It is time for 53-man roster predictions.
Mandatory minicamp happened this week for the Dallas Cowboys, but these practices are kind of like the appetizer before the main course when everybody reports for training camp toward the end of July. That's when things get serious and tough decisions will have to be made to meet the league-mandated 53-man roster for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
As things stand right now, the Cowboys currently have 91 players on their roster thanks to the International Player Pathway exemption. If you're doing the math at home, that means they would have to at least cut 37 players, 38 if they don't take advantage of International Player Pathway exemption. Today, we take a shot at predicting Dallas' final 53-man roster prior to training camp and preseason.
There's no need to carry more than two QBs on the 53-man roster in 2025, especially since the Cowboys can stash Will Grier on the practice squad.
Dallas' RB position will be an interesting position battle to keep track of. Williams is the best all-round back with Blue and Mafah adding the thunder/lightning element to the backfield. Luepke sticks as long as the Cowboys want to carry a fullback.
The TE position should look much the same as it did last year, only hopefully healthier. The Cowboys could go a little deeper here if they decide not to keep Hunter Luepke.
The addition to Pickens significantly upgraded Dallas' WR position, but could cause them to go a little deeper here than they normally would. With Pickens and Tolbert playing on one-year deals, Mingo and Flournoy likely stick around for future purposes.
In Guyton, Smith, Beebe, Booker, and Steele, the Cowboys have a promising starting five. Richards will serve as the swing OT, Hoffman as the backup C/G, and Cornelius as a promising developmental talent. Charles likely sticks as a backup G as well due to his starting experience.
There's a chance Sam Williams could start on the PUP list, but if he doesn't Matt Eberflus likes a heavy rotation at DE, hence going deep here. This is an intriguing group with a good mix of youth and veteran experience who could give opposing QBs nightmares.
The DT position is arguably the weak link of the Cowboys entire roster. They have a good 3-tech duo in Odighizuwa and Thomas, but...