4 undrafted free agents that could make the Cowboys roster
The Dallas Cowboys will return to Oxnard, CA, at the end of next month. Yearly, the Cowboys unearth a gem in the undrafted free agent market following the NFL draft, and the diamond in the rough leaves an impression on the fans and coaches throughout the summer. Examples over the years have included Cole Beasley, Tony Romo, Terence Steele, and most recently, Juanyeh Thomas and Markquese Bell. This year’s group of undrafted free agents have a few candidates who could separate themselves from the pack and play their way onto this year’s team. Here are three undrafted free agents that could make the team.
Byron Vaughns, DL, Baylor:
Byron Vaughns could land on the roster as the Cowboys prepare for the future beyond this season as DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston are in the final year of their contract. Vaughns is a work in progress but has a solid foundation to start with. He had 27.5 sacks in college over his career at Texas, Utah State, and Baylor. He looks much bigger than his 6’4, 230 lb. frame with a massive 84-inch wingspan.
Despite being an undrafted rookie, Vaughns boasts an expansive repertoire as a pass rusher with a variety of moves that show wisdom beyond his years. Vaughns could sneak his way on the roster by finding a way to play special teams before moving on to regular defense down the line. He could make a name for himself at training camp practices in one-on-one situations and get extensive snaps during the preseason.
Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota:
Brevyn Spann-Ford is a punishing run blocker that looks like a mobile offensive lineman on film. The Minnesota Golden Gopher has just enough athletic upside to intrigue the coaches with having higher potential than merely a blocking tight end. The Cowboys suddenly find themselves with a surplus of tight ends. Jake Ferguson is far and away at the head of the class following his breakout season last year. Peyton Hendershot enters his third year after making the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Hendershot has had a chance to lock down the number two spot behind Jake Ferguson, but injuries have held him back.
Last year’s second-round pick, Luke Schoonmaker, isn’t going anywhere and will get more chances to prove himself. Converted receiver prospect John Stephens is returning from an ACL tear but has a high ceiling as a receiver among the tight ends. Everything may boil down to a decision on Hendershot and whether he can edge Spann-Ford for the third tight end spot. Spann-Ford has the advantage of his blocking ability being superior to Hendershot, and the Cowboys need a tight end to block after they didn’t retained veteran Sean McKeon.
Emany Johnson, S, Nevada:
Emany Johnson is a late bloomer and an older prospect, having stayed in school for six years. However, he exploded for the Wolfpack defense in his final year of college, recording 99 tackles and three interceptions. Johnson is better suited to play downhill in run support rather than coverage. Dallas must replace that role since Jayron Kearse is a free agent.
Julius Wood, S, East Carolina:
Julius Wood can play the deep third of the defense as a center fielder and has a reputation for being a punishing hitter when defending the pass. Wood would play a similar role to Malik Hooker but more of a long-term project than an immediate contributor. Wood’s path to a roster spot would have to be identical to Juanyeh Thomas’s, making the most of the practices at training camp, making plays on the football, and making enough splash plays in the preseason to warrant a spot on the roster.