Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction (post-OTA edition) V2.0
By Reid Hanson
Today we issue our second 53-man roster prediction for the Dallas Cowboys. We did one following the 2021 NFL Draft and now, after a rookie mini-camp and two installments of OTAs, we’ll do another one.
It may seem premature to throw out a 53-man roster projection so early in the summer, but it’s an important exercise to show the changing landscape of the team, as well as reflect the information that’s been divulged through statements and on-field team activity.
The latest Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction based on OTAs
Fresh off a week of OTA’s we have plenty of new information influencing our thinking. While it’s irresponsible to read too much into how things go down in these early practices, they offer nuggets of information we shan’t overlook.
Now that some OTAs are in the books, let’s take a look at what the Dallas Cowboys final 53-man roster may look like…
Let’s get rolling. We start with a fairly obvious and clear-cut unit – special teams
Dallas Cowboys Special Teams
Greg Zuerlein, Hunter Niswander, Jake McQuaide
For better or for worse, there’s a couple new names here. Gone is Dan Ruppert’s spirit animal, L.P. Ladouceur. In comes the extremely accomplished Jake McQuaide. McQuaide is a rock solid long-snapper we should all feel good about. It’s not often you get to replace a Pro Bowler with a Pro Bowler but that’s exactly what Dallas is doing here.
Hunter Niswander replaces long-time, Chris Jones, punter this year and Cowboys Nation couldn’t be happier. Jones had back-to-back-to-back down seasons since signing his big deal and was losing distance by the day. Niswander doesn’t just offer an upgrade in power, but he’s better at pinning the ball inside the 20 and he’s cheaper. What’s not to like?
Greg “the Leg” is the only special team carryover and while his numbers last year didn’t blow anyone away, he was a reliable placekicker who will undoubtedly be given a spot here in 2021.