In 2024 the Dallas Cowboys could need players that we either have not seen much from or have struggled recently to match the 12 wins from the last few seasons.
After looking at the depth chart a bit more in-depth I found three Cowboys players who at least from me are not getting enough attention before the season starts in September.
You may have seen them being talked about on other sites, but for myself, these guys need to be touched on a bit more before September. Heck even before training camp this month.
Israel Mukuamu
Lately, I have seen a lot of posts about the possibility that Mukuamu could be on the trade block.
After looking into the real reason that could be a possibility, I can see how that may be true. He was on my most underrated list last season, but did not find his footing.
Here is the problem, Mike Zimmer plans on using more linebackers on the field in his 4-3 defense. That is going to force Mukuamu to be evaluated as a true safety or nickel back.
#DallasCowboys DB Israel Mukuamu wasting no time looking to get better this offseason.
Here he is with Olympic Champion @justingatlin as they work through acceleration mechanics.
Could 2024 be the year we see an Izzy breakout?
(🎥: unlmtdathlete on IG) pic.twitter.com/b3RiY1VqnR
— Tony Catalina (@Tony_Catalina) February 28, 2024
This could be why I have seen him being talked about going on the trade block.
Unless he shows something in training camp or the preseason games he might not even make the roster, and I like him a lot.
Malik Davis
Let’s call it like it is, Malik Davis has the best chance to improve his stock before September rolls around.
The Cowboys might have the worst running back room in all of football.
In 2022, Davis was the team’s third guy on the depth chart. He had 38 carries for 161 yards and one touchdown.
#Cowboys' updated RB depth chart:
Ezekiel Elliott
Rico Dowdle
Deuce Vaughn
Royce Freeman
Malik Davis
Snoop Conner
Nathaniel Peat https://t.co/apKgzWiYPH— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 29, 2024
Now, it seems he may be right back in that spot in 2024. Rico Dowdle seems to be the guy who will lead the pack, followed by Ezekiel Elliott.
That is not a very strong one-two punch. If any of these two find themselves hurt or not 100%, Davis could very well slide right into a bigger role.
Terence Steele
We know how good the Cowboy’s offensive guards are with Zack Martin and Tyler Smith, but the rest of the line is being held up by rookies and Terence Steele.
In 2022 many thought Steele was on track to be the next great offensive tackle for this team, but since it has been downhill.
Out of 81 offensive tackles graded by PFF in 2023, he graded 70th overall. Steele still surrendered 56 pressures. That is second most among all OTs who played at least 80 percent of the snaps in 2023.
He is not getting enough attention from me because we don’t yet know how this offensive line is going to look with Cooper Beebe and possibly T.J. Bass.
Tyler Guyton will start day one, but Steele is playing for his job in 2024. His contract allows for him to be off the team next March.
Dallas Cowboys’ possible Week 1 starters:
QB: Dak Prescott
RB: Ezekiel Elliott
WR: CeeDee Lamb
WR: Brandin Cooks
WR: Jalen Tolbert
TE: Jake Ferguson
RT: Terence Steele
RG: Zack Martin
C: Cooper Beebe
LG: Tyler Smith
LT: Tyler GuytonDE/LB: Micah Parsons
DT: Osa Odighizuwa
DT:…— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 3, 2024
You can’t be a starting tackle and allow 55 pressures. He was ranked as the 2nd worst right tackle who played 80% of snaps.
These are just three players who have not gotten enough attention from me this summer. I could add plenty more, but we would be here all day.
Davis has a golden chance to earn some snaps this year, while Mukuamu may have to adjust to the way Zimmer runs his defense to even stay on the team. As for Steele, dude you are making way too much money to not be good.
If I had to predict the outcome of each of these players as we stand today, Mukuamu will end up on special teams and be an as needed player.
I think Davis could find himself running for 250-300 yards. As for Steele, please just be average my man. This team has plenty of depth on the offensive line if you are gone next March.
