Only one preseason game remains for the Dallas Cowboys, and while we won’t see many of the key players who will make up this football team, there will be many things to keep an eye out for against the Atlanta Falcons. The Cowboys still have several position groups where good roster battles are taking place, and some of them are too close to call right now. Here are six position battles that could be swayed by what happens on Friday night.
1. RB Miles Sanders or Phil Mafah
It would be hard to justify the Cowboys going long at running
back, and with fullback Hunter Luepke a likely roster lock, that only leaves three spots. The veteran Javonte Williams has been protected by not playing in the preseason, and rookie Jaydon Blue is safe because of the draft investment. This leaves one spot up for grabs between the veteran Miles Sanders and the rookie Phil Mafah. The rookie’s vision in attacking the creases has looked better, and he comes with four years of low-cost player control, so we lean slightly in his direction.
Don’t forget about: Deuce Vaughn
It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but the Cowboys’ affinity for Vaughn means he might also be in the mix.
2. OL Asim Richards or Saahdiq Charles
The veteran Hakeem Adeniji was once grouped with these other linemen, but his play has solidified his spot on the roster. The real battle is between third-year incumbent Asim Richards and newly-signed veteran free agent Saahdiq Charles. This one is tough. Both offer position flex, and the veteran has been more consistent on tape. Richards still has two years of player control and might be given more latitude.
Don’t forget about: Ajani Cornelius
Speaking of latitude, the team’s new rookie, Ajani Cornelius, has to be mentioned as well. While he hasn’t played as well as these other guys, his potential might punch his ticket on the roster.
3. WR Jalen Brooks or Ryan Flournoy
In back-to-back drafts, the Cowboys selected wide receivers on Day 3, and both are players who do the little things that coaches love. Jalen Brooks has made the team in each of the last two years and Ryan Flournoy joined the fun last year. It would be difficult for the team to keep them both, so they may have to decide between them. Both offer value on special teams, and Flournoy has increased his stock in that department this preseason. This race is going to be close.
Don’t forget about: Traeshon Holden
This year’s fan-favorite undrafted free agent receiver turned heads in practice, but do his overall skills justify a spot on the roster? The practice squad seems like where his fate will lie.
4. EDGE Payton Turner or Tyrus Wheat
The Cowboys are super deep at defensive end, to the point where you expect them to pull off some sort of trade. The former first-round pick Payton Turner was signed to a one-year deal. He provides solid depth at the position. Former UDFA Tyrus Wheat has been the surprise player to make the final 53 in each of the last two years, as he is a high-effort player with special teams value. This one is going to be difficult for the coaching staff, as we can see them going in either direction.
Don’t forget about: James Houston
Another fan favorite who has impressed lately, Houston is a guy many want on the team, but he remains on the outside looking in. Remember, he was jobless just a few weeks ago, and it’s hard to make a strong impression in just a short amount of time.
5. DT Mazi Smith, Jay Toai, or Perrion Winfrey
The team has issues at defensive tackle, particularly at the nose position, as the 3-Tech spots occupied by Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas are set. Where it gets tricky is what do they do for a big-bodied block absorber so they don’t get bulldozed in the run game? Sadly, former first-round pick Mazi Smith has been underperforming, making his roster spot come into question for the first time in his career. Even though it comes with a $7 million dead money hit, the team may have to give some serious consideration to cutting bait with their 2022 first-round draft pick.
The team used a late-round pick on rookie Jay Toai this year, but he still needs to be developed. Recently signed Perrion Winfrey has looked good, but he’s more lengthy and offers pass-rushing ability rather than being an answer in the run game.
Don’t forget about: Signing an outside free agent
This is usually the time when the Cowboys will bring in a big-bodied veteran to fill the void at the nose tackle spot. Don’t be surprised if they already have someone in mind who is just a phone call away.
6. CB Kemon Hall or Zion Childress
The team is banged up at cornerback, so they might be a little sketchy at this position until reinforcements arrive. They are still looking for their nickel corner, and right now it is between Kemon Hall or rookie UDFA Zion Childress. You could make a case for either, as Hall offers a safer floor, but Childress has flashed some good play and could offer better upside. This one is super close and could come down to what we see on Friday night.
Don’t forget about: A player swap near final roster cuts
Similar to nose tackle, the Cowboys’ last cornerback spot could go to someone who is not currently on the roster. If the team decides to trade their surplus depth at the edge position, they might exchange it for better depth at corner. Trades for Andrew Booth and Noah Igbinoghene have occurred in back-to-back seasons as the team fights to shore up its cornerback room.
