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 Mika Tafua.)
How He Got Here: The Cowboys signed Tafua in May as an undrafted free agent out of Utah. Tafua (6-3, 250) didn’t hear his name called on draft weekend, but it wasn’t for lack of success in college. The three-time All-Pac-12 selection led the conference in sacks (9.5) last year as the Morris Trophy recipient, and he put up these numbers in 44 games over four seasons: 133 tackles, 32 tackles for loss (at the time, the second-highest career total among all active Pac-12 defensive linemen), 17.5 sacks, 10 pressures, nine pass breakups, five fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.
What’s Next: There’s a ton of competition for a roster spot, much less a rotation spot, at defensive end. The depth chart starts with two-time Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence and includes free agent signing Dante Fowler Jr., Dorance Armstrong, Tarell Basham, 2021 third-round draft pick Chauncey Golston and 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams. Former Cowboys pass rusher Bradlee Anae – also a Utah alumnus – faced the same challenge a couple years ago. Like Anae, Tafua isn’t the biggest or strongest pass rusher, but it’s hard to argue with his approach or production. He’ll have a chance to stick around on the practice squad if not the 53-man roster.
Bet You Didn’t Know: The Utah program continues to develop terrific defensive linemen. Tafua became the fourth Utah defensive lineman selected by an NFL team in the past three drafts, along with Anae, Leki Fotu and John Penisini.
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?
After a productive college career at two winning programs, Markaviest Bryant will look to crack the Cowboys’ D-Line rotation as an undrafted rookie
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.
