Coming off an offseason filled with high hopes, the Dallas Cowboys have shifted their focus to strategic acquisitions within their available resources. As part of their preparations for training camp in late July, the Cowboys are determined to finalize their 90-man roster. One interesting development in this effort is a scheduled workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker, Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey has been a top performer in the United Football League (UFL), showcasing abilities that have caught the Cowboys' attention. The linebacker led the UFL with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season. Beyond tackles, Harvey led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). These standout statistics earned him one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's journey to professional football has been marked by perseverance. Despite being undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns. Harvey oscillated between the Browns' practice squad and active roster, appearing in four NFL games. His last NFL appearance was during the 2021 season when he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite limited opportunities, Harvey made an impact on special teams, recording two tackles in his four-game NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have a proven knack for identifying and harnessing talent from alternative leagues. For instance, in 2022, the Cowboys signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin’s impressive rookie season culminated in Pro Bowl honors. Another success story is kicker Brandon Aubrey, also plucked from the USFL. Aubrey made an immediate impact, setting the NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35) and finishing the season with the second-most successful field goals without a miss (35). Additionally, he set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99), earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given the Cowboys' track record of success with players from alternative leagues, it's plausible that Willie Harvey Jr. could make a significant impact if signed. His stellar UFL performance suggests that he has the potential to become a regular starter or provide valuable depth to the Cowboys' roster. His versatility on defense and special teams would be a welcome addition to a team looking to bolster its lineup in preparation for the upcoming season.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team's ongoing commitment to improving their roster. "I think it's just kind of where we are," McCarthy stated. "We're never done. I actually just met with (vice president of player personnel) Will (McClay) for quite some time this morning. We got plenty of really good players to practice and get ready." The coach's comments signal that the Cowboys are highly focused on ensuring they have the best possible lineup as they approach training camp. Last season, the team had 88 players at this point, so they're familiar with making late additions to secure the most competitive roster possible.
The Cowboys’ strategic approach to roster building, coupled with their history of successful signings from alternative leagues, lays a promising foundation for integrating new talent like Willie Harvey Jr. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how these additions shape the team’s configurations and their prospects for the upcoming season.