Predicting Two-Deep Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart, Pre-Training Camp

The NBA finals may dominate the sports headlines, but true NFL fans are using this as an opportunity to count down the days to training camp. The Dallas Cowboys should have one of the most exciting lead ups to training camp.

Well, at least in my eyes and the eyes of many fans. There will be battles at many positions such as linebacker, cornerback, offensive and defensive line, and wide receiver.

Before we enter the sweat and heat-filled benches of training camp, let's make a few predictions on who we might see as starters and back-ups as of right now.

Quarterback

Tony Romo, Kyle Orton

Romo is the unquestioned starter in Dallas. Orton was brought in for consistency reasons, but not only that, the Cowboys needed a good back-up signal caller. Orton was on the market and Jerry Jones snagged him.

If Romo goes down with another injury and he's out for a lengthy period, Dallas' offense will be in pretty good hands. It's just a matter of him learning the offense.

Running Backs

DeMarco Murray, Felix Jones

Many of these predictions will be straight forward, as the Cowboys starting line-up will not vary that differently from 2011. Murray was lost for the season with a fractured ankle after getting off to a great start.

Jones took over and actually did well in back-up duty.

But as of right now, this is Murray's backfield. He's young, seems to be more durable and has fresher legs. Both will get their fill of carriers, but Murray will be the starter heading into training camp.

Fullback

Lawrence Vickers

Fullback Shaun Chapas was drafted by the Cowboys last season and will likely remain with the team via the practice squad.

Vickers was signed this offseason to a two-year contract after the team decided not to bring back fullback Tony Fiammetta. Vickers is a good fullback who will open plenty of holes for Murray and Jones.

Will he be better than Fiammetta?

Tight Ends

Jason Witten, John Phillips

Jason Witten is the leader and the starter and his job is not in danger. In my eyes, he’s the team’s No. 1 receiver because he is who Romo will look to when he’s in trouble.

The addition of James Hanna should be interesting, as he is very athletic and speedy. He can be streaky but as he grows into the position, Phillips better watch out.

Wide Receivers

The receivers are set with the lone exemption being the slot position. Dez Bryant and Miles Austin will lead the way for Dallas, but who will take over that third position? Better yet, who may push for it and back-up the "starter" in the slot roll?

Below I'll list a WR 3 just to give an idea of who I believe may be the third person to run the slot and the receiver who will push for that "starting" role.

WR 1: Miles Austin, Jesse Holley

WR 2: Dez Bryant, Kevin Ogletree

WR 3: Kevin Ogletree, Danny Coale

Offensive Line

Well, we know who the tackles will be. The guards are a different story, and so is the center. The Cowboys' line will be fluid for the next couple of seasons as head coach Jason Garrett attempts to put a strong line together.

Dallas made a lot of moves to bring in new blood and players who will bring stability and strength to the front. Everyone may not make it through training camp, but at least Jones is doing something to address the problem.

The Cowboys have a rookie who I really like and a guy turning into a veteran who should make the roster again. Remember, there are just two deep predictions.

In regards to the guard position, that will be where your eyes should be focused. The tackle positions are set and guards are the most unstable.

Left Tackle: Tyron Smith, Jermey Parnell

Right Tackle: Doug Free, Jeff Adams

Left Guard: Nate Livings, Mackenzy Bernadueau

Right Guard: Bill Nagy, David Arkin

Defensive Line

If the Cowboys can get more out of their defensive line this year, like more pressure on the quarterback, the secondary will be in a much better spot. I really don't see much movement here besides the addition of a rookie and the Cowboys having more depth.

Well, I guess that is a big change, but you can pick up what I'm trying to put down.

Left Defensive End: Marcus Spears, Clifton Geathers

Right Defensive End: Sean Lissemore, Tyrone Crawford

Nose Tackle: Jay Ratliff, Josh Brent

Linebackers

Eventually, I believe the Cowboys will have one of the best linebacking units in the entire league. Sean Lee is turning into one of the NFC's top linebackers, and by years end I expect him to be a household name.

We know DeMarcus Ware, and hopefully Bruce Carter will step up to the plate this season. Having two top tiered linebackers on the roster is most definitely a plus, but what about depth? Who comes after Ware and Lee?

Strong Side Linebacker: Anthony Spencer, Victor Butler

Middle Inside Linebacker: Dan Connor, Bruce Carter

Middle Outside Linebacker: Sean Lee, Kyle Wilber

Weak Side Linebacker: DeMarcus Ware, Alex Albright

Secondary

The Cowboys secondary will be fun and interesting to watch due to the additions of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne. Former Pro Bowl corner Mike Jenkins wants out, but the Cowboys aren't budging.

It's an interesting dynamic that is developing in Dallas, and if all three end up staying, their secondary should be one of the best in the NFC East.

Now I know that's not saying much, but it is a huge step for the Cowboys.

Left Cornerback: Brandon Carr, Orlando Scandrick

Right Cornerback: Morris Claiborne, Mike Jenkins

Free Safety: Gerald Sensabaugh, Mana Silva

Strong Safety: Brodney Pool, Matt Johnson

Special Teams

The Cowboys seem to have found a kicker in Dan Bailey, as he was the special teams darling last season. We all know how quickly that may end if he starts to miss field goals.

The punting situation is a little bit different, as Dallas is going to start the season with Chris Jones, but as former punter Mat McBriar continues to rehab an injured foot, he may be back in the fold soon.

Kicker: Dan Bailey

Punter: Chris Jones, Mat McBriar