Summer Sleeper: Dallas Cowboys
With less than a month before all training camps have opened around the NFL, we begin our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.
These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.
We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.
While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.
Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!
Much like the Patriots, Ravens and Packers, the Cowboys are one of those teams that seem to have the media hype and high expectations every year. Unlike the other teams on that list, the Cowboys very rarely actually live up to that hype. They have only made a playoff appearance once in the last six years and many would be surprised to find that they have only one playoff win to their credit since the 1996 playoffs – that is a major disappointment given how high profile they are and the talent that they have had on their roster over the last 15-20 years.
With a rich new contract extension, Tony Romo seems intent on changing the recent history of the Cowboys. His most important weapon is the dynamic Dez Bryant whom finally made the believers happy last season with his first top five wide receiver finish in most scoring formats. Second in line is the ever reliable Jason Witten. Some feel that his age is a concern, but given that Witten hasn’t ever relied on his speed and agility I have very little concerns about him falling off over the next few years. The Cowboys don’t seem to either given that they just extended his deal. After those two, that passing game is a little bit wide open with a declining and often injured Miles Austin third on the list and rookie Terrance Williams one of the favorites for a long term spot. We’ve all seen over the years that the Cowboys can support multiple fantasy receivers.
The running game features the talented, but injury plagued DeMarco Murray. With more games missed due to injury (nine) in his two seasons than he has touchdowns (six) or 100 yard games (four), it is safe to wonder if he is really the long term answer. Joseph Randle was drafted this year to beef up the backfield, but he is a bit too much like Murray for my liking right down to the injury issues. That means that the Cowboys might still be searching for the long term answer in their backfield next season.
With all of that said, let’s take a look at a few players that might surprise this year on the Cowboys’ roster.
Lance Dunbar, RB DAL
As I mentioned earlier, the Cowboys have had issues keeping their lead back on the field. Randle had the same issue in college and already missed all of OTAs and minicamp with a thumb injury. I think there is a pretty decent chance that someone else could step up and end up being the starting running back for the Cowboys at some point this year other than Murray or Randle. My guess is that it could be Dunbar.
Dunbar will be entering his second year in the NFL. In college he was a three year starter for the North Texas Mean Green and consistently dominated even though his team only won a total of ten games during his three years as a starter. In all three seasons as the starter Dunbar showed three down talent by posting over 1,400 total yards and at least 12 touchdowns. He never had fewer than 28 receptions in a season while starting and his career average was 5.4 yards per carry with a pretty bad team surrounding him.
Dunbar definitely flew under the radar as he wasn’t invited to the combine and wasn’t drafted out of college. He has a decent build at about 5’9” and a little over 200 pounds. He does possess speed as evidenced by his 4.47 second time in the 40 yard dash and he showed nice hands and decent pass protection. Reports are coming out he has had a very nice offseason so far and was impressing in OTAs. If Murray and Randle can’t kick the injury bug we could see a whole lot of Lance Dunbar and he has the skills to impress.
Dwayne Harris, WR DAL
The third year receiver out of East Carolina hasn’t done a whole lot since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. He spent the majority of his rookie season on the practice squad, only making the active roster late in the year as a return man. He spent most of his second season working as a return man again, but did manage to haul in 17 passes for 222 yards and a score as well. This year will be his chance, though.
He is a bit undersized at only 5’10”, but he has nice bulk at nearly 210 pounds which makes him nearly the perfect build for a slot receiver. He is quicker than he is fast, but he does possess decent speed. He has reportedly made great strides in his route running and has shown pretty good hands to haul in passes. Another plus is he is a very capable and willing blocker. He should be able to start in the slot as soon as this year and help work the middle of the field where Witten will draw most of the coverage.
Long term, Harris could remain in the slot. Austin is deteriorating in my opinion and the Cowboys could decide to get out from under his massive contract as soon as the 2014 season. This is assuming that Williams is progressing and can line up opposite Bryant – this would leave Harris to man the slot which in the past has shown to be a spot that can produce fantasy WR3s with how much Romo likes to throw the ball.
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round Three - April 28, 2021
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round Two - April 26, 2021
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round One - April 25, 2021
