The path to greatness for the Cowboys clearly cannot be solely paved by the superstars sitting atop the roster. Dallas has had a top-heavy approach to roster construction over the years, and for whatever reason, things have not worked out when all the chips were on the line. The Cowboys’ front office, Jerry Jones specifically, has decided that enough is enough, and the team as currently constructed needs to have a movement or get off the pot.
In order to turn 2024 into the “finally!” season, it will take much more than the usual great performances from Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb; whenever the latter decides to show up with the team. There will need to be some surprise performances from players who aren’t expected to be big deals.
Here’s a look at several candidates for such an ascension.
An offer for Cowboys fans
For the best local news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Austin American-Statesman.
RB Hunter Luepke
Aug 26, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Hunter Luepke (43) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Hunter Luepke hype is growing in my spirit the closer we get to camp.
I do not care if I am alone lol.
— iisha Morrison (@Iishamorrison) July 17, 2024
Nope, you’re not alone. Luepke has a golden opportunity in the Cowboys’ backfield. Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle are assumed to be the lead dogs in the race, but fans shouldn’t forget how well integrated the fullback was in Mike McCarthy’s Green Bay offenses. After a year of seasoning, Luepke could play a much bigger role than anyone is imagining. Well, almost anyone.
WR Jalen Brooks
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 30: Wide receiver Jalen Brooks #83 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The odds-on favorite to move into the vacated Michael Gallup role a WR3 is former third-round pick Jalen Tolbert. Fans shouldn’t sleep on Brooks, however. The UDFA was impressive last summer and after an offseason of preparation he has a chance to move into the rotation next to Lamb and Brandin Cooks.
LB Marist Liufau
Jun 4, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau (35) goes through drills during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys signed Eric Kendricks to play middle linebacker and then grabbed Liufau with their second third-round pick in April. The Notre Dame product was intriguing during Spring work, and if Kendricks shows any age, it isn’t a stretch of the imagination to see Liufau taking over the green dot and a spot in the middle of Mike Zimmer’s defense.
DT Denzel Daxon
Dec 30, 2022; Tucson, AZ, USA; Ohio Bobcats defensive tackle Denzel Daxon (0) against the Wyoming Cowboys during the 2022 Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
This one might be the longest odds as he’s nowhere near even guaranteed to make the team. However Dallas is razor thin at the nose tackle position and someone will need to emerge from a group of unknowns to compliment second-year DT Mazi Smith. Daxon is simply a dark-horse pet cat who would be a great story.
Safety Juanyeh Thomas
Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) during pregame warm ups against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Thomas was just fifth in safety snaps for the Cowboys last year and three of the players who were ahead of him have returned, including Markquese Bell who spent his season playing linebacker but will now return to the secondary. Still, Thomas has shown something in his play and fans shouldn’t be surprised if he works his way into regular acclaim.
OG TJ Bass
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard T.J. Bass (66) Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
There’s an assumption that Bass is around the seventh-most important offensive lineman and that he doesn’t have a clear path to contributing without injury. That is rooted in the belief that third-round rookie Cooper Beebe is going to be battling with Brock Hoffman for starting center snaps, and that Tyler Guyton and Tyler Smith are the starting duo on the left side of the line. Bass showed promise in limited action in 2023 and he may be a revelation waiting to happen if given a true chance to compete.
WR/TE John Stephens, Jr.
Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver John Stephens Jr. (49) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Stephens wowed a lot of people in last year’s training camp before becoming one of three young players to suffer ACL tears. If his youth allows him to bounce back quickly, there’s certainly a path to playing time for the intriguing pass catcher. The assumption that last year’s second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker is locked into a key role shouldn’t be one, and Stephens could easily leapfrog Peyton Hendershot into a rotation role among the TE group.
LB DeMarvion Overshown
Jul 27, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (35) wears a Guardian helmet cap during training camp at Marriott Residence Inn-River Ridge Playing Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Another member of the unfortunate rookie ACL group, Overshown was looking like an absolute steal as a third rounder out of Texas last season. The converted (while in school) safety was flying all over the field and if his rehab is full, expect him to be the run-and-chase weakside linebacker of the future for Dallas.
