6 Cowboys Already on the Chopping Block Before OTAs

4. Josh Ball, Offensive Lineman

Josh Ball had a long road to get to the NFL after he found himself in trouble at Florida State. Accused of dating violence in May of 2018, Ball was suspended by the Seminoles for a year. He was never formally charged and opted to leave for Butler Community College, where he was the starting left tackle.

One year later, he joined Marshall and after spending 2019 as a reserve, he was again a starter on the blind side in 2020. After two seasons with the Thundering Herd, he entered the draft and the Cowboys used the 138th overall pick in Round 4 to bring him in.

Ball was said to have starting potential but his red flags led to the slide into Round 4. He was expected to be a steal for them but so far hasn't lived up to those expectations.

While playing tackle, Ball looked uncomfortable, especially in pass protection. He was unable to replace an injured Tyron Smith in 2022 and Dallas had to sign Jason Peters, who was already 40 years old. Ball did play during that season when Terence Steele was injured against the Houston Texans but after allowing his defender to get past him and hit Dak Prescott while throwing — leading to an interception — Peters was asked to play on the right side for the first time since 2006.

Ball stuck around in 2023 after he was moved inside to guard but he's still behind Asim Richards and T.J. Bass as he heads into his fourth season. At this point, it would be surprising to see him make the roster.