Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction 2021 (training camp edition)

Dallas Cowboys Defense

Defensive Line (9) DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, Neville Gallimore, Brent Urban, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston, Tarell Basham, Calvin Watkins, Bradlee Anae

There’s a lot to unpack here. Tank and Gregory are the starting ends with Tarell Basham serving as the primary back-up. Golston will also earn snaps at end but will often reduce inside and take some snaps at under tackle.

The primary under tackle spot should be a battle between Neville Gallimore and Osa Odighizuwa and I think Trysten Hill starts out on the outside looking in. If Hill wants to make the team he’s going to have earn it on the field because no one feels invested in him. Urban is a lock and will play some 1-tech DT and also 2-gap as an end.

Calvin Watkins, the proven veteran, has the inside track over the rookie Quinton Bohanna. DT takes time in the NFL and Bohanna will likely need a season on the practice squad before he’ll contribute much (but we hope we’re wrong and he dominates early).

The last spot goes to Bradlee Anae. He has to beat Dorance Armstrong and since he’s under team control longer, he’s beating Armstrong if all else is equal.

There’s a number of ways this could all go and every year we get some surprises. The Cowboys could also go extra deep here on the line as they try to rebuild what completely fell apart last year. We may even see a trade for DT depth at some point.