Cowboys are looking into fixing roster problem with an uncommon yet successful strategy

Originally posted on A to Z Sports
By Mauricio Rodriguez | Last updated Jun 11, 2024 1:46 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys front office has been a pioneer as far as finding NFL talent in the recent pro spring leagues that have come about in the world of football.

In the last few years, the Cowboys have found an All-Pro, record-setting kicker in Brandon Aubrey and a Pro Bowl returner in KaVontae Turpin. Both were signed out of the USFL (now the UFL after merging with the XFL) to provide special teams value to the team. The Cowboys also signed CB Josh Butler in 2023, who has yet to play a game.

Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the Cowboys might be about to go back to the well of the highly successful strategy.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Cowboys are working out St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr. ahead of training camp. The standout linebacker was named to the All-UFL team after the 2024 UFL regular season.

He finished with a league-high 76 tackles and nine tackles for loss (#2 among all defenders). But make no mistake about it, Harvey Jr. not only produced as a mere tackler. He also added two forced fumbles (tied for 1st), deflected six passes (tied for 6th) and racked up four sacks. Those covering the UFL closely have nothing but rave reviews about the potential Cowboys addition:

No defensive player in the UFL has made more impact plays than Willie Harvey this season. He's been all over the field in all facets of the game, leading the UFL in PD's (as a linebacker!), being an elite blitzer, and leading the Battlehawks defense in tackles! #DPOY pic.twitter.com/rMuWf67dpQ
— Louis Bing (@AgentLouisBing) May 21, 2024

Harvey Jr. is also much more than a player with a pipe dream of making it into the league as he already has NFL experience: He played four games for the Cleveland Browns between the 2019 and 2021 season.

Adding Harvey Jr. could be a high-IQ move for the Cowboys, who need depth at linebacker. Even after adding Eric Kendricks and rookie Marist Liufau this offseason, the team has very few bodies at the position and the UFL star could be just what they need. With a strong training camp, he'd have a legit shot at breaking into the roster although a significant question would be how much can he contribute on special teams.

In my way-too-early 53-man roster projection following the 2024 NFL Draft, I called for only four linebackers to make the team. It's clear there will be spots open for the taking.

What is undeniable is that when the Cowboys have looked into "spring pros," they've hit on their bets. We'll see how the workout goes on Tuesday but the team might be on to something here.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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