It is time to start thinking more about the future rather than the present.
The Dallas Cowboys are hard to watch right now due to the plethora of injuries and poor play that has haunted them through the first half of the 2024 season. They really have nothing else to play for this year with their odds of making the playoffs so small, but there are a few things worth keeping an eye on for the rest the season.
The Cowboys have a rare opportunity of being able to get a jumpstart on the evaluation process to help them better build the roster for next year. This is something they should take full advantage of because they are currently paying for last year’s offseason mistakes. Hopefully they learn from that mistake by not letting this opportunity pass them by.
Today, we are going to look at some of the players the Cowboys brass should do their best to get more involved for the rest the season. Each one of the players listed below is someone to keep an eye on with the future in mind. Depending on how things play out with these players, it could very well alter Dallas’ offseason plans and roster “needs”.
- WR Jonathan Mingo: For no other reason than the draft capital Dallas gave up to acquire him, all eyes will be on Mingo the rest the year. He looks the part of a capable starting WR in the league due to his intriguing size/speed combo, but as of yet remains unproven.
- WR Ryan Flournoy: The Mingo trade really hurts Flournoy’s chances of getting on the field, but the Cowboys should try to get him involved as much as possible anyways. His size, speed, and talent make him an intriguing developmental project worth keeping an eye on.
- RB Deuce Vaughn: Is the second-year running back just a fun draft story or can he be a significant contributor for the Cowboys? It’s time to find out what Vaughn is capable of, probably at the expense of Ezekiel Elliott. After all, he is the only RB under contract heading into next year.
- iOL T.J. Bass: Zack Martin’s replacement? The Cowboys need to find out exactly what they have in T.J. Bass. They could have a hole to fill at RG next season if Martin retires or leaves via free agency and need to determine whether or not Bass is capable of stepping in.
- OT Asim Richards: With Tyler Guyton inactive last week, Richards got his first start at LT for Dallas. While he was in no way perfect, he did show enough to warrant further evaluation. With Terence Steele as a potential salary-cap casualty, he could be his replacement.
- DE Marshawn Kneeland: Kneeland looks to be DeMarcus Lawrence’s heir apparent starting as soon as 2025. If/when he returns from Injured Reserve he needs as much playing time as possible to prove he’s capable of handling an increased role as a starter for next year.
- LB Marist Liufau: DeMarvion Overshown has been a standout LB for the Cowboys this year, but it’s Liufau who we should keep an eye on. Right now he could be in line to take over for Eric Kendricks next year, but that all depends on how well he plays the rest the year.
- CB Caelon Carson: With Jourdan Lewis potentially leaving via free agency after the season, Carson could be in line to step up and play a starting role either opposite Trevon Diggs or in the slot next year. How he finishes out the 2024 season could confirm that or not.
- S Juanyeh Thomas: When given the opportunity Thomas has looked the part of a starting caliber safety for the Cowboys. Dallas should use the rest the season to find out if that’s true or not with both Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson as potential salary-cap casualties.
- S Markquese Bell: Bell helped the team in 2023 playing LB, but as of yet hasn’t been given much of a chance to start at his natural safety position. With the Hooker/Wilson as potential salary-cap casualties, it’s time to get a better look at him for the future.
Which Dallas Cowboys players will you be keeping a close watchful eye on for the remainder of the 2024 season?