The Dallas Cowboys have a real shot at making preseason history, aiming for their first undefeated preseason in two decades if they can take down the New Orleans Saints tonight. While those preseason wins don’t mean squat for the regular season, this Friday night showdown is everything for the guys scratching and clawing for a spot on that 53-man roster. For some, a single play in this final game could be the make-or-break moment.
Who’s Left at Defensive Tackle After That Seahawks Game?
The Cowboys have some serious talent at defensive tackle with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. Those guys are top tier, no doubt. Otito Ogbonnia is a solid veteran run stopper too. But after that, it’s a huge question mark. Jonathan Bullard, a veteran who should be a good depth piece, has been out all camp, and his 63.9 run defense grade from last season wasn’t exactly inspiring. He could be headed for the practice squad. Then there are the younger guys: Jay Toia, a 2025 draft pick, saw his run defense grade absolutely crater from a decent 65.9 against our very own Seattle Seahawks to a dismal 23.1 against the Cardinals. Ouch. On the flip side, undrafted rookies Tommy Dunn and D.J. Withers actually showed up. Dunn was consistent with a 66.8 PFF run grade in both games, and Withers had a stellar 70.2 in game one and a respectable 68.2 in game two. The Cowboys need one more DT who can actually play NFL snaps. Who’s it gonna be?
Offensive Line Depth Looks Like a Full-Blown Crisis
The interior offensive line for Dallas looks pretty solid. Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, Cooper Beebe, and even T.J. Bass as a backup. And Ajani Cornelius, who moved from tackle to guard, has made a huge leap, with his PFF grades jumping from 63.1 to an insane 84.2 overall and 84.1 in run blocking. That’s the kind of development you dream of! But tackle, oh boy, that’s where the wheels fall off. Their only “quality” option is moving an All-Pro left guard out there. Rookie Drew Shelton is flat out unplayable, posting an abysmal 13.5 PFF pass-blocking grade. Seriously, 13.5! He’s gonna be inactive even if he makes the roster. Nate Thomas, who was competing for starting tackle spots last season and early in camp, isn’t even guaranteed a roster spot anymore. The other backups aren’t even in the conversation. They need Cornelius to step up at right tackle, or Nate Thomas better have the game of his life tonight.
This game against the Saints isn’t just about an undefeated preseason for Brian Schottenheimer’s squad, it’s about life-changing opportunities for these fringe players. Every single snap could be the difference between making the cut and heading home. Who will step up and prove they belong on that 53-man roster? It’s all on the line tonight.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply