Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction: 2021 post-draft edition
By Reid Hanson
The sun has just set on the 2021 NFL Draft and the Dallas Cowboys roster is starting to come into focus. While plenty of roster moves, both additions and subtractions, are yet to come, we can get a pretty good idea what this 2021 roster is going to look like.
Even though the Dallas Cowboys were the fifth youngest team on the field last year, most of the starting positions are claimed. As such, we feel confident we can build a 53-man roster prediction today, with roughly 90% accuracy.
Today we look at the Dallas Cowboys first 53-man roster prediction for 2021.
Some may remember, the NFL expanded game day rosters to 55-man units last season. But the two additional spots were built to be revolving doors that offered game day depth rather than a traditional place on the roster. That’s why we’re sticking to the traditional 53-man projection once again this year.
Special Teams (3)
Greg Zuerlein, Jake McQuaide, Hunter Niswander
Barring injury, Greg Zuerlein is a lock to make the Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster this year. The veteran kicker is a reliable presence with good power. He’s the complete package and at age 33 we can feel confident his consistency will continue in 2021.
Joining Zuerlein as a virtual lock to make the team is long snapper Jake McQuaide. McQuaide comes from LA and reunites with special teams coach John “Bones” Fassel and “Greg the Leg”. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the best in the game.
Hunter Niswander comes in as the incumbent presence in the battle of the punters. Hunter the punter took over for Chris Jones last season and performed admirably. His 42 yard average last season put him in the NFL’s top-10 and he achieved that number with nearly half of his punts downed within the 20. Nothing is guaranteed but Hunter is my favorite to make the team right now.
Besides, we’re not going to be punting anyway.