Cowboys 53-Man Roster Prediction Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

Safety (4): Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Markquese Bell, Juanyeh Thomas

Safety went from an afterthought to a strength under Dan Quinn and that will be his legacy with the Dallas Cowboys.

Gone are the days of pretending Jeff Heath is a superstar as Quinn was able to convince the Cowboys to sign Damontae Kazee, Jayron Kearse, and Malik Hooker during his tenure. Kazee was a one-year stop gap but Kearse and Hooker turned into fixtures on the defense. Quinn even helped Donovan Wilson blossom into a star while developing Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas.

Entering 2024, Kearse is gone and his role will likely be filled by Bell — who spent 2023 playing linebacker. Hooker and Wilson will remain the technical starters but there will be three safeties out there often.

The fourth is Thomas, who has the makings of a starter. If the Cowboys go thin elsewhere, Israel Mukuamu could make the cut but for now, he just misses out.

Specialists (3): Brandon Aubrey, Bryan Anger, Trent Sieg

Dallas was so successful with their Brandon Aubrey signing that they continue to kick the tires on every UFL player they can find. Aubrey, the soccer player who turned kicker, was 36-of-38 on field goals in 2023. That includes an unbelievable 10-of-10 from 50 yards or more. He's calm and confident and there's no reason to expect anything less in 2024.

At punter, the Cowboys again turn to Bryan Anger, one of the best in the business. He's been in the league since 2012 and with Dallas since 2021. He's made two Pro Bowls for the Cowboys and averaged a career-high 51.4 yards per punt last year.

Last is Trent Sieg, the long snapper who joined the team in 2023. He held the job with the Raiders for five seasons and has his spot locked down with the Cowboys now.

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