of it is that the arena game is simply not big enough for Armstrong.
The 50-yard field just doesn't allow him to use his speed. And that's what Armstrong could bring immediately to the Cowboys - flat-out speed. Armstrong can run past any defender in the arena league, and that's with or without, the running head-start that is allowed in this league.
Look at the Cowboys' current roster. When you get to the final positions at wide receiver, there is Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback, Mike Jefferson and then a few rookie free agents, where Mark Bradford might be heading that list. But with the possible exception of Austin, Armstrong is probably faster than all of them.
The most impressive part of this kid is not just speed, but his toughness for a smaller guy. Not only can he run, but he'll take huge licks and not only pop right up, but with the ball in his hands.
He's surprised the Desperados coaching staff this year with his consistency, which is one reason he's been a big factor in the offense. Armstrong ranks third on the team with 66 catches for 863 yards, but has a team-high 13.1 yard average per catch, which is rather impressive for a 50-yard field.
If that's not enough, he has some ties to the Cowboys coaching staff. Offensive assistant and quality control coach Wes Phillips, the son of head coach Wade Phillips, actually coached Armstrong at West Texas A&M three seasons ago.
David Dixon, LB- Here's a guy who has a hard time just getting on the field in the arena league, but would have a better shot to play in the NFL. With the 20-man rosters on game day, it's hard to have just specialty players active, which is why Dixon has played in only five games.
But he makes a huge difference on special teams, which is where he would play right away on any NFL squad. Dixon is listed as a linebacker at 6-1, 240 pounds. Maybe it's me, but 240 is a bit generous. He looks more like the 225 and he certainly runs like it. The guy can fly for a man his size and he's fearless. Fast, strong and fearless . . . that equals special teams to me.
Since the Desperados started using him to cover kicks, he made an immediate difference. He's usually the first one down to make the play, or at least force the returner into another direction.
The Desperados have used Dixon on defense as a situational linebacker, and even inserted him into the goal-line packages on offense, where he scored a rushing touchdown earlier this season.
While it's tough to find a spot for him in the arena game, he'd have a place on special teams in the NFL without a doubt. With 53-man rosters, you can afford a spot or two if you've got a special teams ace. The Cowboys just lost theirs in Keith Davis and even Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones were key special teams players as well.
Terrance Dotsy, OL- He plays offensive line for the Desperados, but is officially called a tight end. Dotsy has even played some center on occasion.
In the NFL, it's not a given that Dotsy would play, but he's got enough athleticism for a 6-3, 300-pounder that he should get the chance.
The Cowboys actually worked him out briefly last summer, but didn't give him a call for training camp.
It's likely that Dotsy would play either guard or center in the NFL, obviously depending on the team and its blocking scheme. But he might be able to play tight end, especially in goal-line situations. Now, Dotsy wouldn't be running down the field or anything, but as a third tight end to come in and serve as another blocker with an occasional threat to catch a pass, he could do it. He's got exceptional hands for a lineman, fifth on the team with 10 catches for 83 yards this year.
The Cowboys don't exactly have much depth at center or guard. That could be a spot to add a player or two before training camp.
Bobby Perry, OLB- The Desperados officially list Perry as a "Jack" linebacker, but he's a true defensive back. In fact, he plays a handful of snaps every game in the secondary.
Perry is a ball-hawking defender, who like Armstrong, could probably benefit from more room to run. The Cowboys had their eye on him two years ago at safety,
