The 2016 NFL Draft is one of the most exciting times of the off-season as teams look to build their rosters and find players capable of impacting their future through all aspects of the game. However, another chapter opens up as soon as the draft concludes. Anybody who is not drafted, now has the opportunity to sign with the franchise of their choosing, should that franchise share the same desire. Undrafted Free Agency opens a new frenzy as teams look to find more prospects that can have an immediate impact.
The Dallas Cowboys have a track record of success that meets or exceeds that of other franchises. Starting Quarterback Tony Romo is one example, as he went undrafted out of Eastern Illinois. Dan Bailey, one of the most accurate kickers in league history, is another prime example of an impactful undrafted free agent.
It’s hard to gauge those prospects, if any, who will have an impact on a franchise and earn sufficient playing time. But the evaluations are treated the same and franchises should never overlook these additions. Let’s take a look at those who have signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
- Caleb Azubike, DE, Vanderbilt
- Jake Brendel, C, UCLA
- Chris Brown, WR, Notre Dame
- Rodney Coe, DT, Akron
- Arjen Colquhoun, CB, Michigan St.
- Ed Eagan, WR/KR, Northwestern St.
- David Hedelin, OT, Purdue
- Andy Jones, WR, Jacksonville St.
- Deon King, LB, Norfolk State
- Ryan Mack, OT, Memphis
- Jeremiah McKinnon, CB, Florida International
- Rolan Milligan, S, Toledo
- Jason Neill, DT, UT-San Antonio
- Boston Stiverson, OG, Kansas State
A lot of these prospects won’t be at the forefront of fan’s minds, which is very representative of their status of an Undrafted free agent. However, there are some pretty intriguing names on this list that Cowboy’s fans should become familiar with.
The first intriguing name on this list is Ed Eagan. While his size is nothing to get excited about (5-11, 192) is a standout kick returner. He’s been clocked as having a 4.3 second 40-yard-dash, demonstrating elite speed as both a returner and receiver. He is Northwestern State’s all-time leader in career receptions (177), receiving yards (2,228), all-purpose yards (5,561), and kickoff return yards (2,922). He was also on the North squad at the Senior Bowl and being coached by the Cowboys gave him extra exposure to their system. It’s unlikely he’s a starting caliber receiver, but his ability as a kick-returner will most likely push him into contention with Lucky Whitehead.
Other intriguing receivers include Chris Brown, who started at Notre Dame across from Will Fuller, and finished 2015 with 597 yards and four touchdowns. Andy Jones, wide receiver out of Jacksonville State, is a high-flying receiver with a 41.5-inch vertical jump. Both players could push themselves to the practice squad.
On defense, the Cowboys managed to sign Deon King, linebacker from Norfolk State who also led the nation in tackles in 2016 with 163. Akron defensive tackle Rodney Coe was one of 29 players invited for a pre-draft visit to Valley Ranch, showing the Cowboys had interest in his ability.
All-in-all, there are some intriguing names for the Dallas Cowboys to work with and a few names that could find themselves on the practice squad or even the final 53-man roster.