(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout the year, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÏÂÔØÈë¿Ú 2024 season.)
Up to this point in the season, Dallas has garnered plenty of tape on players that will likely make an impact in the future. Players like CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Micah Parsons, and plenty others have all played significant snaps throughout the season as Dallas fought to turn their record around. However, as the season ends this week, it provides one last opportunity to evaluate the depth of your football team.
There are players with expiring contracts, individuals the team has invested draft picks in, and others who are unsure of their overall future that could all see more playing time against the Commanders on Sunday. A crucial date on the calendar for many players on the roster as their final chance to add to the resume before the offseason.
The next time Dallas will have an evaluation opportunity like this, it'll be the first preseason game of 2025. Meaning that this game holds weight for both the players, and the team that currently employs them. Let's rank the top five players that Dallas could give a couple extra snaps to during the regular season finale.
5) Nick Vigil - Linebacker
From the outside looking in, there may be a little skepticism on evaluating a 31-year-old linebacker. However, with the injuries and upended rotation at linebacker, Vigil has needed to step up in a big way, both on special teams and on defense. All highlighted by the 10-tackle performance he tallied in the win against Tampa Bay. Whether it's from a defensive depth standpoint or as a special teams ace, the front office will need to decide whether bringing back the veteran linebacker is worth it in the long run.
4) Deuce Vaughn – Running Back
It doesn't take an expert to see the lack of production from Deuce Vaughn over his first two seasons in Dallas. The undersized tailback has only tallied 11 carries this season for 33 yards and has not recorded a carry since Week 11 against Houston. What better time to provide carries to an unknown weapon on the roster? Vaughn has not seen more than four attempts in a game since Week 4 of last season. It's time to see what he has against starters at the NFL level, because this week will mark two years of Vaughn taking up a roster spot with a non-existent role.
3) Carl Lawson – Edge Rusher
Rushing the passer was tough at times for the Cowboys defense, due to the extensive injuries at the edge rusher spot. DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland, and Micah Parsons have all missed some significant time from the position, allowing depth players like Carl Lawson to shine. Lawson enters the final weekend of the season with 5.0 sacks and 25 pressures. Both numbers that are extremely impressive given his rotation and 273 pass rushing snaps. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, meaning Dallas has the chance to bring him back on an extended deal. A move that could possibly bolster the edge depth for years to come.
2) Jonathan Mingo – Wide Receiver
Every pick in the NFL draft holds value. So, when the Cowboys decided to trade a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers prior to the NFL trade deadline, that means they value Jonathan Mingo's potential. The former second-round pick has seen some game action with the Cowboys, appearing in seven games and receiving 14 total targets. However, the production has been minimal. Whether it's been due to poor throws or good coverage, Mingo has only accumulated three receptions for 22 yards off those 14 targets. Without CeeDee Lamb in the receiver rotation this week, it would be a prime opportunity to showcase Mingo in the offense, and finally get a true look at what he can bring to Dallas.
1) Trey Lance - Quarterback
Definitely not a shocker that Trey Lance tops this list. Lance has seen just seven pass attempts and very minimal action of regular season action as the third-string quarterback. Outside of the preseason, his action has been limited to the inactive list or sporadic mop-up duty behind center. It doesn't get close to matching the price paid for his services in the first place and has the looks of a complete waste of a fourth-round pick. One way that could avoid total waste, is by bringing him back as the backup of the future. But to do that, this front office would have to be confident in what he's showcased to this point. At least until now, his preseason tape is all they'll have to go by to make that decision.
