Three UDFA’s That Will Make The Cowboys Roster
In addition to NFL rookie minicamps and OTAs beginning in a matter of weeks, it only seemed right to talk about three undrafted free agents that potentially could make the Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster. We all know the Cowboys have a long great history of finding talent outside the draft. Such as Hall of Fame receiver Drew Pearson, former DB Everson Walls, QB turned CBS NFL Analyst Tony Romo and more were undrafted. This shows that being undrafted didn’t defy their talent but instead gave them the edge to succeed. Therefore, let’s break down three UDFAs that possibly have that edge to make the 53-man roster.
Alec Lindstrom, Center Boston College
Alec Lindstrom comes from a family of NFL linemen. His brother Chris Jr is a former fellow Boston College offensive lineman who went in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft to the Atlanta Falcons. His father Chris, uncles Dave, and Eric all played defensive lineman in the NFL. Coming from NFL lineage, Alec has the opportunity to make his mark in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys.
Lindstrom is the true definition of being a tough gritty offensive lineman. One of the first things you notice in his film is his ability to seal off blocks which helps open spaces for the running back. He also brings value as a pass blocker setting his block or making the right adjustments to get set. Lindstrom has a high IQ and awareness but he’s undersized at 295 lbs and brings only value at center. As a Cowboy, I think he would be a good depth piece behind current center Tyler Biadiaz.
Alec Lindstrom C from Boston College is a possible draft target for Miami. He’s great at latching on and running his man in wide zone and does a good job anchoring in pass pro. Plus, his OL coach last year Matt Applebaum is the Dolphins OL coach. He makes a lot of sense at 102. pic.twitter.com/ICHJy3xPTj — King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) April 23, 2022
Markquese Bell, Safety Florida A&M
Bell is the only player on the 2022 roster that comes from an HBCU. In an interview from the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Bell stated that;
“I know I am the only guy from an HBCU on this team, that is attached to me. I want to make people respect HBCU dudes and stop overlooking us and thinking we are lower ranked and lower competition.” https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article261348297.html
The Cowboys have a great history of finding talent at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). To name a few, Rayfield Wright (Fort Valley St.), Everson Walls (Grambling), Bullet Bob Hayes (Florida A&M), and a few more. Bell is in great company but it’s all up to him to make his mark and impression.
Bell is a long, rangy safety that makes his impact in the run support and has the ability to work through trash to pursue the ball carrier. His long stride helps him get sideline to sideline. His stiff hips limit him in coverage and his being a tall safety cause him to stand upright when backpedaling. Overall, his ability to be a thumper would bring value as a special teamer. Additionally, he would be a good depth piece behind safeties Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Donovan Wilson.
Undrafted Rookie hard hitting safety Markquese Bell from Florida A&M will make the Dallas Cowboys roster & have an impact!#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/O7eSkD7fvU — Kmess ✭ (@kmess22) May 1, 2022
Jonathan Garibay, Kicker Texas Tech
With the release of kicker Greg Zuerlein in late March. That left an opening for a new kicker and as of now, there’s only one kicker on the roster that has the opportunity to take that spot. That guy is 2022 UDFA Jonathan Garibay out of Texas Tech.
In his senior year at Texas Tech, Garibay became the most accurate kicker in college football. Kicking 15 for 16 on field-goal attempts, 49 for 50 on PATs in 12 games, and was a perfect 14 for 14 on each attempt within 50 yards. He set the NCAA record with his game-winning kick of 62-yards against Iowa State. All things considered, Garibay has shown he’s an accurate clutch kicker. If that clutchness and accuracy transition to the NFL, he will have a long career in the league and hopefully only for the Cowboys.
A WALK-OFF 62-YARD FG‼️ Texas Tech kicker Jonathan Garibay not only clinched a win for his team, but a bowl berth for the first time since 2017. 🎥 @SportsCenter pic.twitter.com/8dpAzYYMKp — The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 14, 2021
Which undrafted free agent will make the Cowboys roster? Comment below and join the discussion!
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