6 Cowboys Who Won't Survive the Preseason

3. Matt Waletzko, Offensive Tackle

Trey Lance's much anticipated first drive ended in a turnover on downs when he overthrew wide receiver Jalen Copper on fourth down. That play might not have been necessary since Lance could have thrown a touchdown to Jalen Cropper had he not been forced to get rid of the ball so quickly but he had no choice with Nick Hampton closing in on him in a hurry.

Matt Waletzko was the one who couldn't hold off Hampton and it wasn't the only time he struggled with holding off his man. On this one, Lance's throw was off-target just enough that Copper ended up going right out of bounds.

Waletzko was a fifth-round pick from North Dakota in 2022 and is entering a critical season. As a rookie, he had a chance to win the swing tackle job and was the favorite in a battle with Josh Ball. He suffered a shoulder subluxation that limited him in camp and hurt him in his fight for a spot.

In his second season, Waletzko was sent to the IR in August. He was activated in December, appearing in just one game.

Now in his third year, he finds himself fighting for a backup spot. Chuma Edoga should have the swing job in hand (assuming Tyler Guyton wins the starting role) and they like what they've seen from Asim Richards who can play guard and tackle. Rookie Nathan Thomas also has impressed the coaching staff, which could all be tough on Waletzko as he tries to make this roster.