FRISCO, Texas – Now that the NFL Draft has ended, the Cowboys are expected to sign a group of undrafted rookies to their 90-man offseason roster.
Though not official, 14 undrafted free agents have announced via social media that they plan to sign with the Cowboys in time for next weekend's rookie minicamp. Here's a closer look at two more:
DE Lewis Neal, LSU (6-0, 274)
Really built more like a defensive tackle than defensive end. Doesn't have the ideal length that you see from traditional ends. Very strong to hold the point of attack. Hard guy to move when he wants to anchor down. Real physical toughness. Does a really nice job of using his hands to control the blocker. Technique player. Will extend by firing his hands inside before the blocker has a chance to get his there. Outstanding football intelligence. It's rare that you see him out of position or fooled on a play. Can find the ball. Doesn't get in one-on-one battles with the blockers and lose the ball. Really has some pop in his hands. Plays with initial quickness off the snap. Shows short-area foot quickness with the ability to redirect. Good reactions. Will chase the ball but doesn't have the lateral speed to really finish the play. Effort to get there is good just lacks that one or two extra steps to make a difference. Plays with body control and balance. Don't see him get knocked to the ground. Doesn't have much body bend due to the fact that he's already low to the ground. Motor/effort/ pursuit are all there. Best pass rush move is the quick arm over. Has started 24 games for LSU the previous two seasons so durability is not a question. Will likely line up as a three-technique for the Cowboys in training camp.
LB Lucas Wacha, Wyoming (6-1, 225)
Super active. Reactions and quickness are his best traits. Can close on the ball when he's in the open field. Really covers some ground with his quickness. Will beat blocker to the point. Playing speed is better than his timed speed (4.58). Is a fast-flow linebacker. There are snaps where his aggressiveness gets him in trouble. Over ran a screen against BYU that ended up as a huge gain. Needs to work on taking better angles when that's the case. Outstanding lateral quickness. Is able to change directions quickly. Doesn't play with much upper/lower body strength. Needs to be on the move to really have a chance. Not going to take on and survive. Doesn't anchor down well at the point. Size really limits him here. When he's in position to tackle he can usually finish. There are snaps where he will bounce off, but for the most part can get his guy to the ground. Not a strong blitzer. Doesn't make much happen. Gets caught up on blocks. Does a nice job in coverage. Quick to drop to his area and then react. Communication with teammates is good. Always making adjustments pre-snap. Awareness is good.
