Projecting Dallas Cowboys' Depth Chart After Peak of Free Agency
With the majority of free agency complete, the Dallas Cowboys have a pretty good understanding of what their roster looks like. Although several moves can still be made, Jerry Jones and the rest of the front office have most of the 2015 roster in place.
Although some may criticize Jones for letting too many players walk (DeMarco Murray, Bruce Carter, Sterling Moore and Justin Durant), he’s actually done fairly well with limited cap space.
Greg Hardy was a huge signing despite the backlash of his domestic violence charge and the fact that he’ll probably miss a few games due to suspension. He’s the best edge-rusher the Cowboys have had since the 2011 version of DeMarcus Ware.
This week, Dallas re-signed linebacker Rolando McClain to a one-year deal. Even though he’s had his share of problems in the NFL, McClain proved to be one of the teams’ best defenders when healthy.
Let’s examine what the Cowboys’ depth chart looks like after the peak of free agency.
Quarterback
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Tony Romo
Brandon Weeden
Dustin Vaughn
There was no change at the quarterback position this offseason for the Cowboys. Even though that’s not exciting, every team in the league would love to be in this situation.
There was talk about trying to bring in an upgrade at backup, but nothing ever transpired. Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughn will again follow Pro Bowler Tony Romo in the depth chart.
Dallas will be in great shape at the position so long as Romo remains healthy. This offseason was the first time the starter didn’t need surgery following the season in several years.
Dallas could look to find Romo’s long-term replacement in this month’s draft. Although it won’t be in the running for the draft’s top two quarterbacks (Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota), it could take a flier on someone like Bryce Petty or Brett Hundley on Day 2. Both would be quality options to sit on the bench a few years and learn from one of the NFL’s best.
Running Back/Fullback
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Lance Dunbar
Joseph Randle
Ryan Williams
Jed Collins
Ray Agnew
The Cowboys’ running back situation is one of the most intriguing in the league. After DeMarco Murray left to join Chip Kelly’s Eagles, Dallas wasn’t sure what direction it was going in.
Dallas then signed veteran Darren McFadden to a two-year deal. The former college star has been quiet throughout his pro career. Playing in Oakland didn’t help his cause.
It is assumed Dallas will either draft one of several capable backs in this year’s draft or that Jones can lure Minnesota into trading Adrian Peterson. Both options are very possible but not definite.
As it stands, McFadden would probably be the Week 1 starter. Lance Dunbar is without a doubt the change-of-pace and receiving option with Joseph Randle and Ryan Williams filling out the position. Realistically, any four of these backs could vie for the bulk of the touches in 2015.
Dallas will have a new starter at fullback as well. It signed Jed Collins and Ray Agnew to replace Tyler Clutts.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
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Terrance Williams
Cole Beasley
Devin Street
Chris Boyd
Reggie Dunn
Jason Witten
Gavin Escobar
James Hanna
The wide receiver and tight end group didn’t change much at all. Dwayne Harris left to go to the New York Giants, but Dallas will miss him on special teams more than on offense.
There’s minimal change here and that’s great news for the Cowboys. These positions are two of the strongest on the team from top to bottom. Dez Bryant and Jason Witten are two of the best in football.
Dallas hasn’t agreed to a long-term deal with Bryant yet, but Jones knows he needs to settle that sooner rather than later. Retaining Cole Beasley this offseason was nearly as important.
Harris’ departure doesn’t do much to the offense, but it does promote Devin Street another spot. He didn’t see much action in his rookie campaign so look for him to contribute this season.
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Offensive Line
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Tyron Smith
Ronald Leary
Travis Frederick
Zack Martin
Doug Free
Mackenzy Bernadeau
Darrion Weems
Donald Hawkins
Speaking of positions of strength, the offensive line will again be Dallas’ biggest weapon in 2015. The unit was overwhelming for defenses on a consistent basis last year. Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and rookie Zack Martin were all rewarded with Pro Bowl bids.
What’s scary for the opposition is how much better these guys can actually get. Tyron Smith is 24, Leary’s 25, Frederick’s 24 and Martin’s 24. All of them have shown plenty of improvement and there’s no reason they can’t continue to build together.
The one veteran of the group was re-signed this offseason. Both Doug Free and Jeremy Parnell were unrestricted free agents and Dallas decided the 31-year-old Free was the better option at right tackle.
Barring any injuries, the offensive line should be immaculate next season and will probably extend Romo’s career a few years.
Defensive Line
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Greg Hardy
Tyrone Crawford
Nick Hayden
Jeremy Mincey
Terrell McClain
Demarcus Lawrence
Josh Brent
Ken Bishop
Jack Crawford
The Cowboys defense will have several changes to it this upcoming season. The defensive line may have the biggest changes.
The unit lost Anthony Spencer and George Selvie in free agency but made a huge splash by signing Greg Hardy. The defensive end sat out last year because of a domestic violence charge. He spent the majority of the year on the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
Even though he’ll most likely start the year with a suspension, he’s a major upgrade compared to what Dallas has had in recent years. Hardy had 15 sacks in 2013.
Tyrone Crawford came on to be a true playmaker last year. He’ll be starting again. Even with Nick Hayden returning (16 starts in 2014), the other tackle spot is up for grabs.
Jeremy Mincey and Demarcus Lawrence will battle for the other defensive end spot. Both are quality options.
The Cowboys should be adding players to their defensive front in the draft. A tackle is a must and they could use another end in the latter rounds.
Linebackers
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Sean Lee
Rolando McClain
Anthony Hitchens
Kyle Wilber
Jasper Brinkley
Keith Rivers
Cameron Lawrence
The Cowboys’ linebacking corps will look more different next year than it has in a while. After having fairly solid seasons, both Bruce Carter and Justin Durant have left in free agency.
Their departures were a huge reason why Jones had to retain the services of Rolando McClain. The former Crimson Tide player was outstanding last year in his efforts to hold the Dallas defense together.
Sean Lee might be the happiest person of all. Bringing back McClain means Lee is able to get out of the middle and play on the strong side.
Anthony Hitchens was promising in his rookie year. He even showed he could play the middle when he has to.
Jasper Brinkley and Keith Rivers were brought in to help add depth. Along with Kyle Wilber, these three will be relied on to play a decent amount of snaps.
Defensive Backs
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Orlando Scandrick
Barry Church
J.J. Wilcox
Brandon Carr
Morris Claiborne
Jeff Heath
Corey White
Tyler Patmon
The secondary hasn’t changed much at all. The only real difference is the loss of Sterling Moore to free agency. Dallas added former New Orleans Saints corner Corey White to replace him.
Orlando Scandrick and Barry Church are the only real reasons to be excited about the unit. They each had tremendous years and have a firm lock on their starting positions.
Morris Claiborne’s injury status makes the need for a corner one of the top priorities in the draft. Even if Claiborne is healthy, another capable cornerback is necessary.
J.J. Wilcox showed improvement, but he still isn’t where Dallas needs him to be. If a ball-hawking safety presents himself during one of the Cowboys’ selections, they should pull the trigger.
Special Teams
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Chris Jones
Dan Bailey
L.P. Ladouceur
Cole Beasley / Lance Dunbar
The Cowboys tendered punter Chris Jones and have one of the best kickers in the NFL returning in Dan Bailey. L.P. Ladouceur remains the long snapper.
The change will occur in the return game. With Dwayne Harris defecting to the Giants, Dallas will have a new returner for the first time in several seasons.
It’s unclear how the coaching staff will play this one out but Cole Beasley and Lance Dunbar have to be considered for both punt and kick returns. The only reason against this idea is both players’ size and importance within the offense. Keep an eye on the return situation as the summer nears.
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