Cowboys 53-Man Roster Prediction Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

Running Back (5): Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke

This position remains the biggest concern for Dallas heading into the 2024 season. They were correct to let Tony Pollard walk considering the contract he secured from the Tennessee Titans. They were also smart to avoid overpaying a free agent for the sake of doing something.

Having said that, their moves left a lot to be desired. Dallas needed to grab a rookie in the draft but decided against that and now has Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle as the primary options. They’re hoping Deuce Vaughn can turn things around but he struggled mightily as a rookie.

Other than Elliott, their only other outside addition was Royce Freeman. He’s an intriguing option but far from consistent. The group is rounded out with Hunter Luepke, the fullback who spent most of his rookie campaign on special teams.

If there’s one position where the Cowboys need to monitor the waiver wire, this is it.

Wide Receiver (6): CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy

CeeDee Lamb was phenomenal in 2023 and wants to cash in. As the Jones family often does, they allowed this negotiation to drag out and he’s about to force them into a mega deal — or be on the way out soon. Lamb needs to be retained since he’s the one true threat they have.

Brandin Cooks is a savvy veteran and came on strong at the end of 2023, but he’s not a No. 1 at this point in his career. Behind him, there are more questions than answers. That’s why they go six deep with Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks fighting for the No. 3 spot following a strong offseason.

Ryan Flournoy has also turned heads but the rookie is still raw. This year will be about development for him. KaVontae Turpin is also on the team and while he’s a return man first, he showed flashes last year of being a weapon on offense and needs more opportunities.