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As Brian Schottenheimer gears up for his second training camp as head coach, a quick look at the Dallas Cowboys' roster shows a lot to like.
The offense has remained intact, and the defensive changes should mean the unit isn't as bad as it was last season.
But we are in the offseason, when lists and predictions are flying off the shelves, and Bill Barnwell's latest piece for ESPN is an interesting one.
He has created an NFL team of backup players, and what's more, he has to take one player from each team, with no more than two from any one team.
READ MORE: Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey Offers Truthful Response To 'Weird' Rule Change Proposal
So naturally, when looking to see who he chose for the Cowboys, it is here where it gets interesting.
Guard T.J. Bass and safety PJ Locke.
"An undrafted free agent, Bass has started 10 games over the past three years for the Cowboys and would be a starter on a fair number of teams around the league," Barnwell wrote. "In Dallas, he is stuck behind the best guard duo in football with Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker in the lineup.
"And Locke was probably stretched as a starter for the Broncos in 2024 and might be best as a third safety. But as a player in his prime with starting experience on a very good defense, he's going to be a starter for this team."
We know Bass is a really solid backup and could even be a starter and produce if injury struck.
READ MORE: 'George's Last Season In Dallas!' ESPN Analyst Offers Sour Take On Pickens' Cowboys Future
A no-nonsense guard, he's developed into somewhat of a fan favorite when he's on the field.
Now we get to Locke, and Barnwell misses the boat on one thing: Locke likely won't be the starter for Parker. After all, Jalen Thompson and Malik Hooker will be the starting safeties.
But as a depth/rotational piece? Sure. And Parker will likely use Locke in that capacity in 2026 as he works out the best tandems for his defense.
What Barnwell's "team" highlights is that the Cowboys do have some nice depth pieces to work with, and Bass and Locke could be seen as stable players if Dallas needs something in a pinch.
So yes, it is a little odd having an NFL team made up of backups, but having two Cowboys in it means the front office's roster construction is heading in the right direction.
Continue reading...
The offense has remained intact, and the defensive changes should mean the unit isn't as bad as it was last season.
But we are in the offseason, when lists and predictions are flying off the shelves, and Bill Barnwell's latest piece for ESPN is an interesting one.
He has created an NFL team of backup players, and what's more, he has to take one player from each team, with no more than two from any one team.
READ MORE: Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey Offers Truthful Response To 'Weird' Rule Change Proposal
So naturally, when looking to see who he chose for the Cowboys, it is here where it gets interesting.
Guard T.J. Bass and safety PJ Locke.
"An undrafted free agent, Bass has started 10 games over the past three years for the Cowboys and would be a starter on a fair number of teams around the league," Barnwell wrote. "In Dallas, he is stuck behind the best guard duo in football with Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker in the lineup.
"And Locke was probably stretched as a starter for the Broncos in 2024 and might be best as a third safety. But as a player in his prime with starting experience on a very good defense, he's going to be a starter for this team."
We know Bass is a really solid backup and could even be a starter and produce if injury struck.
READ MORE: 'George's Last Season In Dallas!' ESPN Analyst Offers Sour Take On Pickens' Cowboys Future
A no-nonsense guard, he's developed into somewhat of a fan favorite when he's on the field.
Now we get to Locke, and Barnwell misses the boat on one thing: Locke likely won't be the starter for Parker. After all, Jalen Thompson and Malik Hooker will be the starting safeties.
But as a depth/rotational piece? Sure. And Parker will likely use Locke in that capacity in 2026 as he works out the best tandems for his defense.
What Barnwell's "team" highlights is that the Cowboys do have some nice depth pieces to work with, and Bass and Locke could be seen as stable players if Dallas needs something in a pinch.
So yes, it is a little odd having an NFL team made up of backups, but having two Cowboys in it means the front office's roster construction is heading in the right direction.
Continue reading...
