Dallas Cowboys Final 53-man Roster Prediction (2020 Mid-camp Edition)

Dallas Cowboys Offense

Quarterback (3)

Dak Prescott, Andy Dalton, Ben DiNucci

Dak Prescott is the starter by a pretty hefty margin. He’s going to lead the NFL’s top returning offense to new heights and likely to be in the league MVP conversation most of the season. This is a huge year for Dak and all the stars appear to be aligned for a career year.

Andy Dalton serves an important role as QB2. As many remember, Dak was an MVP candidate late last season but injuries (particularly to his throwing shoulder) hobbled him down the stretch, greatly impacting his game. If the Dallas Cowboys had someone like Dalton on the roster, they could have turned to him for a week or two while Prescott got right. But alas they didn’t and they were forced to play their QB1 at half-strength – lengthening the healing process and handicapping the offense.

That’s why Dalton is here and that’s why QB2 matters.

Ben DiNucci is here because he appears to be Mike McCarthy’s handpicked QB project. McCarthy earned his chops as a QB guru and has developed a wide range of talents throughout his career. The common trait shared by all: the “it” factor. DiNucci has the “it” factor.

Receivers (6)

Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, Cedrick Wilson, Devin Smith, Ventell Bryant

The top-3 WRs are fairly obvious. What’s not-so-obvious are the spots behind them. Cedrick Wilson seems to be picking up where he left off last season. The guy can play inside and out. He’s a nuanced route runner with attention to detail and special teams ability. He’s been a primary punt returner and, to me, a lock to make the roster.

Ventell Bryant is another guy that looks like a sure thing. The 6-foot-3, 205lb receiver from Temple was an asset on special teams last year, and in camp has been flashing as an outside receiver.

Devin Smith is getting by more on reputation and pedigree than anything at this point. He’s a one-trick pony with deep speed (a pretty good trick to have if you have to pick one). He’s looking like Brice Butler 2.0 in his role and that’s meant as both a compliment as well as an insult.

Jon’Vea Johnson, my pet cat WR, is on the outside looking in. He has a tremendous ceiling and great position flex but the drops from last year are hard to forget without a 2020 preseason. I’m calling Johnson one of those game day promotions that has a chance at sticking at some point this season. But for now, it’s to the practice squad.

Roster Spots Used: 12/53