The Dallas Cowboys didn’t construct their 53-man roster as many of us predicted. Not only did they release players thought to be roster locks, but they kept several based on their special teams value. This is different from years past, proving the organization has put a higher priority on improving on special teams this season.
Typically much of the Cowboys 53-man roster is dedicated to filling out the depth chart on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, forcing the third phase of the game,
special teams, to somewhat patchwork their units with what’s left available. This year though, Dallas allocated about half a dozen roster spots to players who excel, or are expected to, on special teams.
- S Markquese Bell
- S Alijah Clark
- OLB Tyrus Wheat
- CB Ameer Speed
- WR Jonathan Mingo
- WR KaVontate Turpin
Turpin locking down a roster spot due to his special teams ability isn’t all that surprising. Neither is Brandon Aubrey or Bryan Anger, all of which are among the best of the given positions in the entire league. The other names mentioned above though are surprising.
In order to keep both Bell and Clark for their special teams’ ability, the Cowboys surprisingly went six deep at the safety position instead of four or five. The same can be said for keeping Wheat over Sam Williams as well as Speed at CB and Mingo and WR. All should be key contributors on Dallas’ special teams units this year.
All these players should improve Dallas’ coverage units. Add that with Brandon Aubrey’s ability to split the uprights consistently from 50+ yards, Bryan Anger’s field flipping ability as a punter, and KaVontate Turpin’s game changing ability as a return man, and the Cowboys special teams unit has a chance to be a positive this year.
While very few, if any, of the players we mentioned above are likely to make much of an impact on the field either on offense or defense, the impact they can make a special teams could prove to be the difference between a win any loss this season. Only time will tell though, but regardless it feels like Dallas is placing a higher value on improving special teams this year.
