The Cowboys aren't as top heavy as many think, with expected contributions from UDFAs, Day 3 picks and forgotten trade acquisitions.
As the Dallas Cowboys begin their on-field work for the 2025 season, a consistent topic of conversation for the next six weeks will be roster composition. Trimming the offseason group from 90 down to 53 is the name of the game, for the front office, coaching staff, and locked in fanbase alike.
Entering training camp, each NFL team has a subset of players who aren't concerned about making the team, and for the Cowboys that group contains a handful of players the fanbase may not expect to be 100% safe. There are players who serve a specific role that no one else can, even if they aren't hauling in 80 catches and making five inteceptions.
Here's a look at five players the public might not be fully aware of, but who are ridiculously safe from getting a visit from Mr. "Coach needs to see you, bring your playbook".
TE Brevyn Spann-Ford
Brevyn Spann-Ford is a UDFA who is nearly the size of an offensive tackle. The 6-foot-7, 280-pound blocking tight end is now a lock to make the 53-man roster and will battle for the top tight end spot on the team. Jake Ferguson had a down season in 2024, and while Schoonmaker made a nice step up from his rookie season, it wasn't all that great or promising. Spann-Ford has such a high upside as a blocker that the Cowboys could start him to help their run game get off to a great start.
DT Jay Toia
Jay Toia might be the only actual run-stuffing defensive tackle on the team. Mazi Smith could take a third-year jump, but he is no longer a 330-pound player. Toia is a 340-pound big-bodied interior defender, and the team lacks anyone else to fill that type of role. The Cowboys tend to keep their draft picks, but have cut seventh-round prospects in the past. Toia will not be one of those players. Dallas doesn't have enough options at defensive tackle to lose Toia to waivers.
DB Israel Mukuamu
Israel Mukuamu was a Day 3 draft pick who survived his entire rookie contract by being available and versatile. He went from an outside corner to a safety to playing nickel corner in a playoff game against Tom Brady. Injuries at cornerback might have pushed Mukuamu from a 90% lock to a 100% guarantee, but he has made himself an almost invaluable depth piece. Nobody should be surprised if Mukuamu starts in the slot position this season until Trevon Diggs, Shavon Revel Jr., or Josh Butler are back and playing at a starter-quality level.
WR Jonathan Mingo
Dallas traded for Jonathan Mingo because he has incredible potential. He has the prototypical size to be an outside, “X” receiver. He brings good athleticism and a strong ability to block. If he reached his potential, he could be another George Pickens-type playmaker. Mingo is young, and the Cowboys have a couple of seasons of control to try to develop him. He hasn’t had a quality quarterback to play with, and multiple pass catchers have been paid after having great showings with Prescott such as Cedric Wilson, Randall Cobb, and Dalton Schultz.
FB Hunter Luepke
Mike McCarthy was a coach who loved playing with a fullback, but Schottenheimer might not want one in his offense. He should be a roster bubble player, but he is a lock because of the total package he brings. He catches the ball very well out of the backfield, which is something the offensive coaches require from their running backs. He can lead block or run the ball in short yardage. Luepke is also a significant contributor to special teams and will undoubtedly lock down one of the running back spots.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 5 underrated Cowboys who are actually locks to make the 53-man roster
Category: Football
