6 Cowboys Who Could Be Cut Prior to Training Camp

4. Matt Waletzko, OT

Much like Josh Ball, Matt Waletzko was a day-three selection that Dallas had high hopes for. Taken at No. 155 overall in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the North Dakota product had the makings of an NFL starter.

Waletzko arrived at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and measured in at an impressive 6-foot-8 and 312 pounds. He also had impressive length with a wingspan of just over 36 inches.

The problem was that he not only played for an FCS school but also came into the league raw. Waletzko relied on his physical tools more than technique, which caused concern — especially when it came to his pad level.

Still, Mike McCarthy believed he could develop him the same way he did Terence Steele and Waletzko challenged for the swing tackle role as a rookie. A shoulder injury ended the competition although he returned quickly from surgery. The return didn't last as he was out again by October.

Waletzko was back in 2023 but again dealt with injuries as he spent the majority of his second season on the IR. At this point, it's becoming hard to trust that he can stay on the field and even if he were healthy, there might not be a spot for him.

Dallas has Tyler Guyton and Steele penciled in as starters and Chuma Edoga is the swing tackle. They also have second-year player Asim Richards and rookie Nathan Thomas in the mix. Thomas has earned praise from some of the veterans on the roster and both Edoga and Richards have position flexibility to move from tackle to guard. That might be enough to end the experiment with Waletzko.