Breaking Down the Dallas Cowboys' Roster After the 2015 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys are not the same team as the one that lost to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. It is yet to be determined whether that is a good thing or a bad thing. 

The Cowboys have lost key contributors such as DeMarco Murray but have added key contributors like Greg Hardy and Byron Jones. 

There is a great deal of apprehension entering the 2015 NFL season. The Cowboys are riding high after a 12-4 record in 2014; therefore, their expectations are riding high as well.

One thing is for certain: If the Cowboys hope to match or improve on last year's success, they will need to get a lot of contribution from their 2015 draft class. 

With that being said, let's take a look at what the roster looks like heading into the offseason. 

Disclaimer: Because the Cowboys have not released an official list of undrafted free agent signings, they will not be included in this article.

Quarterback

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

Starter: Tony Romo

Backups: Brandon Weeden, Dustin Vaughan

The quarterback position, like most of the offense, hasn't seen much change from last year to this year. 

Tony Romo is the unquestioned starter and leader of the offense. He is coming off one of his best years as a pro, and the Cowboys will need him to at least match that output this year. The question with Romo is always in regard to his health. Dallas needs him to be healthy for the majority of the season, or it will likely see their playoff hopes fade out of sight. 

In the unfortunate event of a Romo injury, Brandon Weeden would likely step in. He is a below-average quarterback who has proved that he is a huge liability for the Cowboys offense. Dustin Vaughan, who basically redshirted his rookie year with the Cowboys, will likely push him in training camp. 

Vaughan is a big-armed gunslinger who has some traits that should intrigue Cowboys fans. Hopefully, he has developed more as a passer and learned how to navigate a muddy pocket. 

Running Back

Dave Martin/Associated Press

Running Back

Starter: Joseph Randle

Backups: Lance Dunbar, Ryan Williams, Darren McFadden

Fullback

Starter: Jed Collins

Backup: Ray Agnew, Tyler Clutts

The most intriguing position through the offseason and into training camp is running back. The Cowboys don't have a clear starter on the roster, and that spot is up for grabs.

Right now, Joseph Randle best fits what the Cowboys offense does, and he should have a leg up on the competition. The big question mark with him is in regard to his ability in pass protection. If he can clean that up, he should win the starting job. He is an elusive running back who shows patience, vision and explosiveness to be effective in a starting role. 

The next likeliest player to win the starting position is Darren McFadden. He is the most complete running back on the roster, as he is good as a receiver, in pass protection and running the ball. McFadden struggles on zone runs; therefore, if he becomes the starter, the Cowboys will have to transition to more of a gap-style running attack.

Lance Dunbar probably won't win the starting job, but he is an offensive weapon when he is used correctly. He is a great receiver out of the backfield and a terror in the screen game. 

The wild card in the running back position battle is Ryan Williams. Out of all the running backs on the roster, he is the most talented, but he has significant durability concerns. If Williams can prove to be durable and a capable pass protector, he could be the surprise starter for the Cowboys. He is an explosive and powerful running back who could do magical things behind the offensive line. 

The Cowboys have a weird fascination with the fullback position, and for that reason Jed Collins is likely the favorite to win that starting job. He is the only fullback who can effectively open up holes on a regular basis. 

Wide Receiver

Richard Lipski/Associated Press

Starters: Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams

Backups: Cole Beasley, Devin Street, Chris Boyd, Reggie Dunn

Another position that has seen almost no change this offseason (pending any undrafted free agents who sign with Dallas) is the wide receiver position. 

Dez Bryant is one of the most dominant players in the league and a top-three wide receiver in the NFL. He still needs to sharpen up his route running, but he has made significant strides in that area every year. He is the best receiver in the NFL in regard to winning at the catch point, and he is a beast after the catch. Bryant is a transcendent player in the NFL and should continue to put up gaudy numbers for the Cowboys. 

Terrance Williams is a productive No. 2 receiver who needs to become more consistent. He tended to disappear in games too much; however, he always seemed to show up when it mattered most. Williams needs to work on getting off press coverage and learning how to win at the top of his routes. The Cowboys need him to take the next step in his development process this year. 

Cole Beasley is an important player in the offense, as he seems to always win in the short and intermediate passing games. He has some of the best hands on the team and is one of Romo's favorite targets on third down. He should continue to carve out his niche on offense and become an even more integral part of the game plan. 

Devin Street didn't play much last year, but the Cowboys are likely looking for him to make a big impact this year. He is a tall (6'4") and lengthy receiver who runs precise routes. If he can learn to deal with the physical nature of the NFL, he could make a significant impact on the Cowboys this year. 

Chris Boyd is a big-bodied receiver who has a chance to fight for the last wide receiver spot on the roster. Reggie Dunn is a speedster who will have to win the kick or punt returner spot to warrant a place on the roster. 

Tight End

Richard Lipski/Associated Press

Starter: Jason Witten

Backups: Gavin Escobar, James Hanna, Geoff Swaim

As much as other aspects of the team change, one thing has been constant: Jason Witten lines up as the starting tight end on game day. He is a great talent who makes an equal impact as a receiver and blocker. As a blocker, he routinely seals the edge to spring the running backs for big gains. As a receiver, he routinely makes huge catches to keep drives alive. 

The Cowboys are still waiting for Gavin Escobar to develop into an impact player at the tight end position. He is improving a lot as a blocker, but he fails to get open on a consistent basis as a receiver. He needs to learn how to win at the top of his routes to generate separation. 

One of the most underrated players on the team is James Hanna. He is a good blocker and an integral member on special teams. He isn't flashy, but he does the dirty work that allows other players to prosper. 

One of the more interesting selections in the 2015 NFL draft for the Cowboys was Geoff Swaim. He could theoretically beat out Hanna for a starting job, but he would need to prove himself as a special teamer and receiver to warrant that. What Swaim has going for him is that he is already an experienced blocker, and he should be able to make an impact during the preseason in that way. 

Offensive Line

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

Offensive Tackle

Starters: Tyron Smith, Doug Free

Backups: Chaz Green, Laurence Gibson, Donald Hawkins, Tony Hills, Darrion Weems, John Wetzel, R.J. Dill, Ryan Miller

Guard

Starters: Ronald Leary, Zack Martin

Backups: Mackenzy Bernadeau

Center

Starter: Travis Frederick

Backup: N/A

The Cowboys' starting offensive line is basically set in stone. Tyron Smith is one of the best left tackles in the league. Ronald Leary is a solid right guard who is great as a run-blocker. Travis Frederick is one of the best young centers in the league and always seems to be improving. Zack Martin was arguably the best rookie in the NFL last year and already one of the best right guards in the NFL. Doug Free is the leader and the solidifying force for the offensive line at right tackle. 

Mackenzy Bernadeau is basically the only reserve interior lineman the Cowboys have on the roster. He can play center and guard and he has proves to be a capable player at both spots. Even though he may not start, he is one of the most important players on the roster. 

The battle for the last two tackle positions will be one of the biggest competitions at training camp. Chaz Green and Laurence Gibson appear to be the favorites right now because the Cowboys invested draft capital in both. Green and Gibson both have good movement skills, but they need to improve their hand usage if they are going to be counted on as backups. Green has the added versatility of having experience at guard, so that should help him make the roster. 

Donald Hawkins, John Wetzel and Tony Hills all were on the roster at some point last year and have an outside shot to make it again this year. 

Defensive Line

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Defensive End

Starters: Jeremy Mincey, DeMarcus Lawrence

Backups: Randy Gregory, Ryan Russell, Ben Gardner, Lavar Edwards, Kenneth Boatright, Efe Obada

Suspended: Greg Hardy

Defensive Tackle

Starters: Tyrone Crawford, Terrell McClain

Backups: Nick Hayden, Chris Whaley, Jack Crawford, Davon Coleman, Ken Bishop

Last year, the Cowboys were devoid of talent on the defensive line, especially at defensive end; however, that has dramatically changed through various moves they have made this offseason. 

Greg Hardy will be suspended when the season begins, but whenever he comes back, he will play a huge part on the defense. He is one of the most dynamic pass-rushers in the NFL and he puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Hardy is the type of player who makes everyone else's life easier because he requires so much attention. 

Jeremy Mincey was the most productive defensive end last year and should maintain his starting spot at right defensive end. He isn't flashy, but he consistently gets the job done. He isn't going to wow you with his speed or quickness, but Mincey plays with great power and excellent hand usage. 

The player who should see a huge jump from last year to this year is DeMarcus Lawrence. He came on toward the end of last year and should carry that momentum into this year. Lawrence is a violent pass-rusher who uses his hands like weapons. Furthermore, he is disciplined against the run, and as he gets stronger he should be more effective there as well. Lawrence should be the starter at left defensive end for the Cowboys and give them a huge prescience over there for the entire year. 

Randy Gregory is the biggest name among the backups at defensive end as the Cowboys selected the talented defensive end in the second round of this year's draft. He is a dynamic pass-rusher who has the explosiveness, flexibility and closing speed to get put a ton of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Moreover, he can convert speed to power, but he needs to become more diverse with his hand usage. While he likely won't eclipse eight sacks this year, Gregory has All-Pro potential and can make a huge impact as a situational pass-rusher. 

Ryan Russell is an intriguing player who was selected in the fifth round of this year's draft. He will likely be a left defensive end for the Cowboys as he has the size and strength for the position. He needs to figure out a way to be more consistent and play with hustle, or he may not make the roster. 

Ben Gardner is the dark horse to steal a spot in training camp as he does all the little things well. He has the versatility to play defensive end or tackle and is tough with an excellent motor. Kenneth Boatright is a toolsy defensive end who could use one more year on the practice squad. 

Efe Obada is a raw player with little football experience whose ceiling at this point is to make the practice squad. 

Tyrone Crawford exploded onto the scene for the Cowboys in a huge way last season as he become one of the better under tackles in the NFL. If he can continue to develop, he could see a Pro Bowl nomination this year. 

Terrell McClain will likely be the starter at nose tackle and will give the Cowboys a penetrating presence at the position that they haven't had in a while. 

Nick Hayden always seems to find a way to make the roster despite owning an average skill set. He plays like his hair is one fire and makes all the effort plays that the coaching staff loves. 

Chris Whaley is an intriguing player who could win the backup under tackle job. He is the type of under tackle the Cowboys love as he gets upfield quickly and penetrates his gap well. 

Ken Bishop should find his way onto the roster as a nose tackle if he develops his hand usage. He isn't the type of player you want to see start, but he is a solid member of a rotation along the defensive line. 

Jack Crawford can play multiple positions and gets after it on every snap. He gets upfield quickly and plays with quickness and power at the point of attack.

Linebacker

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

Starters: Sean Lee, Rolando McClain, Anthony Hitchens

Backups: Mark Nzeocha, Damien Wilson, Jasper Brinkley, Kyle Wilber, Dekoda Watson, Will Smith, Keith Rivers, Cameron Lawrence, Andrew Gachkar, Troy Davis, James Anderson, Keith Smith

The most crowded position on the Cowboys is the linebacker position. Sean Lee will likely switch from the "Mike" linebacker position to the "Will" linebacker position this year to better take advantage of his athleticism and instincts. This position switch will allow him to flow to the ball better as he will be stacked behind the under tackle, who will protect him from offensive linemen working to the second level. 

When he is healthy, Rolando McClain is an elite talent at the Mike linebacker position for the Cowboys. He is fantastic in coverage and establishes a physical tone for the defense. McClain uses his length to stack and shed offensive linemen, and he can make opposing offensive players quit. 

Anthony Hitchens played everywhere last year, but this year he should find a home as the "Sam" linebacker for the Cowboys. His skill set doesn't necessarily mesh perfectly with the responsibilities at Sam, but he is too good to keep off the field. Hitchens will have to get better at taking on blocks and becoming a force player for the defense. 

Behind those three, it is anybody's guess as to who will make the roster. It will likely come down to which players make the biggest impact on special teams. 

This benefits Andrew Gachkar, who has proved to be one of the better special teamers in the NFL. He will likely be teamed with Damien Wilson, the third-round pick this year. Wilson is a run-and-chase linebacker who flows to the ball well. He has exceptional instincts and plays underneath blockers well. 

Mark Nzeocha is another player who will likely find his niche on special teams. He is an athletic linebacker who doesn't have a lot of football experience. He may be better-equipped for the practice squad, but his athleticism may be too much to pass up on special teams. 

Kyle Wilber is the elder statesman of the linebackers as he has been in Dallas since 2012. He has experience as a Sam linebacker and could make the team again there, especially if a player like Nzeocha gets slotted for the practice squad. 

Jasper Brinkley may be the player whom the Cowboys would be most comfortable with stepping in if McClain was hurt, as he has starting experience. He is great against the run and comes downhill well. He struggles in coverage, and you couldn't trust him to play a lot of snaps in the nickel. However, he will have to prove his worth on special teams to make the cut. 

Secondary

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Cornerback

Starters: Orlando Scandrick, Byron Jones

Backups: Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Tyler Patmon, Corey White, Robert Steeples

Safety

Starters: J.J. Wilcox, Barry Church

Backups: Jeff Heath, Jakar Hamilton, C.J. Spillman, Keelan Johnson

The unit that the Cowboys need the most improvement from this year is the secondary. 

Orlando Scandrick is an outstanding cornerback who can play the slot or on the outside. He has developed into a true No. 1 cornerback for the Cowboys, and if he continues to develop he could become the type of corner who could shadow the opposing team's No. 1 receiver all game. 

The Cowboys' first-round pick, Byron Jones, should find a way to be a starter as either a cornerback or free safety. He is an athletic freak who has a great skill set at cornerback as well. Jones is fantastic in press and off coverage.

His athleticism allows him to make plays that most cornerbacks couldn't. He can recover if initially beaten at the line of scrimmage and can contest the ball at the catch point on a consistent basis. The only area you worry about him is his ability to open his hips against shallow crossing routes. 

Brandon Carr is the biggest question mark in the secondary because we don't even know if he will be on the roster come training camp. On the field, he is a press-man cornerback who is at his best when he can physically match up with opposing receivers. He did a fantastic job against Jordy Nelson in the playoffs last year. 

Morris Claiborne is healthy right now and has been a disappointment for the Cowboys. This will likely be his last opportunity to prove he is worthy of a roster spot, and he will need to make significant strides in regard to his confidence and technique. 

Tyler Patmon is the young stud who burst onto the scene in last year's preseason. He is quick and seems to always be improving. Patmon is reminiscent of a young Scandrick and has the potential to have a similar career. 

Corey White is insurance in case Carr isn't on the roster Week 1, as he can step in and play outside or in the slot. 

J.J. Wilcox and Barry Church have the inside track to be the starting safeties once again, even though both look to be better fits at strong safety. 

Jeff Heath may be the best special teamer on the roster and plays disciplined on defense. He was dreadful his rookie year at safety, but he looked to be much improved last year. He is a dark horse to compete for the starting free safety job this offseason. 

Special Teams

Michael Perez/Associated Press

Punter

Starter: Chris Jones

Backup: Tom Hornsey

Kicker

Starter: Dan Bailey

Long Snapper

Starter: L.P. LaDouceur

Backup: Casey Kreiter

While Chris Jones has been a mediocre punter for the Cowboys, he has been invaluable as a holder for Dan Bailey on field goals. If Tom Hornsey can prove to be just as reliable, there is no reason he shouldn't beat out Jones for the punter position. 

Jones averages 45 yards per punt throughout his career, and Horney averaged 50.2 yards per punt last preseason. Hornsey is the superior pure punter, but he will have to prove his worth elsewhere to land a roster spot. 

Dan Bailey is one of the best kickers in the NFL and will continue to be that for the Cowboys this season. 

L.P. LaDouceur has been the most consistent player on the Cowboys roster, as he never seems to make a mistake. He will likely beat out Casey Kreiter for the long snapper position with ease.