Dallas Cowboys: These 2 players could make an impact in 2019

Although the Dallas Cowboys lost their first preseason game, there were two players that played well and should be key players in 2019.

In their first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys took a loss but learned some interesting things about the players on the roster.

Just like in previous seasons, the Cowboys found some really good players that were well below most people’s radar. Whether it was an unknown free agent or a late round draft pick, the Cowboys always find those hidden gems that become legit backups or even full time starters.

And this year will be no different. As I watched the game against the 49ers, there were plenty of players that fit the label of “hidden gems”. However, there are two players on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster that could play an important role for the team this upcoming season.

Dorance Armstrong, DE, 4th round (2018)

Second year defensive end Dorance Armstrong played a good game against the the 49ers, and has potential to be a starter one day. But in the meantime, Armstrong has proven that he is beyond capable and that defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli can use him in the defensive line rotation.

Against the 49ers, Armstrong had a tackle for a loss, played with a high motor and was troublesome for the 49ers offensive line.

Armstrong proved that he can be disorderly to opposing offensive linemen and that’s what Dallas’ defensive line need with All Pro defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence on the PUP list for an injured shoulder, and newly acquired edge rusher Robert Quinn suspended the first two games of the regular season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy.

Standing 6’4 and weighing 262 pounds, Armstrong is long, lean, and athletic enough to improve on his rookie season where he tallied eight solo tackles and 0.5 sacks. Best believe with D-Law and Quinn out, Armstrong will take advantage of his opportunities and make Dallas’ pass rush more lethal.

Cedrick Wilson, WR, second year (2018)

Dallas’ coaching staff have high hopes for Cedrick Wilson and they should continue to have those lofty expectations after a good performance against the 49ers. After sitting out all of last season with a shoulder injury, Wilson caught three passes on all three targets for a respectable 36 yards.

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But don’t look at the total yards, look at how Wilson ran routes and caught difficult passes from backup quarterback Cooper Rush.

Wilson beat man coverage, worked through the traffic, ran crisp routes, and displayed good hands. If not for Wilson catching one of the pass slightly behind him, the speedster could have taken that pass for much more yardage or for a touchdown.

What impressed me about Wilson is his ability to beat the defender at the line of scrimmage and his route running. This ability allowed him to running freely in the secondary.

Further, Wilson will look even better with Dak Prescott throwing him the ball and will  give Dak another offensive weapon. In addition, Wilson is a taller version of Amari Cooper with his ability to play either in the slot, on the outside, and take a pass to pay dirt.

Expect Wilson to only get better with more practice and  playing time in the preseason. Wilson will make the 53 man roster and is a good insurance policy in the event slot receiver Randall Cobb gets injured (I hope not).

In conclusion, Armstrong and Wilson have a high ceiling and are only scratching the surface with their talent, but both players will only make their respective units better and give Dallas more depth.

• Published on 08/15/2019 at 11:00 AM
• Last updated at 08/15/2019 at 09:08 AM