The Dallas Cowboys Practice Squad: A Closer Look
Aug 23, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam (96) during warm ups before the game against the St. Louis Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Sam, DE, Missouri
The St. Louis Rams 249th pick of the 2014 NFL draft is widely recognized as the first openly gay athlete ever selected. At Missouri, Sam was a consensus All American as a senior along with being chosen as the SEC defensive player of the year. Over his collegiate career he registered 123 tackles and 21 sacks. Despite a productive preseason, The Rams essentially decided to keep Ethan Westbrooks over Michael and chose not to offer the 24 year old rookie a practice squad position. The defensive end signed with Dallas just a few days ago.
Keith Smith, S/LB, San Jose State
Smith went undrafted in 2014. He started 45 of a possible 49 games at inside linebacker over his collegiate career. Smith led all of Division I in tackles during the 2013 season with 159 total. He made 1st team all conference in his final 2 seasons and 2nd team all conference after his first 2 seasons. At just 6 feet tall and now weighing under 200 lbs, Smith is attempting a position switch from linebacker to safety. He is one of San Jose State’s most celebrated student athletes of all time.
Jemea Thomas, CB/S, Georgia Tech
The 6th round draft pick was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys from the New England Patriots. Thomas started all 27 games during his final 2 seasons at Georgia Tech and in 2013 he led the team in tackles as a safety. Overall, he played in a total of 54 games and tied a school record. Jemea stands 5’10” and weighs under 200 lbs. He had a very good workout at the Georgia Tech Pro Day but fell to the 6th round of the draft due to size concerns.
Oct 13, 2012; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Bjoern Werner (95) works his way around Boston College Eagles offensive tackle John Wetzel (73) during the first half of the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
John Wetzel, T, Boston College
Wetzel went undrafted in 2013 and signed with the Oakland Raiders. The 6’7″ and 315 lb 23 yr old was signed to the Dallas practice squad in November after being released by Oakland. Wetzel started his final 2 years at Boston College and played both tackle positions. John had a very average combine workout which contributed to him not getting selected even after a solid college career.
Nikita Whitlock, FB, Wake Forest
The Cowboys signed Whitlock after the Cincinnati Bengals released him. He was a successful defensive tackle (!) in college at Wake Forest. During his senior season, Whitlock had 82 tackles and 9 sacks. Standing just 5’10” and weighing 251 lbs, Whitlock worked to transition to the fullback position during the pre-draft process. He was an All-ACC selection as a senior. Interestingly enough, in this draft profile Nikita was deemed a ‘Rod Marinelli type player’ by draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki.
Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
Drafted in the 2nd round (38th overall) of the 2011 NFL draft, Williams was signed by the Cowboys in May of 2014 after the Arizona Cardinals released the former Hokie. In 2010, Williams broke multiple Virginia Tech and ACC rushing and touchdown records with an amazing Sophomore season in which he ended up with 1,655 rushing yards and 22 total touchdowns. Ryan missed his entire rookie season in the NFL due to a knee injury and has only played in 5 games total for his career. Williams is optimistic that his time in Dallas will work out in his favor.
Will any of these guys help the Cowboys this year? Who do you like the most? Who doesn’t deserve a spot?
Let me know in the comments below and on twitter @brittensdad85