Dallas Cowboys Preseason Wrap-Up: Who Will Make the Team?

Now that the preseason is over we can start looking towards the Cowboys' season debut against the Washington Redskins. Before that let's take a look at the Cowboys position by position and see where they stand.

Quarterback

Tony Romo had an up and down preseason but he still has the organization and the fans behind him and he has a world of talent around him. Jon Kitna had a great preseason and his experience will come in handy if Romo gets hurt. That being said the best way he can contribute is by standing on the sidelines with a clipboard and an earpiece.

Stephen McGee took every snap last night and showed that he's greatly improved from last season, but he still needs more work to become Romo's steady backup. He should be ready next season. 

Running Backs

 Marion Barber and Felix Jones didn't have many chances to show how changes in their bodies would relate to the field, but they will be fine once the season begins. The Cowboys will once again run a ton of draws to fool the defense. Jones will be used in a variety of ways, including screens out of the backfield. Barber will get a shot early in the season to be the closer back late in games, but he needs to regain his old bruiser form while at the same time knowing when to just hit the ground. 

Tashard Choice will be the third back and mostly used in the Wildcat. He will come in if someone gets hurt during the season, a role in which he's excelled in. Lonyae Miller is a darkhorse candidate to make the practice squad as he's been good this preseason. Chris Gronkowski will most likely make the team as the fullback, as he's younger, cheaper, and better than Deon Anderson, who was the only Cowboy in trouble this offseason and has a court date later this month.

Tight Ends

 Jason Witten didn't get much action, but with all the injuries at this position, keeping him healthy was a major priority. Martellus Bennett has been solid since he came back from a precamp injury; now he just has to shut up and play. Luckily for him John Phillips is out for the season so he'll see a lot of action. 

Offensive Line

 Marc Colombo's status for Week 1 is in doubt at this point but don't be surprised if he plays. Kyle Kosier most likely won't play. That leaves Montrae Holland and Alex Barron as the starters for now, which could be an issue.

No one has said the name Doug Free since camp started, as he's silenced concerns that he may not be ready to block Romo's blindside. Once the Cowboys get back they should be fine although the age of the line raises concerns.

That will be fixed in the coming years as rookie Sam Young and second-year player Robert Brewster have had solid camps and will be in the Cowboys' future plans.

Wide Receiver

Miles Austin looked good in action except for a few surprising drops. He might not reach last year's reception total but he will have another outstanding season. Roy Williams dedicated himself to reviving his reputation this season, but it may be too late especially with Dez Bryant finally healthy. 

It'll take Bryant a few games to get his feet under him, but once he does look out. He can catch anything and Austin's presence will keep teams from double teaming him. Romo already trusts him and that could be bad for Williams, as he could be shut out with two reliable receivers. 

Sam Hurd might not make the team after final cuts. Patrick Crayton is requesting a trade again, but might not get it again. Kevin Ogletree fell back into obscurity with a bad camp, but had a solid game last night. Jesse Holley and Manuel Johnson will most likely be placed on the practice squad. 

Defensive Line

 Marcus Spears didn't play last night but is expected to play in Week 1. With the way the Cowboys defended the run this preseason they need him, as he takes up space. Jay Ratliff is still a beast inside and Junior Siavii can spell him and be effective. Igor Olshansky is a quiet contributor and should be that once again this season when defending the run. 

Backups Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen will get their opportunities in the rotation and are solid at rushing the passer on third downs. 

Linebackers

 DeMarcus Ware is still the best pass rusher on this team and Anthony Spencer should have a complete season this year instead of just coming on late. Victor Butler is also a good enough pass rusher to take them out for a few plays. Bradie James and Keith Brooking are up there in age and didn't see much preseason action, but are still able to compete at a high level. Don't expect a drop in statistics from these two.

Backups Sean Lee and Jason Williams will see their fare share of playing time this season as both were all over the field in the preseason. 

Cornerbacks

 Cletus Gordon quickly separated himself from the pack and established himself as the Cowboys' fourth corner. Mike Jenkins will try to build on his outstanding second year and Terence Newman will try to take advantage of QBs who think he's not among the top corners in the league. 

Orlando Scandrick battled some injuries before camp, but looks to be healthy once again and should continue to be a solid contributor (as long as Wade Phillips never lines him up against Steve Smith of the Giants again) Jamar Wall is a long shot to make the team as he's seemed hesitant in his preseason action. 

Safeties

It's unclear if Gerald Sensabaugh will play in Week 1, leaving Mike Hamlin to start in his place. Even if he doesn't, Hamlin could go through some growing pains as he didn't see much action last season. Alan Ball has shown that he can handle the strong safety spot, but still needs to improve his tackling. 

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah had a good camp and is expected to contribute in special teams. Danny McCray was held out of last night's game because the Cowboys didn't want him to get hurt, a sign he will make the team. Barry Church should also make the team and contribute on special teams. 

Special Teams

David Buehler quieted all critics with his performance last night, hitting a 51-yarder before the half then a game winning 30-yard attempt as time expired. Buehler is also consistently hitting kickoffs in the end zone, just like last season.

Mat McBriar is set to be among the league leaders with punts inside the 20-yard line. The coverage units allowed just one TD last season and they should be just as good this season with Barry Church and Danny McCray.

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Dez Bryant, and Cletis Gordon will all contribute in the return game.