6 Cowboys on the Chopping Block After 2024 Minicamp

5. Josh Ball, OL

Sadly, missed opportunities has been the theme for Josh Ball both in the NFL as well as during his collegiate career. Ball was elevated to the role of starting left tackle during his redshirt freshman season with the Florida State Seminoles. He made nine starts that year but was unable to keep the job in 2018.

Ball was suspended for the season after an ugly accusation and wound up heading to Butler Community College. He played there for one year and then elected to transfer to Marshall rather than return to FSU. He then spent the 2019 season as a backup, finally, starting eight games at left tackle for the Thundering Herd in 2020.

Dallas took a flier on Ball despite his red flags and once again, he got a huge opportunity early in his career. Ball missed his entire rookie campaign due to injury but was named the swing tackle in 2022 after edging out rookie Matt Waletzko.

Tyron Smith was lost in the preseason and that opened the door for Ball to start. He was put into the lineup during the preseason, but it was clear he wasn't up to the task.

Ball appeared in 13 games but was never a starter after losing his role to 40-year-old Jason Peters. In 2023, he never saw the field thanks to a hip injury.

Now looking ahead to this season, there's a good chance he doesn't make the roster. Ball moved to guard and that versatility might have helped him last year but now Dallas has Chuma Edoga and Asim Richards who each have experience at guard and tackle. Their presence (and versatility might spell the end for Ball.