2023 Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster prediction (July 4 edition)
By John Herndon
Dallas Cowboys Tackles (4)
Tyler Smith, Terence Steele, Matt Waletzko, Tyron Smith.
The starting left tackle position will be taken by Tyler Smith, while Terence Steele starts on the right side. Tyler Smith is capable of playing left guard if no one else is available.
The best outcome would be for Tyron Smith to be healthy and play all season. We cannot disregard the fact that Smith has not played a full season since 2015.
Dallas should be prepared to get Waletzko or Asim Richards, who may be capable of playing LG despite being a left tackle in college.
The chance of Smith playing a full season is low, so both players need to be coached up and learn fast. There’s a high probability he’ll miss several games. It’s impossible to prevent this with time management. We’re talking about football.
At a certain point, the physical demands of an NFL season may become too much for a player’s body to handle.
Dallas Cowboys Guards (3)
Zack Martin, Chuma Edoga, Asim Richards (R)
The starting right guard position is filled by Zack Martin. Chuma Edoga’s versatility allows him to provide depth at the G and OT positions. Asim Richards may start sooner than expected. I’m wondering if Richards will be at left guard or left tackle.
Dallas Cowboys Centers (2)
Tyler Biadasz, Matt Farniok
Tyler Biadasz is the clear choice for starting center, and Matt Farniok’s ability to play center or guard makes him the top backup option.
Dallas Cowboys Defensive ends (5)
Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Sam Williams, Dante Fowler
This position group is the strongest on the Dallas Cowboys roster.
Micah Parsons is the group’s equivalent of Achilles. He is the most gifted edge player in Dallas or maybe even the entire league.
DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, Dante Fowler, and Dorance Armstrong offer Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator, excellent weapons to work with, along with Parsons. Together, they amassed 24.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss last season.
Lawrence’s ability to defend against the run while still rushing the passer makes him the most complete edge.
I predict an increase in Williams’ snap count. He possesses a talent too great to be relegated to the 5th edge.
Fowler will have one more year to acclimate to Dan Quinn’s system with his Dallas teammates.
Armstrong’s performance in the last season wasn’t as good as his 2021 season. He didn’t play well throughout the season and got worse as it went on.
Tyrus Wheat or Durrell Johnson could have an opportunity. I believe one of them will try to secure a place at the bottom of the depth chart.
Dallas Cowboys Defensive Tackles (5)
Mazi Smith (R), Jonathan Hankins, Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston, Viliami Fehoko Jr
Mazi Smith can be considered as the Ajax of the defensive tackles, just like Micah Parsons is compared to Achilles in the edge group. Dallas wasted no time in selecting the draft’s most talented interior defender. He has the size of an NT combined with the quickness of a 3tech.
It is anticipated that Osa Odighizuwa will continue to improve. With Smith’s addition, Odighizuwa can handle fewer double teams and excel as a disruptive DT.
Last season, Johnathan Hankins made a noticeable improvement to the run defense. With a genuine off-season, partnering with Smith. Throughout the season, he’ll be fresh.
Dallas is optimistic about the potential of Viliami Fehoko and Chauncey Golston to bolster the interior pass rush by being able to move inside.