Cowboys: Who is making the 53-man cut?
By Reid Hanson
Aug 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) looks on during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers in a preseason NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Line (11)
DeMarcus Lawrence
Randy Gregory
Ryan Russell
Devon Coleman
The Cowboys go big and go deep on the defensive line. The one shinning position group of the preseason will find a way to keep all of its fringe players on the roster. The fringe players in question are Bishop, Russell, Coleman, and Jack Crawford. All have stood out in a positive way this preseason, and all have the ability to develop into something special.
The Cowboys’ primary starters on the defensive line this season will be Greg Hardy, Tyrone Crawford, Nick Hayden, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Randy Gregory and Jeremy Mincey are the primary players rotating in, and they figure to get substantial playing time in 2015.
Those six players are absolute locks.
Terrell McClain is capable of playing both DT spots with consistent success. His versatility is important, but he’s been missing from camp due to multiple injuries. If he can get healthy, then he’s likely a lock, but with so much younger and cheaper depth behind him (Devon Coleman), he’s far from a guarantee.
If Greg Hardy accepts his 4-game suspension, he starts the season suspended, so he will not count against the 53. Ken Bishop has been strong as a pocket-pushing 1 technique DT. He’s both the most unique, and the least versatile defensive linemen on the roster.
Jack Crawford has been playing at 3-tech DT, and he appears to be thriving. He plays with excellent burst, quickness, and power, and explodes through gaps by timing the snap. Jack Crawford may be an excellent rotational player for Tyrone Crawford.
What was once a weakness is now an embarrassment of riches for the Cowboys.
Next: Linebacker