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Dallas Cowboys: Undrafted Free Agents, Who Are These Guys?

By Daniel Ruppert

Nov 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls running back Jahad Thomas (5) carries the ball during the second quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls running back Jahad Thomas (5) carries the ball during the second quarter against the East Carolina Pirates at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Dan Skipper (70) lines up during the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Dan Skipper (70) lines up during the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Virginia Tech defeated Arkansas 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Dan Skipper, OT, Arkansas

Of all of the undrafted free agents, Skipper is the one that surprises me the most of not going drafted. NFL.com and NFLDraftScout both had him going anywhere from the fifth to the seventh round, and there was one mention he could go as high as the fourth. He has the ability to play both tackle and guard and has decent size for either position. Watching him, he has an okay first punch, but his hand placement is mediocre. I don’t dislike his footwork, but if asked to go against power, it becomes sloppy. He knows how to run block well, but isn’t always consistent with it. Looks very teachable and could be a swing guard pretty quickly.

I would assume Skipper will be tried out as a guard before tackle. The only reason I think this is his lack of ability to work in space against power alone. I like him better as a guard and love his first step toward the tackle. I’m not sure he will be an immediate contributor, but should find his way onto the roster or at the very least practice squad.

Nate Theaker, OT, Wayne St.

Theaker can play both tackle positions and guard as well. He might be a better prospect as a guard due to his lack of agility, but the fact he has played everywhere but center shows he is coachable. His hand placement and strength is actually pretty good but it is his footwork and bend that causes a little pause. He will look to attack the pass rusher rather than wait, but will still get stood up due to his pad level.

I’m not sure if Theaker will make the roster, but a move to guard could serve him well. He is a willing blocker and if he can improve his mechanics and flexibility quickly he could stick around. He seems to be a long shot, but is smart and hard working, and the Dallas Cowboys love players like him.

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