We’re coming down to the nitty-gritty, with just two preseason games remaining and roster cuts along the way, it’s time to look at who could be this year’s surprise cuts. Like clockwork, each year there will be some surprise cuts, ones that nobody sees coming except the coaches.
Let me just preface this by saying these are just possible surprise cuts and not gospel by any means, and with these players it’ll be the final cuts. All three of these guys definitely have the chance to the make the team, some more than others, no questions asked. But for the sake of argument and projection, let’s dig in.
Bruce Carter, WLB
Let’s be honest here, Carter has had an up and down career in Dallas, and probably needs a fresh start. The Cowboys have been working with a whole platoon of linebackers in order to get the correct trio locked in for the 49ers game, and this is still in progress. Rolando McClain has turned heads and had some nice performances, but his health is still in question, are we sure we can count on him? McClain is out of practice today for cramps, but he should be good for the Dolphins game. Before McClain moved into the starting MLB spot, Justin Durant was the man there. The hope is that McClain will nail down the MLB and allow the Cowboys to kickout Durant to WLB, with Kyle Wilbur at SLB. Obviously, if this happens, Carter will be relegated to a backup role.
Carter is in a contract year, so he could be hard pressed to lose playing time and may prefer to be released in hopes of catching on somewhere else. To me, the key here will be how comfortable the Cowboys feel with Anthony Hitchens’ development thus far. All indications suggest Hitchens has done good for a rookie and has some serious potential to move into a starting role in 2015, that’s Dallas’ hope anyway. The injury to DeVonte Holloman and the play of Cam Lawrence will have an effect on how many linebackers the Cowboys ultimately keep.
In the end, the Cowboys will likely keep Carter, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets cut.
Terrell McClain, DT
When free agency began, the Cowboys went bargain shopping and found McClain in the clearance bin and signed him to a 3-yr deal. Reports indicate McClain had a good camp and stood out with Henry Melton still recovering; however, a high ankle sprain has shelved him all of preseason, so we have yet to see him in action. I think McClain can be solid, but the high ankle sprain can linger and without seeing him in a competitive game against an opposing team, I’m hesitant on giving him a 53-man roster spot by default. Show me something, stuff somebody, create some pressure, anything.
While McClain rehabs, others are beginning to show true value on the team with first team reps and good showings in the preseason. Ken Bishop has moved up depth chart and is poised to make this team and undrafted rookie Davon Coleman has been equally good if not better. Throw in newly added Zach Minter and we’re starting to get heavy on DT, which is a good thing considering the Cowboys won’t get much off the edge with Mincey. Couple all these defensive depth shortcomings and McClain will still likely remain on the team once the season begins, but he’s one that could be a surprise cut.
Get on the field McClain.
Lance Dunbar, RB
You’re kidding me right? Well, hold on now, let’s take a closer look at this. We’ve heard that Dunbar will be the change of pace guy, and possible Linehan’s Reggie Bush, etc. But where’s the production prior to this, and the durability of Dunbar? It’s suspect to me. I think Dunbar does have the chance to shine under Linehan, but we aren’t sure. There’s a reason the Cowboys took a flyer on Ryan Williams, and I’ll tell you what, it’s probably not whether he’ll beat out Joseph Randle, it’s more likely between him and Dunbar.
Ryan Williams can catch the ball out of the backfield just as good as Dunbar. Dunbar has him on the speed, but other than that, they are similarly close, even down to their contracts.
Both Dunbar and Williams are on 1yr deals and for about the same price, $570,000 for each of them. Randle is still on his rookie deal and for a decent amount on the cap, I don’t see him getting the boot, plus he’s been pretty good throughout the offseason and preseason. The thing that will keep Dunbar on the roster is everyone’s inability to stay healthy. Murray, Dunbar, and Williams all have durability concerns, and if we expect the Cowboys to run all over the place, this means more hits, more chances of getting nicked-up. Therefore, the Cowboys may carry all three plus a FB (Clutts) For the cost and quality of player, don’t be surprised if Dunbar is the one getting challenged for his roster spot against Williams and not Randle.
Those are my three, and like I said, they are more than capable of making this team, but you just never know who the Turk will come for.
Who are your possible surprise cuts?
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
