Checking in on the Dallas Cowboys' Biggest Project Players

Even though the Dallas Cowboys went 12-4 last year, they still have to find ways to get better. 

The best NFL teams are always evolving through a variety of ways. The biggest of which is developing raw or project players into players who can make an impact on Sundays. 

The Cowboys are no different, as they need some of their project players to become solid contributors during this season. The Cowboys already have a very good team; therefore, any added contributions could help push them over the top in the pursuit for a Super Bowl this year. 

The Cowboys have a great history of developing project players, just look at Tony Romo and Cole Beasley. 

Without further ado, let's check in on some of the Cowboys' project players entering the 2015 season.

Devin Street

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Devin Street was a fifth-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, but he wasn't able to see much action throughout last season. Street didn't appear to be physically ready to make an impact in the NFL; however, after a year in the Cowboys' strength and conditioning program, this season Street has a chance to make a considerable impact.

For such a young player, Street is an exceptional route-runner, and he understands the nuances of getting open in the NFL. He has solid and reliable hands, and he isn't afraid to make a tough catch in traffic. 

Nevertheless, the aspect that has really hurt Street thus far is his ability to beat press coverage. In college, Street was lined up off the line of scrimmage a lot, and he didn't face a great deal of bump and run coverage. Therefore, he is still learning how to deal with the physical nature that NFL cornerbacks play with. 

If Street learns how to get off press coverage, he has the potential to develop into a really good wide receiver for the Cowboys. He could even compete with Terrance Williams for the No. 2 wide receiver spot in the future if he develops at the rate his talent says he can. 

Ryan Williams

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Ryan Williams isn't your typical project player as he was drafted in the second round of the 2011 draft. Williams was lauded for his vision, burst and patience when he came out of Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, he has been hampered by a plethora of injuries, which stunted his growth in the NFL. 

Nevertheless, the Cowboys signed Williams before training camp last year, and he showed some of the traits that made many fall in love with him, when he was at Virginia Tech. He was explosive, showed good vision and ran extremely hard. Even though he didn't make the 53-man roster, he did stick around on the practice squad throughout the entire season last year.

With DeMarco Murray's departure, Williams should get a legitimate shot at not only making the roster but also winning the starting job. Truth be told, Williams is probably the most talented running back on the roster, and he perfectly fits Dallas' offensive scheme. 

However, Williams will have to prove that he can stay healthy and that he can hold up in pass protection on a consistent basis. If he proves that he can do both, Williams has a great shot to be the starter this season. 

If Williams does win the starting running back spot, he could put up huge production behind this offensive line. Williams' ability to stay patient and utilize his one-cut explosiveness would allow him to make a ton of plays in the Cowboys' zone scheme.

Dustin Vaughan

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The ability to develop a quarterback is critical in the NFL, and just like they did with Tony Romo, the Cowboys hope to develop Dustin Vaughan into at least a competent NFL quarterback. 

Last year, Vaughan was an undrafted free agent who stuck around on the 53-man roster, but didn't see any playing time. The Cowboys were obviously intrigued enough with his skill set that they kept him on the roster even though they knew he wouldn't see much playing time. 

Vaughan has the size and arm talent to become a very good NFL quarterback; however, he lacks the pocket mobility and accuracy to truly realize his physical talents. 

With Romo and Brandon Weeden being known commodities for the Cowboys, Vaughan will likely see a ton of work in training camp and during the preseason. This will give the Cowboys a great opportunity to really evaluate where Vaughan is in his development and if he is worth spending more time on. 

If Vaughan can become more comfortable in the Cowboys offense and more accurate with his throws, he could potential vie with Weeden for the No. 2 quarterback position this season.

Ben Gardner

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Even though Ben Gardner was only a seventh-round pick last year, there were high hopes that he could be a valuable cog in the Cowboys' defensive line rotation. However, his season was cut short before it could ever get started because of a shoulder injury. 

DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus reported that Gardner has remade his body during the offseason, which is a great sign that Gardner could become the player that many hoped he could be last season. 

He could become a valuable player because of his position flexibility. He has the ability to play at left defensive end, and he could also slide down to defensive tackle if he needed to. He plays with a nonstop motor, and he understands how to use his hands. 

One thing that will always hold Gardner back is that he isn't a very explosive athlete, which limits his ability to rush the passer. Nonetheless, Gardner can become a great run defender who could provide a little pass rush from the interior defensive line. 

Gardner will likely never be a starter for the Cowboys, but he could be an extremely versatile weapon for the Cowboys coaching staff.

Tyler Patmon

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The most intriguing project player on the Cowboys roster is cornerback Tyler Patmon. He burst onto the scene last year in the third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, where he had two interceptions and solidified his spot on the 53-man roster. 

He didn't get many opportunities to showcase his abilities on defense during the season, but he showed glimpses of what he could be in the little playing time he received. He wasn't perfect by any means, as he struggled mightily against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs, but he showed a skill set worth developing. 

Patmon is an undersized cornerback (5'10", 185 lbs) with excellent movement skills to mirror wide receivers. Patmon has great foot speed and quickness, which allow him to excel in short areas and when he's breaking on the ball. Furthermore, he has natural ball skills, and he understands how to take advantage of a quarterback's mistakes. 

He's not a very physical cornerback, and bigger wide receivers can give him a lot of trouble, but like Orlando Scandrick, he can be a fantastic nickel cornerback as he develops the skills necessary to move outside. 

This year, Patmon can contend for the No. 3 or No. 4 cornerback position, depending on where Dallas plays Byron Jones, which means Patmon could potentially see a good deal of playing time.