(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout training camp, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÏÂÔØÈë¿Ú 2024 preseason.)
As Training Camp 2024 rolls on in Oxnard, the once cloudy outlook on the Cowboys' roster is starting to become clear. The front office has made a notable investment to bolster the defensive depth as some key positions by signing free agents and attacking the trade market.
Dallas has added multiple names to the defense since the team began practices on the West Coast, hoping that a few of them will make the 53-man roster and a notable impact when the season arrives.
With that being said, it's nearly impossible for all each new addition to make the roster. Making the next few weeks of preseason work will be crucial to making some tough decisions. Here are the top five training camp acquisitions in terms of possible impact this season:
5. Kemon Hall -It may have looked like a longshot at the beginning of training camp, but Kemon Hall has steadily added good day after good day. All of which culminated during the second preseason game against the Raiders, where Hall secured a pick-six and two pressures. He was the highest graded defender in the game according to PFF (90.3), further showing that his versatility could have him sneak onto the roster for added defensive back depth.
4. Nick Vigil - It's a legitimate possibility that Nick Vigil makes the roster. In fact, he's made the transition to a new team quite easily and is starting to string together a solid camp. Part of his success is surely because of his familiarity in Mike Zimmer's system from their time together in 2021 with Minnesota. However, he's fighting for time in a heavy rotation at linebacker. One that has already been added to multiple times this offseason. He'll have to really separate himself in hopes of solidifying a roster spot.
3. Carl Lawson - The newest Cowboys' signee, Carl Lawson, is another challenger fighting for a roster spot. Unlike most of the other new additions, Lawson joined the team off the couch. Meaning there will be a considerable ramp-up period because he hasn't had the benefit of being in an opposing camp. He'll compete directly with Muhammad and fellow signee Shaka Toney for those edge rusher and special teams reps. However, Lawson has a more impressive recent track record than the rest of the bunch after tallying 7.0 sacks in 2022 with the Jets.
2. Andrew Booth - For the second straight season, Dallas made a cornerback swap involving two former top-100 picks. Last year it was Kelvin Joseph for Noah Igbinoghene, this year it was Nahshon Wright for Andrew Booth. Mostly used as an outside corner and special teamer with the Vikings, the former second round pick can settle into a backup cornerback role and earn an active spot on Sundays. The best thing for Booth right now, is show consistency and versatility. Two things the defensive back room is always looking for.
1. Jordan Phillips - If the fanbase was asked about which position needed the most help from outside the organization, defensive tackle would be high on the list. Dallas traded a sixth-round pick and received a seventh in return for Phillips earlier this week. Finally adding some veteran help in a much-needed spot. This was on display over 10 solid snaps against the Raiders, starting the game and playing the first two series mostly as a three-technique. He immediately has a shot to make the roster, and more importantly challenge Mazi Smith for snaps in the rotation.
