The Dallas Cowboys finished the preseason 2-1 and are set to cut their roster down to 53 players on Tuesday.
While the final cuts are always the toughest, a few Cowboy players stood out this preseason and should have solidified themselves a spot on the roster.
In the past Dallas has kept a few undrafted free agents on their 53, with some even making noise in the regular season.
This group of players has the chance to do something similar to that this season.
Here are three Cowboys that won themselves a roster spot in the preseason.
KaVontae Turpin
Dallas made an interesting move in the preseason to bring in USFL MVP, KaVontae Turpin.
Turpin has done nothing but impress this preseason.
He took over the league in week 2 when he returned both a kickoff and punt for a touchdown.
KaVontae Turpin does it again!
He now has a kick and punt return for a TD 😱 @KaVontaeTurpin
📺: #DALvsLAC on @NFLNetwork (check local listings)
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/mnJpjKDBN0 pic.twitter.com/wLs6qw3f1P— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2022
When he was at TCU, Turpin returned six kicks for touchdowns.
He will be looking to have similar success down the road in Dallas.
Now, he is looking at solidifying a role in the Cowboys’ passing attack.
Turpin has elite speed, and that can be utilized from the slot.
He should also have the opportunity to get jet sweeps, and bubble screens.
Both of these will allow him to get the ball in the open field.
Turpin was on the bubble entering training camp/preseason but not anymore.
He will be the main return guy for the Cowboys and hopefully have some success on offense.
Israel Mukuamu
The Cowboys selected Israel Mukuamu with their sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
After having no impact on his first year with the team, he came into this off-season ready to show what he can do.
This preseason, Mukuamu has recorded two interceptions and five tackles in three games.
The 22-year-old has shown the ability to cover and tackle throughout the preseason.
The Cowboys currently have a plethora of safeties including Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Donovan Wilson.
While Mukuamu might not play over those guys he has shown the capability of being a quality backup.
Also, the South Carolina product played four games during his rookie season which he spent mostly on special teams.
Dallas has never invested big in safeties, so to see Mukuamu make the team and contribute will not be a surprise.
He needed a big training camp to solidify his spot and he did just that.
Peyton Hendershot
I am not sure many Cowboys fans saw this one coming.
Dallas signed undrafted free-agent Peyton Hendershot after this past draft and he has done nothing but impress since being on the team.
Hendershot played his college career at Indiana, where he caught 46 passes for 543 yards and four touchdowns.
For a UDFA to make the Cowboys roster at tight end is very impressive.
Dallas already has Dalton Schultz, fourth-round pick Jake Ferguson, and Sean McKeon.
Hendershot’s preseason stats include six receptions for 52 yards and one touchdown.
Cowboys rookie TE Peyton Hendershot pic.twitter.com/Ba8W4PFGSq
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 27, 2022
He looked very strong after the catch as well.
The Cowboys have to put Hendershot on the roster because if they do not someone else will scoop him up.
The 23-year-old fits the mold of most Cowboys tight ends before him.
Dallas loves sure-handed tight ends that are also not afraid to stick their nose in and block.
Hendershot should be the next name on the list of UDFAs to make the final 53.
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