DallasCowboys.com Senior Writer
(Editor’s Note: As part of the preparation for training camp, this series will introduce 25 key players who are new to the Cowboys’ roster, rookies and veterans alike. The series continues today with rookie defensive end Markaviest Bryant.)
How He Got Here: The Cowboys signed Bryant in May as a rookie free agent after the draft. Bryant (6-4, 254) had a productive college career in two spots: first a four-year stay at Auburn, where he was a captain and second-team All-SEC selection in 2020, then at Central Florida, where he transferred for his extra season of eligibility as a graduate senior. Bryant made first-team All-AAC with the Knights after posting six sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2021. Clearly, it was a smooth transition to a new program with UCF head coach Gus Malzahn, who also made the move from Auburn.
What’s Next: Defensive line arguably has the most competition of any position on the Cowboys’ roster. At edge rusher specifically, the club will replace free agent departure Randy Gregory with a talented group of young and veteran players alongside veteran leader DeMarcus Lawrence: free agent signing Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Tarell Basham, 2021 third-round draft pick Chauncey Golston and 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams. It looks like an uphill climb for Bryant, but he played well in the nation’s best conference and has a skill set that can translate to the NFL, even if it doesn’t lead to a roster spot right away.
Bet You Didn’t Know: Bryant shares a nickname with his new position coach, Cowboys assistant defensive line coach Leon Lett. From 1991-2000, Lett – known as “Big Cat” – made two Pro Bowls as a starter on the Cowboys’ dominant, underrated defensive line that was a key factor in the club’s three Super Bowl titles that decade. Cowboys legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Rayfield Wright also had the nickname “Big Cat.”
The Cowboys have a history of finding undrafted players and turning them into starters, if not superstars. After his stellar offseason, could safety Markquese Bell be the next player on that list?
Rookie defensive end Mika Tafua led the Pac-12 in sacks last year on his way to joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He’ll push for a roster spot in training camp.
The Cowboys have some potential issues at linebacker in terms of depth. While they might be top-heavy with Micah Parsons leading the way, the Cowboys could need rookies such as Storey Jackson to emerge quickly.
A high school superstar in Florida, who then starred for the Florida Gators and is now a running back for the Cowboys? Sure, it worked for Emmitt Smith but now Malik Davis finds himself on the same path.
From day one, football has always been part of Jake Ferguson’s life. Now he has a chance to live out his dream with the Cowboys — and possibly earn playing time right away.
Because of a plethora of injuries at receiver this offseason, rookies such as Ty Fryfogle were able to get plenty of reps this summer. But will that continue next month at training camp?
Rookie running back Aaron Shampklin got some extra offseason practice reps heading into a camp competition for a backup spot behind Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
With a name like Houston, who grew up in San Antonio, it’s only fitting at that Dennis Houston tries to land an NFL job in Dallas, showcasing his talents at wide receiver.
It’s no coincidence that John Ridgeway is the second defensive tackle drafted by the Cowboys since 2021 who weighs at least 320 pounds. Here’s a closer look at his potential role.
Jalen Tolbert is back from a minor hamstring injury and set to work through Cowboys’ minicamp. How high are the expectations for his rookie season?
After a strong ‘super senior’ season at Texas A&M, could Aaron Hansford be the next undrafted rookie linebacker to push for a roster spot in training camp?
©2021 Dallas Cowboys. All rights reserved. Do not duplicate in any form without permission of the Dallas Cowboys.
