Dallas Cowboys Predictions: 5 Roster Moves the Cowboys Will Make This Preseason

We are getting close to the end. Well, to the end of training camp at least. The Cowboys face off against the Denver Broncos on Thursday for their preseason opener and their first official football action since January.

Dallas ended the 2010 season with a record of 5-3 under then interim head coach Jason Garrett. They are hoping to turn that positive momentum into a constructive force in 2011. Quarterback Tony Romo is back from injury, and the Cowboys offense is full of firepower.

The defensive line is still a work in progress, and so is the defensive backfield and new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is charged with transforming the league’s 23rd best defense.

In order for Dallas to make any type of headway in 2011, they’ll have to make a few personnel changes.

Here are five roster moves the ‘Boys will make this preseason.

Trade RB Tashard Choice

I’m not sure why, but Choice just isn’t high on head coach Jason Garrett’s list. He’s a pretty good running back, but he’ll never flourish under Garrett.

According to Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram, Choice is in danger of losing his spot on the roster. Backup running back Lonyae Miller is filling in for Choice while he nurses a strained calf, and he’s making the most of his time.

Choice is easily a starter for more than a few teams around the league like the Dolphins, Lions and Bucs.

If Dallas is able to gain a mid-round draft pick for Choice, then his locker may belong to another player soon.

Jay Ratliff Is Rotated to Defensive End

Ratliff will start at nose tackle, and this will be his primary position. But Ryan is experimenting with rotating Ratliff from NT to end, so all Cowboys defensive linemen are fluid in each position.

I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing for the line or for Ratliff. If Ryan is able to leverage Ratliff more at end during times when he’s overwhelmed by size in the middle, then it’s certainly a good thing for Dallas.

Bench Keith Brooking

Brooking had one foot out of the door in Dallas this offseason as many pundits thought the 14-year veteran would be released.

If linebacker Sean Lee is able to prove himself worthy of taking over for Brooking, there is no need to wait for Brooking to either deteriorate or for him to be forced out.

Lee has shown flashes, but it's time for him to step up and take a leadership role on the team.

Move Igor Olshansky to the Bench

Another player who may make his way to the bench before the season starts is defensive tackle Igor Olshansky.

He’s another player who was in danger of being cut but was saved due to lack of depth and a weak free-agent pool. Not to mention the ‘Boys didn’t go after a defensive tackle in the draft.

Dallas re-signed defensive end Jason Hatcher before he bolted for greener pastures elsewhere, and he may soon find himself as a starter in Dallas.

Ryan should have plenty of use for the 6’6”, 311 pound lineman in his scheme, and how well he performs in training will determine how much playing time he receives.

Cowboys Sign Veteran Wide Receiver

The Cowboys have receivers Kevin Ogletree and Jesse Holley as potential players for the third receiver spot behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant.

Is anyone comfortable with either player being consistent enough to work in that slot? Yeah, didn’t think so.

Dallas needs to sign a veteran receiver to fill the slot unless Ogletree or Holley blow coaches away in training camp. I think the Cowboys should consider bringing in receiver Jerricho Cotchery.

He was recently released by the Jets, was a locker room favorite and when healthy, can work well in the slot.

He’ll probably come cheap and could help mentor Holley and Ogletree.