Cowboys’ undrafted free agents: Most likely to least likely to make Dallas’ final 53

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Entering this year’s NFL Draft, there were three positions that were unlikely for the Dallas Cowboys to target on the first two days: quarterback, tight end and safety. Not only did the Cowboys not spend an early pick on any of those positions, they didn’t use any of their nine picks in the entire draft in those areas.

However, two of them were addressed after the seventh round in undrafted free agency.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said in the post-draft news conference Saturday that they were “fired up” to have added five college free agents who were on their draft board. Jones did not share the names of those players.

“That’s huge,” he added. “One of them was at the top of our board at the end of the draft. Those things, obviously they’re up there for a reason. We think a lot of them, and that’s important. We take a lot of pride in the college free agency after the draft as well. We think that’s the second draft, and there’s a lot of good players we’ve gotten that weren’t drafted that came here as college free agents and did really well.”

Players that fall into that category on the current roster include starting right tackle Terence Steele, fullback Hunter Luepke, tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford and safeties Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas. Some of the most notable former Cowboys signed as undrafted rookie free agents include Drew Pearson, Cliff Harris and Tony Romo.

As of the time we published this story, Dallas had agreed to terms with nine undrafted rookie free agents. Here’s a breakdown of each, ranked from most likely to least likely to make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster.

Rivaldo Fairweather, TE, Auburn

The 6-3, 242-pound Fairweather spent three seasons at Florida International before playing the last two at Auburn. Over the last three seasons he has averaged 397 yards and 3.6 touchdowns per season. His blocking ability likely gives him the best opportunity to make the roster. The Cowboys feel good about their tight end room that includes Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Spann-Ford, John Stephens Jr. and Princeton Fant. While they’ll probably keep four on the 53, Fairweather has a chance to beat out Stephens or Fant for that final spot.

Dane Brugler’s thoughts from The Beast: “Fairweather doesn’t create as much as I was hoping after the catch, but he is athletic at the catch point and has upside as a blocker that will interest NFL teams.”

Justin Barron, LB, Syracuse

The 6-4, 225-pound Barron went to Syracuse as a wide receiver but then moved to safety and then linebacker. He had 93 tackles in 13 games last season with 9 1/2 tackles for loss. Brugler ranked him as the No. 27 linebacker in this class. He did not have a draftable grade on any of the nine players on this list. The Cowboys will keep five, maybe six, linebackers on their 53. With DeMarvion Overshown (knee) not expected to be ready for the start of the season, Dallas’ top five linebackers are Kenneth Murray Jr., Marist Liufau, Jack Sanborn, Damone Clark and Shemar James. Barron has a shot if he proves to be too valuable on special teams to cut.

Brugler: “Barron needs better consistency to find a full-time role on defense, but he can provide versatile depth. His special teams experience (949 snaps in college) will pay immediate dividends.”

Traeshon Holden, WR, Oregon

He was ranked the No. 50 wide receiver in this draft class by Brugler. After playing three years at Alabama, Holden (6-2, 205) played the last two at Oregon. He had his best season last year, catching 45 passes for 718 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver is going to be a tough spot to crack in the Cowboys’ lineup unless you’re capable of being the team’s No. 2. They have plenty of options already in house to fill the No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 spots.

Brugler: “Holden gives his quarterback a large target and is at his best on digs and crossers, attacking the teeth of the defense. He stays coordinated in his releases and route entrance but lacks the speed or suddenness to easily separate, especially on the first and second levels.”

Traeshon Holden had his best season last year. He averaged 16.0 yards on his 45 receptions and scored five TDs. (Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)

Alijah Clark, S, Syracuse 

A three-year starter, Clark was Brugler’s No. 22 safety in this class. These three safeties are listed in order of how Brugler ranked them, with all being very close. Obviously all three aren’t going to make the team, but one could have a good shot if the coaches like what they see over the next few months. Dallas will probably keep four safeties, so if there aren’t any injuries, it’ll be tough for any of the undrafted players to beat out a veteran group that includes Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Bell, Thomas and Israel Mukuamu.

Brugler: “Clark has the versatile skill set and toughness to compete for a nickel role at the next level, but his college tape leaves you wanting more from a playmaking standpoint. His upside on special teams will help his chances of sticking in the NFL.”

Mike Smith Jr., S, Eastern Kentucky

Smith had his best season as a senior, recording 63 tackles, 10 passes defended and four interceptions. He was named FCS first-team All-American last season.

Brugler: “Smith has the athletic profile and field awareness to provide depth at multiple safety roles while also making noise on special teams.”

Zion Childress, S, Kentucky

A two-year starter at Kentucky, Childress started his college career at Texas State. He was a a team captain the last two seasons while totaling 148 tackles the last three.

Brugler: “Childress is easy to appreciate because he plays fast, physical and decisive, but his missed tackles and lackluster ball production make it tough to fully buy in. His special teams mentality certainly will help.”

Josh Kelly, WR, Texas Tech

Kelly was right behind Holden in Brugler’s rankings at No. 51 among all wide receivers. At 6-1, 186, Kelly caught 89 passes for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns last season. He had eight receiving touchdowns in 2023. He spent four years at Fresno State before transferring to Washington State for one season and finishing last year at Texas Tech. CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo and KaVontae Turpin are going to be part of the receiving corps as long as they’re healthy. One of these rookie wide receivers would have to beat out Parris Campbell, Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks for what might be the final roster spot.

Brugler: “Kelly isn’t the most detailed or explosive route runner, but his stem breaks are sharp because of his quick, urgent feet. Despite a relatively lean frame, he owns large, confident hands and works well with bodies around him to finish in traffic.”

Bruce Harmon, CB, Stephen F. Austin

The 5-11, 202-pound Harmon was ranked as Brugler’s No. 55 cornerback in this class. Cornerback is a spot where an undrafted player could push for that final roster spot, but Dallas could also make another move for a veteran player. The Cowboys’ current CB depth chart includes Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, Kaiir Elam, Shavon Revel Jr., Caelen Carson and Andrew Booth.

Tyler Neville, TE, Virginia

Brugler ranked the 6-3, 239-pound Neville as his No. 72 tight end in this class. He was a standout at Harvard before transferring to Virginia for his senior year. He finished last season with 37 catches for 394 yards and two touchdowns.

(Top photo of Rivaldo Fairweather: Michael Chang / Getty Images)

This news was originally published on this post .

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