The former 1st round picks and stars get most of the attention, but let’s start showing the Dallas Cowboys’ undrafted players some love.
Heading into the 2024 season, a few of those guys have critical roles to play.
On the offensive side alone, the Cowboys could have upwards of four undrafted players start.
Specifically on the offensive line, two of the five starters on the current depth chart are undrafted.
That accounts for almost 40% of the starting Dallas offense.
https://twitter.com/Brandoniswrite/status/1778429268990517664
And that’s not including rotational depth pieces.
Defensively, the undrafted group isn’t as lengthy, but there is a guy who could start.
This prominence of undrafted players has been a trend for the Cowboys, as their player development proves time and time again to be their best ability.
In 2024, with so many roster departures this off-season, these guys will play an even greater role.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five undrafted guys that will have the biggest impact next season.
Right Tackle, Terence Steele
As one of the highest-paid UDFAs in the league, Cowboys starting Right Tackle, Terence Steele, has a lot on his shoulders this season.
Steele had his contract extended in 2023, despite an ACL tear just nine months prior.
That injury seemed to affect him last season.
The former Texas Tech Red Raiders struggled mightily, especially in pass protection.
He allowed eight sacks and was penalized seven times during the 2023 regular season.
Which landed him in the top ten in both categories leaguewide.
Terence Steele's 12 charged pressures vs Eagles, Wk 9 pic.twitter.com/cHYojPVBxi
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) November 8, 2023
Considering his price tag and role as the most experienced tackle on the roster now, this is a huge season for Steele.
Dak Prescott will have a rookie left tackle protecting his blind side.
If Steele were to struggle to protect him as much as he did in 2023, Prescott could be under complete duress.
In short, this is a huge comeback year for Steele.
Dallas is relying on him to perform like an $80M tackle this season.
Wide Receiver, KaVontae Turpin
To say KaVontae Turpin is an undrafted player is almost an understatement.
The former TCU Hornfrog turned Pro Bowl return man spent three years playing for indoor football leagues and the USFL before Dallas picked him up.
Now, heading into his third year in the big leagues, his expectations are higher than ever.
Turpin started his NFL career exclusively as a returner.
But with the Cowboys’ WR3 spot open for business, he is positioned to be way more than a specialist this season.
Right now, Turpin is listed as the WR4 behind Jalen Tolbert.
And even if he does not surpass him for the job, it sounds like Mike McCarthy has plans for him regardless.
After a little more than 20% of NFL kickoffs were returned in 2023, “we anticipate it goes maybe to 60%,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. KaVontae Turpin naturally in line for more touches this season. pic.twitter.com/Fda0TYD5bb
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 4, 2024
McCarthy has talked at length about Turpin’s increased value with the new kickoff rules.
As well as discussing using him more on offense as a receiver and Swiss army knife.
Heading into the final year of his contract, this is clearly the biggest one yet for Turpin in terms of expectations.
Dallas needs him to dominate the return game and provide a spark plug on offense with his speed and burst.
Is this former USFL MVP up for the task?
Safety, Juanyeh Thomas
I don’t think I’ve ever seen an undrafted free agent with one season of experience become a fan favorite faster than Juanyeh Thomas.
Coming out of Georgia Tech, Thomas went undrafted in 2022.
Dallas did sign him that year, but he did not play a snap for the team until last season.
But when Thomas did reach the field in 2023, he made his presence felt and his name known.
Playing in 16 games and starting one for the Cowboys, Thomas had 22 tackles and some impressive moments.
His outreach to the fanbase on social media has given him an even bigger following.
Heading into the 2024 season, the expectations for Thomas have only grown.
I Asked @dallascowboys HC Mike McCarthy this week, what kind of leap Year 3 Safety @STG_Yeh1 can make this year after his year 2 jump.
MM: "He made a big jump last year. I think if anything he's been dynamic on special teams." He also added that "He's such a bright light and… https://t.co/HKouZUiSFl pic.twitter.com/9wl4zxGadQ
— Nicole Hutchison (@nhutchisontv) June 7, 2024
Thomas is popular with the coaches, players, and fans, and his ability is only scratching the surface of his true potential.
Don’t forget, starting safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are aging.
It should not surprise anybody to see Thomas get starting reps on defense in 2024.
His special teams’ value and athleticism defensively give him a chance to break out this season.
Amongst the Cowboys’ undrafted players, Thomas may be the most exciting to watch.
