Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction: 2021 post-draft edition
By Reid Hanson
Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction O-line and TE group
The Dallas Cowboys are returning one of the best offenses in the NFL so it’s understandable we aren’t predicting any major shakeups. That doesn’t mean there won’t be anything to watch here. Player health is critice to the landscape of the O-line and tight end unit. The top player(s) at both spots were lost last season and while their full return is expected, it’s not 100% guaranteed.
Offensive Line (10)
Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, Zack Martin, Connor Williams, Tyler Biadasz, Connor McGovern, Ty Nsekhe, Brandon Knight, Terence Steele, Josh Ball
The first three need no introduction. Smith, Collins, and Martin are among the best in the league at their respective positions and all are expected to be back healthy and champing at the bit when training camp rolls around.
Connor Williams is on the cusp of free agency and ready to cash in. Having a stellar 2021 is a great way to do that. Contrary to the beliefs of some Cowboys fan circles, Williams is a good player. If fact, he’s consistently graded as an above average starter in the NFL. It’s unlikely the Cowboys can afford to re-sign him so he’s playing for the biggest contract of his career. That’s good news for us.
The other Connor will push him and provide support to center as well. Tyler Biadasz is “running with the 1s” according to Mike McCarthy. Ty Nsekhe is the new swing tackle and a lock to make the team. Brandon Knight is good depth at bot OT and OG.
Terence Steele will compete with rookie Josh Ball at developmental OT. Steele was bad last season but he was a raw rookie who got the reps. Dallas won’t be eager to give up on him. Ball is a Day 3 rookie with starter potential. But he’s very raw and comes with some baggage. My money is on both making the team and Adam Redmond being the odd man out.
Tight End (3)
Blake Jarwin, Dalton Schultz, Sean McKeon
Blake Jarwin is about to be a star. After missing nearly all of 2020 after tearing up his knee in Week 1, Jarwin is on the cusp of breaking out here in 2021. He’s a downfield pass catcher and top red zone weapon. He offers twice the receiving production of Dalton Schultz (last season’s TE1) and will take the Dallas offense to the next level.
Dalton Schultz was always a good blocker but last season showed he could be a reliable pass-catcher as well. He’s a lock to make the team. Sean McKeon is the developmental TE3 who far too many are sleeping on.
McKeon was on the active roster the majority of last season (to the surprise of many). He’s a run blocker and special teamer. He’s vulnerable but the favorite for TE3.