Cowboys: Who is making the 53-man cut?
By Reid Hanson
Linebacker (7)
Damien Wilson
Sean Lee is the leader of the bunch and, health permitting, the unquestioned playmaker of the linebacking corps. The Cowboys are being extra careful with their fragile star since they know, it’s not a question of “if” he’ll get injured, but “when” he will get injured this year.
Lee’s backup, Damian Wilson has been a standout in camp, and appears to be this season’s version of Anthony Hitchens. Wilson even has a chance to earn a pass-coverage role in the nickel defense alongside Sean Lee.
Starting MIKE, Rolando McClain, starts the season injured and suspended. In his absence has been Anthony Hitchens and recently, Kyle Wilber. As I’ve said all offseason, Hitch projects as a better MIKE and WILL than he does a SAM. Just because he’s the 3rd best LB doesn’t mean he’s going to lock down the final starting spot up for grabs (SAM).
Kyle Wilber is still my favorite to claim the SAM role and now appears to be able to play MIKE in a pinch. That could spell bad things for Jasper Brinkley. Jasper Brinkley is a MIKE in name, but a run-stopper by trade. He has played poorly since joining the Cowboys, and doesn’t offer much versatility.
Andrew Gachkar and Keith Smith have really stepped it up in the preseason. Smith, a great special teamer, may just be good enough for the Cowboys to consider cutting Brinkley, and eating his guaranteed money.
Next: Cornerback Appear Set