Predicting the Dallas Cowboys Final 53-man Roster in 2020 (V1.0)
By Reid Hanson
The bulk of free agency is over and NFL Draft is now complete so today we take a look at the Dallas Cowboys roster and try to predict who will be on the Final 53-man roster in Week 1.
The Dallas Cowboys see themselves as a team on the cusp, which is why their patience expired on Jason Garrett, and it’s why they made some fairly aggressive roster moves this offseason. Gone are CB Byron Jones and DE Robert Quinn – in come a handful of possible replacements. Scheme changes and position moves all promise to shake up the roster here in 2020. Today we take a look at those changes and their impact on the final roster.
Technically, the NFL expanded the rosters from 53 to 55 since teams can now elevate 2 practice squad players per week. But since the last two spots will likely be a revolving door, we’ll focus in on the main 53.
Special Teams (3)
Long Snapper: L.P. Ladouceur
Punter: Chris Jones
Kicker: Greg Zuerlein
There’s a couple notable decisions made here that are worth discussing. The Dallas Cowboys’ incumbent place kicker, Kai Forbath, was nothing short of brilliant last year. Replacing Brett Maher late in the season, Forbath added stability and consistency from midrange. He went a cool 10-10 kicking for the Cowboys last season, essentially ensuring a shot at coming back in 2020.
it’s Zuerlein with the guaranteed money, it’s Zuerlein with the relationship with the coach, and it’s Zuerlein with the career consistency
Unfortunately for Kai, the Dallas Cowboys retooled their coaching staff, bringing in one of the highest regarded special teams coaches in the league, John Fassel. As with many coaches, Fassel has “his guys” in whom he trusts. Greg Zuerlein is one of those guys.
Greg “the leg” Zuerlein was signed this offseason to a 3 year, $7.5 million contract, making him the favorite to land the kicking job in 2020. While Forbath was the more accurate kicker last season, his career averages say it won’t last. It’s also been said, Zuerlein was playing injured last season and that’s why his numbers were abnormally poor.
Both kickers are the same age but it’s Zuerlein with the guaranteed money, it’s Zuerlein with the relationship with the coach, and it’s Zuerlein with the career consistency.
Note: It’s also worth mentioning Chris Jones (“the Puntisher”) was playing injured last season as well and that’s why he was one of the worst punters in the NFL. That’s also why he’s the early favorite to be the punter in 2020.
Roster Spots Used: 03/53