Pre-minicamp Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster projection: Clear movement at running back, tough cuts at offensive line, and more

The Dallas Cowboys are kicking off mandatory minicamp this Tuesday and it's time for a 53-man roster projection. 

After publishing my initial one right after the NFL Draft, the Cowboys have added George Pickens and we've gotten some insight from OTAs, which has caused some movement at running back and elsewhere in this projection. 

Let's dive in. 

Quarterback (2)

IN: Dak Prescott, Joe Milton
OUT: Will Grier

Joe Milton was QB2 during OTAs and at this point I wouldn't expect that to change. But he'll have to defend his job through training camp. 

Running back (4)

IN: Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue*, Miles Sanders, Hunter Luepke (FB)
OUT: Deuce Vaughn, Phil Mafah*

In my first 53-man roster projection of the offseason, I had Sanders cut, following the footsteps of Ronald Jones and Royce Freeman in previous years. But Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer got me thinking during OTAs. 

"I don't know why anyone would be surprised by Miles' ability," Schottenheimer told the media. "Having been in the division and playing against Miles when he was in Philadelphia, you talk about a guy that's a home run threat, a guy that's got incredible ability to hurt you running, catching out of the backfield, all that stuff."

That's enough praise to create some movement on my projection. But Schottenheimer also claimed Blue and Mafah have what it takes to compete for starting roles, so expect a fun battle at camp. 

Wide receiver (6)

IN: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy
OUT: Jalen Brooks, Kelvin Harmon, Jalen Cropper, Traeshon Holden**, Josh Kelly**, Parris Campbell

Last time I tried to guess the Cowboys' 53, George Pickens wasn't around. The room looks so different with his name in it. 

Tight end (4)

IN: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Rivaldo Fairweather**
OUT: Princeton Fant, John Stephens Jr., Tyler Neville**

I'm sticking to my UDFA prediction. The Cowboys were willing to carry UDFA rookie John Stephens Jr. before a season-ending injury in 2023 and one year later, UDFA Brevyn Spann-Ford made the team. Give me Fairweather—a big-sized target who can run block—as part of the team. 

Offensive line (10)

IN: Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker*, Terence Steele, Brock Hoffman, Asim Richards, Nathan Thomas, Saahdiq Charles, Ajani Cornelius*
OUT: T.J. Bass, Rob Jones, Dakoda Shepley, Matt Waletzko, Hakeem Adeniji

With a new head coach, offensive coordinator, and offensive line coach in town, good luck guessing this one. I went for a mix of my favorites and given the Cowboys picked two rookie guards, I made some "tough cuts" among interior linemen. 

Defensive tackle (4)

IN: Osa Odighizuwa (3T), Mazi Smith (NT), Soloman Thomas (3T), Jay Toia* (NT)
OUT: Denzel Daxon, Tommy Akingbesote*, Justin Rogers

This is a position room that I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys address before the start of the season. The team needs to beef up and improve its run defense. 

EDGE (5)

IN: Micah Parsons, Dante Fowler Jr., Marshawn Kneeland, Donovan Ezeiruaku*, Sam Williams
OUT: Payton Turner, Tyrus Wheat, Luiji Vilain, Earnest Brown IV

EDGE rusher quickly became one of this roster's strengths. Tough cuts will have to happen and I believe it will be either Sam Williams or Payton Turner. 

Linebacker (5)

IN: Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn, Kenneth Murray, Damone Clark, Shemar James*
OUT: DeMarvion Overshown (IR/PUP), Buddy Johnson, Brock Mogensen, Darius Harris, Justin Barron**

Overshown is expected to be out until early November, so he won't be taking up a roster spot initially. Jack Sanborn is emerging as a potential starter and Damone Clark earned some praise from Schottenheimer, which could keep him safe until Overshown's return. 

Cornerback (5)

IN: DaRon Bland, Caelen Carson, Kaiir Elam, Israel Mukuamu, Shavon Revel Jr.*
OUT: Trevon Diggs (IR/PUP), Josh Butler, Kemon Hall, Troy Pride Jr., Andrew Booth, Luq Barcoo, Bruce Harmon**

Yes. The Cowboys need more cornerback help. They might have some promising young players but Week 1 starters are missing. This is a position the front office could realistically address before training camp. 

Safety (4)

IN: Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Juanyeh Thomas, Markquese Bell
OUT: Zion Childress**, Alijah Clark**, Mike Smith**

Alijah Clark received the highest guaranteed money out of every Cowboys' undrafted free agent, which means he has a chance. But I don't see who you cut in this scenario. 

Special teams (4)

IN: Brandon Aubrey (K), Bryan Anger (P), Trent Sieg (LS), C.J. Goodwin (specialist)
OUT: N/A

With a new special teams coordinator in town in Nick Sorensen, C.J. Goodwin could be on his way out. But I stopped betting against the full-time specialist a long time ago. The Cowboys love him.