts the Cowboys defense on another level. Year 3 is a pivotal year for the ascension of young players in the league. Things should considerably slow down on the field, and for a player so adept at recognizing the offense, Vander Esch should be in line for a standout season.

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Full Swing: As Cowboys camp approaches Brandon Knight ready to fight for OT3

The Dallas Cowboys’ top option at swing tackle might be second-year offensive lineman Brandon Knight

One of the strengths of the Dallas Cowboys in recent years has been their offensive line. Since drafting Tyron Smith in the first round of the 2011 draft, the organization has selected five offensive linemen in the first three rounds of the past 10 drafts. The number grows to six if including La’el Collins, a first-round talent who dropped out of the draft due to circumstances not in his control.

However, that hasn’t stopped the Cowboys from adding talent outside of the draft. One of the offensive lineman who has stuck around despite having Pro Bowl caliber players around him is tackle Brandon Knight.

Dallas added Knight as undrafted free agent out of Indiana in 2019, where he played four years. Knight began his career splitting time at tight end — where he caught one touchdown — and tackle for the Hoosiers during his freshman year before settling in at RT for the remainder of his three seasons. During his junior year, Knight was a Big 10 honorable mention at tackle.

Draft Profile

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Dane Brugler Scouting Report

SUMMARY: A three-star recruit out of high school, Brandon Knight was a three-year letterman at Noblesville and chose to stay close to home at Indiana over offers from Miami (Fla.), Virginia Tech and others. He worked himself into the starting lineup in 2016 but injuries plagued his sophomore and junior seasons. He stayed healthy as a senior and had his best season, starting every game at right tackle. Knight is smooth in his setup and appears comfortable on his feet to cut off outside speed. However, his length is only average, losing balance and forcing his upper body to overextend. While he competes with the awareness and finishing grit required in the run game, he doesn’t consistently create movement as a drive blocker and his base strength shows foundation cracks at contact. Overall, Knight has a workable skill set due to his movements and instincts, but his mediocre pass protection, average play strength and injury history lead to fit concerns in the NFL.

Rookie Year

Knight saw action in seven games as a rookie. He earned his way onto the roster as a swing tackle and got a start against the New York Jets, filling in for the injured Collins at RT.

Knight held up admirably in his first season, giving the Cowboys the confidence to declined the option on Cameron Fleming this offseason. It’s an impressive feat considering there’s a new coaching staff, who must’ve admired Knight’s play in 2019.

One of the bright spots of DAL's loss was the performance of UDFA OL Brandon Knight filling in for an injured La'el Collins in 2nd half.

Knight was quick out of his stance & routinely beat GB's rushers to the spot. Protected his inside edge well & showed off impressive footspeed pic.twitter.com/1saj2QMPBx

— John Owning (@JohnOwning) October 7, 2019

After working with Marc Colombo in 2019, he will now be under the veteran tutelage of Joe Philbin.

What To Expect in 2020

For the upcoming season, Knight will head into the year in competition to be the top swing tackle on the roster.

As a second-year player, Knight will have the benefit of having been in an offseason program and the game experience that only veteran Cam Erving can boast. Expect one of the best training camp and preseason battles for the top swing tackle to be had between the two.

Former Clemson star Mitch Hyatt, also a 2019 UDFA, and 2020 Texas Tech UDFA Terrence Steele, will also be competing for a role on the roster.

With the addition of two additional practice squad spots and extra game-day roster spots with OL caveats, Knight should be able to continue his career and potential ascent with no problem. How high he climbs on the OT totem will be up to him.

The Cowboys seem to believe in Knight’s ability. Despite playing only RT in college, he showed enough athleticism and the ability to play both tackle positions in Dallas. They did bring in Erving to compete with him, but the team would save money by keeping Knight and jettisoning Erving.

Even with the loss of Travis Frederick to retirement, the Cowboys’ offensive line is one of the deepest, most versatile groups in the league. New head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive line coach Joe Philbin have worked well together in the past, it will be interesting to see how Knight develops under their guidance.

You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi.

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown. Up next is rookie DE Ron’Dell Carter.

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Can Ventell Bryant turn a 100% TD ratio into a 2020 gig with Cowboys?

Our countdown to the regular season continues with another of the young WRs hoping they can make a name for themselves behind the Big 3. Bryant’s claim to fame? He’s been perfect thus far. | From @iFearGodBoi

It is safe to assume the Dallas Cowboys will have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL this season. With the selection of Ceedee Lamb the Cowboys have added another playmaker to the receiver position alongside Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. They also boast a top five running back in Ezekial Elliot, an up and coming tight end in Blake Jarwin, a top three offensive line unit and last but certainly not least a rapidly improving Dak Prescott, looking to cement himself among the elite players at the position, orchestrating it all.

Finding holes on this offense at the moment is a hard task to do but there is an interesting competition developing at the back end of the receiver depth chart. Who will emerge as the fourth and fifth guys among a group of young receivers? The answer to that question could be Ventell Bryant.

Rookie Year

Bryant attended Temple University where he racked up 173 receptions, which ranks first all-time in team history, 2444 yards, and scored 10 touchdowns in his career.

Bryant went undrafted but received a tryout from the Cincinnati Bengals over the summer before signing to the Cowboys practice squad on September 2, 2019.

He spent exactly a month on the practice squad before being activated on October 2. Appearing in 12 games, Bryant was primarily a special team player but in Week 13 against the Bills caught a ball down the seam for a touchdown for his only catch and score of the season.

2020 Outlook

The new year didn’t start off well for Bryant as he was arrested in his home city of Tampa, Florida on a DUI charge. The word on that situation has been pretty quiet and his focus now must be finding a way to avoid any more off the field issues.

Listed at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds Ventell has good size and will need to continue to develop his chemistry with Prescott as well as Andy Dalton. He’ll need to take advantage of balls that come his way gaining trust not only from his quarterback but coaches as well.

Bryant has a slight edge over the receivers at the back end of the roster because of his effectiveness as a special teams player, a skill that surely will be valued with new special teams coach John “Bones” Fassel. In the the end, much of Bryant’s chances at making the team depends on how he takes advantages of the opportunities given to him and with the likelihood of a shortened pre-season he must start quickly to secure his roster spot.

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown. With 81 days remaining until the NFL’s first game, up next is wide receiver Jon’Vea Johnson.

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In sea of uncertainty, UDFA Sean McKeon gets watered-down opportunity

The Dallas Cowboys have had there fair share of success when it comes to UDFAs.

The Dallas Cowboys have had their fair share of success when it comes to undrafted free agents since they joined the NFL in 1960. Drew Pearson, Tony Romo, Mark Tuinei, Hall of Famer Cliff Harris, Dan Bailey, La’el Collins, Everson Walls, and long time special teams hero Bill Bates all have experienced both individual and team success. One could even say the Cowboys are the most successful team of all-time in finding undrafted gems.

Gil Brandt ranks his Top 30 undrafted free agents in NFL history and the Cowboys own seven places. While the odds are surely not in one’s favor, its every undrafted players dream to defy the odds and have the kind of success where their rise to glory will be talked about forever. That walk to glory starts with the first step of making a team, and that’s what Michigan TE Sean McKeon will be looking to do.

McKeon has good height and size, listed at 6-foot-5, 246 pounds. He has appeared in 40 games as a Wolverine with 23 starts. He has experience playing special teams which is always a good quality to have as that may end up being his best option to make the team.

McKeon attended high school at Shepherd Hill Regional High School where Rivals.com ranked him as three-star prospect, the No. 32 tight end nationally and the third-best prospect in the state of Massachusetts. He received similar honors from Scout.com as he was also ranked the 32nd-ranked tight end in the classs and the 22nd-ranked tight end by ESPN.

He arrived in Ann Arbor in 2016, appearing in four games playing behind 2017 5th-round pick Jake Butt. His sophomore year, McKeon appeared in 13 games. starting 10. He registered 31 receptions for 301 yards, while hauling in three touchdowns.

His numbers slipped to only 14 receptions, 122 yards and one touchdown in his junior year, but he also made contributions as a special team player. His senior year he started seven games and caught 13 passes for 235 yards, and two touchdowns.

Film Study: Vs Ohio State (2019)

Scouting Report

McKeon’s opportunities were few and far in between, but when he got the opportunity to catch the ball he did so keeping the rock away from his body well. Most of his work was done as an inline blocker or lined up in the H-back position. He was frequently targeted in the flats and underneath versus zone coverage.

McKeon possess deceptive burst once he gets going, especially on open flat opportunities or tight end throwbacks and screens, something he has had some success executing.

Perhaps due to a lack of opportunities, he shows a urgency getting up field quickly to gain positive yards. As a runner he doesn’t shy away from contact and he runs with his pads low helping him to absorb hits. He has much room to improve as a route runner and often times on downfield routes it seems as if he is running in mud. He is a adequate blocker who can keep his body in between the defender and the ball carrier but the longer he is left on a island the more his lack of strength shows up.

What the Experts Say:

The Draft Network:

Kyle Crabbs:

PROS: Sean McKeon is a sturdy, well put together athlete who has some 3-down ability as a tight end. McKeon is fairly effective as a blocker, he possesses a solid foundation and brings active feet behind his hips to be a persistent thorn in the side of defenders. I like his work as a blocker most when he’s assigned inside-out leverage. Soft hands, has little issue with catching the football away from his body. Having a well developed frame will help in staying planted on contested situations and not being knocked loose of potential catches. Pairs that frame and soft hands to good concentration and hand-eye coordination, even when being contacted at the catch.

CONS: Is not quite the kind of athlete that you can plan on being a mismatch in the receiving game. McKeon isn’t as appealing in flex situations as he is from an in-line position and doesn’t appear as though he’s going to stress nickel defenders on reps working up the field. As a route runner, McKeon needs to become more effective in dealing with defenders at the top of route stems. Currently becomes befuddled and struggles to produce a false step from defenders to aid in a clean release and avoid collisions in the secondary. As a blocker, there are instances in which he really struggles to engage his outside hand to gain leverage and hook defenders to cross face and gain outside contain vs. leveraged defenders to the boundary.

Roster Outlook

The Cowboys tight end position is an unique one. Blake Jarwin just signed a four-year, $22 million contract with$ 9.25 million guarantees and has flashed an ability to stretch the field and also be very effective after the catch averaging 11.8 yards per catch. With more opportunities Jarwin should be a more productive player.

Behind him is newly acquired Blake Bell who is primarily a blocking tight end and Dalton Schultz who had his opportunities taken from him when Jason Witten unretired and bogarted the lion’s share of snaps for the position .

These guys will compete at camp for that second tight end spot and should be used when the Cowboys go to 12 and 13 personnel. With the selection of CeeDee Lamb, that won’t be nearly as frequently as year’s past, though.

McKeon will be competing directly with Cole Hikutini and fellow undrafted free agent Charlie Taumoepeau for practice and pre-season snaps. Its critical for McKeon to show consistency as a blocker and as a pass catcher but also make plays on special teams to give himself an additional boost at making the team.

On the other hand, McKeon is also competing with the rest of guys at the back end of the roster to make one of the 12 practice squad spots so its important he take advantage of any opportunity he is given.

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Noah Brown has to block frustration like he does DBs to make Cowboys 2020 roster

A healthier Noah Brown finds himself in a good position to become the Dallas Cowboys fourth wide receiver on the depth chart in 2020.

For Noah Brown, 2020 is an absolute prove-it year for him and the Dallas Cowboys. This is not only his contract year, but also one where he has the best chance of moving up the depth chart to land in the fourth spot.

When the Cowboys drafted wide receiver Cee Dee Lamb with the No. 17 overall pick, fans rejoiced over the big splash. On paper, the Cowboys wide receiver depth chart is as formidable as any in the league. Amari Cooper was recently extended with the emerging Michael Gallup opposite of him. Adding the explosive Lamb, who some have considered to be the best wide receiver in this years draft class. But then what?

What can Brown do for them?

Brown has bigger-than-prototypical size for the position, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in right around 225 pounds. He has been used primarily to use his size to block on special teams and sometimes that’s enough to keep you on a roster this deep at a specific position.

He left Ohio State after being a starter for just one season, and it was known that he needed some polishing to his game. The seventh-round pick will be just 24 years old entering his fourth season and has it all on the line after missing all of 2019.

When Brown played, he was used primarily as a blocking receiver, a motif opponents caught onto, stifling the Dallas running game in 2018.

If Noah Brown is in the game it is going to be a run.. Everybody sees that

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) November 12, 2018

He had been given some opportunities to shine in 2017 as a rookie, but didn’t come through, most notably down the stretch of the tumultuous season which was captured on Amazon Prime’s series All or Nothing.

Brown was able to catch just four passes for 13 yards as the fifth wide receiver on the depth chart as a 2017 rookie. That year he was competing with guys like Brice Butler, Lucky Whitehead and Lance Lenoir. All of these wide outs fell behind Dez Bryant, Cole Beasely, Terrance Williams and Ryan Switzer.

Competing with Brown now will be the likes of the speedy Devin Smith and Cedric Wilson. Both of those players showed flashes in 2019 but neither separated themselves from this battle for that premier fourth spot.

Wilson found himself on the IR in December after appearing in six games and making five catches. Smith made his presence felt early in the season with a 51-yard touchdown against the Redskins but became lost in the shuffle because of the team’s insistence that WR4 play special teams.

Evidence of Talent

Brown certainly looks every bit of a bulldozing WR in his highlights, which include one of the most memorable snags in recent college football history:

Noah Brown wins the 1-on-1 battle with a fantastic catch. pic.twitter.com/9YCyqePCko

— Joe Trahan (@JoeTrahan) August 28, 2017

Here is a video of every reception by #Cowboys WR Noah Brown in preseason and in the regular season: pic.twitter.com/mCNXcHqbfl

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) July 23, 2018

Injury History

In 2018, Brown started the year on the IR with a hamstring injury but was healthy enough to be brought back in November where he primarily carved out a niche for himself playing special teams. In that season he was able to grab just five catches for 54 yards.

In 2019, once again, began the year on the PUP (Physically unable to preform) list due to off-season knee surgery. Unfortunately for Brown, that was the end of the road for the entire campaign.

Moving forward

There’s no shortage in talent at the top of the WR depth chart, but beyond that the chance is there. The Dallas offense is in a great spot to succeed both in the run and the pass. For Brown, it’ll be about staying healthy, getting on the field in a potential shortened pre-season and showing that he needs to be the guy to look for after Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb. 2020 is a potentially big year for No. 85.

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown. With 86 days* remaining until the NFL’s first game, up next is rookie tight end Sean McKeon.

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