FRISCO, TEXAS — The Dallas Cowboys got to work filling additional depth needs following the draft with undrafted free agents. Here is a list of the UDFA scramble:
South Carolina RB Rico Dowdle: Dowdle was a four-year starter at South Carolina. He battled injuries every season throughout his college career that is a cause for concern along with his number of fumbles. Despite both, he was productive at times finishing 14th overall in program history in rushing yards. Dowdle finished his college career with 428 carries for 2, 167 rushing yards, and 16 touchdowns.
TCU RB Sewo Olonilua: Olonilua was a part-time starter at TCU that struggled with consistency. Runs with purpose at times and was the 2018 Bowl Game MVP leading the team in rushing. He has a prior defensive experience playing safety and could find his way on the roster for special teams coverage.
Mississippi State WR Stephen Guidry: After two seasons at the juco level, Guidry committed to LSU and South Carolina, before switching to Mississippi State. He lined up as the X receiver but had dips in production. He led the team in receiving yards in 2018 and receiving touchdowns in 2019.
Texas A&M WR Kendrick Rogers: Rogers was a part-time starter at A&M, lining up as an outside receiver. He made some incredible contested catches at points in his career but then had games where he did not show up. He only had two games in his career with 60-plus receiving yards.
Rhode Island WR Aaron Parker- He started out as a linebacker but moved to receiver during fall camp. Parker led the team in receiving yards his final three seasons. Concluded his career at URI number two in school history in career catches (216) and receiving yards (3,460).
Michigan TE Sean McKeon: McKeon was a three-year starting tight end at Michigan. Praised by coaches for being a disciplined blocker and reliable teammate but needs more time to develop his body and enhance skills for the pro level. Finished his collegiate career with 60 receptions for 668 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Portland State TE Charlie Taumoepeau: Taumoepeau was a three-year starter at Portland State as an H-Back. He moved the chains with ball security and aggressiveness after the catch but is described by scouts as a “predictable route runner.” In 2019, he was named a team captain and First-Team All-Big Sky.
Texas Tech OT Terence Steele: Steele was a four-year starter at Texas Tech, lining up primarily at right tackle but also saw action at left tackle and inside at guard. Has position flexibility and was named a team captain in 2018 and 2019, as well as Honorable Mention All-Big 12. Steele has great experience and did a good job picking up blitzes, but his overall mechanics need refinement for the NFL.
UAB DT Garrett Marino: Marino originally signed with Arizona State but did not qualify with grades. He then enrolled at Montana State but the stint lasted a few months after Marino and coaches agreed to mutually part ways. UAB then reached out to him to help out their program. He set out the first two seasons in 2015 and 2016 before playing the final three seasons of his collegiate career for UAB. Marino was named Honorable Mention All-CUSA in 2017 and 2018, as well as First Team All-CUSA in 2019. Scouts project him to be a backup 4-3-nose tackle.
Utah LB Francis Bernard: Bernard committed to BYU but before joining, he served a two-year mission for the Church of Latter Day Saints. In 2015 as a freshman, Bernard played the running back position before being switched to linebacker in the spring of 2016. He was suspended at the conclusion of the 2016 season and he opted to leave the program. He set out the 2017 season and was picked up by Utah in 2018 for the final two years of eligibility. He was Utah’s starting middle linebacker in 2019 and rarely came off the field calling the defensive plays. He is a solid run defender but needs to cut down on missed tackles according to scouts.
UNT Edge Ladarius Hamilton: Hamilton was the starting defensive end in UNT’s three-man front. His career-high 7.5 sacks in 2018 as a junior earned him First Team All-CUSA and in 2018 he led the team with 8.5 sacks resulting in being named Honorable Mention All-CUSA and a team captain. According to scouts, “He doesn’t surprise blockers with quickness or counters.”
Kansas Edge Azur Kamara: Kamara played at the juco level for two years prior to transferring to Kansas. He played the edge linebacker role in the Kansas 3-4 scheme and accumulated 4.5 sacks the last two seasons. Needs more experience to play at the pro level but shows potential.
James Madison Edge Ron’Dell Carter: After two years at Rutgers, Carter transferred to James Madison after a coaching change. He improved each game and his production skyrocketed his senior year with 12 sacks, resulting in many accolades including Consensus first team All-American, CAA defensive player of the year, and first team All-CAA. Carter rushes with purpose and has the capability to land on a roster.
Illinois State S Luther Kirk: Kirk joined Illinois State but spent the first two seasons as a reserve. He returned in 2018 and became the team’s defensive MVP in 2018 and 2019 and a team captain. He led the conference as a junior in interceptions with five. He lacks consistency but competes in the backfield for the football.
