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Cowboy Roundup: 5 under-the-radar roster locks, RB competition heating up

5 Under-the-Radar Dallas Cowboys Roster Locks Amid Heating Running Back Competition

As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the upcoming NFL season, the focus often lands on star players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons. However, every successful team relies on depth and unsung heroes who secure their spots on the roster through consistent performance, versatility, and reliability. In this analysis, we'll spotlight five under-the-radar players who are virtual locks to make the Cowboys' 53-man roster. These individuals might not grab headlines, but their contributions are crucial to the team's aspirations. Additionally, we'll delve into the intensifying competition at the running back position, which is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing battles in training camp.

1. Jourdan Lewis: The Veteran Cornerback Stabilizer

Jourdan Lewis has been a fixture in the Cowboys' secondary since being drafted in the third round out of Michigan in 2017. While the spotlight shines brighter on Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, Lewis provides invaluable experience and slot coverage that makes him indispensable. His ability to play both inside and outside, combined with his football IQ, ensures he's not going anywhere. Last season, Lewis demonstrated his worth by stepping up in key moments, including several games where injuries forced him into expanded roles. His tackling prowess and knack for disrupting passing lanes make him a perfect complement to the more ball-hawking styles of his counterparts. At 28 years old, Lewis is in his prime and has shown no signs of slowing down. Coaches value his leadership in the locker room, often mentoring younger defensive backs. In a league where secondary depth is paramount, especially with the Cowboys facing pass-heavy offenses in the NFC East, Lewis's roster spot is as secure as they come. His contract situation also aligns with the team's cap strategy, making him a cost-effective veteran presence.

Expanding on his role, Lewis's versatility extends beyond just coverage. He's adept at blitzing from the slot, adding an element of unpredictability to Dan Quinn's defensive schemes—wait, actually, with Mike Zimmer now at the helm as defensive coordinator, Lewis's skills could be even more amplified. Zimmer's history with the Vikings emphasized tough, physical corner play, and Lewis fits that mold perfectly. Fans might overlook him because he doesn't rack up the interception numbers like Diggs, but his consistency in preventing big plays is what keeps quarterbacks honest. If the Cowboys aim to improve their run defense, which was a weak point last year, Lewis's ability to set the edge from the nickel position will be crucial. In essence, he's the glue that holds the secondary together, and cutting him would create a void that's hard to fill with unproven talent.

2. Rico Dowdle: The Emerging Running Back Depth Piece

Shifting gears to the running back room, which is heating up significantly, Rico Dowdle emerges as an under-the-radar lock. After spending time on the practice squad and dealing with injuries early in his career, Dowdle has quietly built a case for himself. His burst and vision make him a viable option behind whoever wins the starting job. Last season, he showed flashes of potential, averaging over four yards per carry in limited action. What sets Dowdle apart is his pass-blocking ability, a critical skill in an offense that relies heavily on protecting Prescott. With Ezekiel Elliott returning and Tony Pollard now in Tennessee, the Cowboys are rebuilding their backfield, and Dowdle's familiarity with the system gives him an edge.

The running back competition is indeed intensifying, with several players vying for touches. Elliott, at 29, brings veteran savvy but questions about his explosiveness linger after a down year with the Patriots. Deuce Vaughn, the diminutive speedster from Kansas State, offers big-play potential but needs to prove he can handle the physicality of NFL defenses. Then there's Malik Davis and perhaps even undrafted free agents making noise. However, Dowdle's all-around game—running, receiving, and blocking—positions him as a safe bet for the roster. Coaches have praised his work ethic in camp, noting how he's bulked up without losing speed. In a committee approach, which seems likely for Dallas, Dowdle could see significant snaps, especially in third-down situations. His under-the-radar status comes from not being a high draft pick, but his progression suggests he's ready to contribute meaningfully.

3. Chauncey Golston: The Defensive Line Swiss Army Knife

On the defensive front, Chauncey Golston is another player flying under the radar but locked into the roster. Drafted in the third round from Iowa in 2021, Golston has developed into a versatile lineman who can play end or tackle. His ability to rotate in and provide rest for stars like DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons is invaluable. Golston's strength lies in his run-stopping capabilities and his improving pass-rush repertoire. Last year, he recorded a couple of sacks and showed promise in generating pressure. With the Cowboys emphasizing a robust defensive line under Zimmer, Golston's role could expand.

What makes him a lock is his adaptability. In a league where injuries are inevitable, having a player who can fill multiple gaps is gold. Golston isn't flashy, but his motor is relentless, and he rarely makes mental errors. Teammates respect his blue-collar approach, and he's often the first to arrive at practice. As the team looks to bolster its depth after losing some pieces in free agency, Golston represents continuity and reliability. His contract is team-friendly, allowing the Cowboys to allocate resources elsewhere while knowing they have a solid contributor in the trenches.

4. Luke Schoonmaker: The Tight End with Upside

At tight end, Luke Schoonmaker, a second-round pick from Michigan in 2023, is quietly securing his spot. Behind Jake Ferguson, who emerged as a reliable target last season, Schoonmaker provides depth and potential. His blocking skills are already NFL-caliber, honed from his college days in a pro-style offense. While his receiving numbers were modest as a rookie due to injury, he's shown growth in camp, displaying soft hands and route-running savvy.

Schoonmaker's under-the-radar nature stems from Ferguson's breakout, but he's no afterthought. The Cowboys value two-tight-end sets, especially in the red zone, and Schoonmaker's size (6'5", 250 lbs) makes him a mismatch nightmare. As the offense evolves under Mike McCarthy, incorporating more play-action and short passes, Schoonmaker could see increased targets. His roster lock status is bolstered by the investment the team made in drafting him, signaling long-term plans. With veterans like Peyton Hendershot potentially on the bubble, Schoonmaker's youth and upside make him a keeper.

5. Juanyeh Thomas: The Special Teams Ace and Safety Depth

Rounding out our list is Juanyeh Thomas, a safety who has carved out a niche on special teams while providing backend depth in the secondary. Undrafted out of Georgia Tech in 2022, Thomas has impressed with his speed and tackling on kick returns and coverage units. His ability to contribute immediately on specials makes him a roster lock, as teams prioritize players who excel in that phase.

Thomas's versatility extends to defense, where he can fill in at free safety or even nickel in a pinch. With Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson anchoring the safety spots, Thomas adds insurance. His football intelligence and work ethic have been lauded by coaches, and he's shown flashes in preseason games. In an era where special teams can swing games, Thomas's reliability ensures he's not expendable.

The Heating Running Back Competition: A Battle for Supremacy

Tying back to the running back room, the competition is fiercer than ever. Ezekiel Elliott's return brings nostalgia and power, but questions about his mileage persist. Rico Dowdle, as mentioned, is a dark horse, while Deuce Vaughn's elusiveness could earn him a gadget role. Don't sleep on Hunter Luepke, the fullback-hybrid who adds blocking and receiving wrinkles. The Cowboys' strategy seems to favor a by-committee approach, distributing carries to keep players fresh. This battle will play out in preseason games, where explosiveness, vision, and pass protection will be scrutinized. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has emphasized the need for a balanced attack, and whoever separates themselves could redefine the backfield.

In conclusion, these five under-the-radar players—Jourdan Lewis, Rico Dowdle, Chauncey Golston, Luke Schoonmaker, and Juanyeh Thomas—represent the depth that could propel the Cowboys to contention. Amid the running back scrum, the team's overall roster construction highlights a blend of stars and steady contributors. As training camp progresses, keep an eye on these names; they might just be the difference-makers in a tight NFC race.

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