Following an offseason that began with high expectations, the Dallas Cowboys have shifted their approach to making strategic additions within their available resources.
Currently, the Cowboys are focusing on finalizing their 90-man roster as they gear up for training camp in late July. One significant move in this direction is their scheduled workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey emerged as one of the standout performers in the United Football League (UFL). His statistical achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Harvey led the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season. He also led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). These impressive metrics 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 anything but smooth. The linebacker went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019 but was subsequently picked up by the Cleveland Browns. He oscillated between the Browns' practice squad and active roster, managing to appear in four NFL games. His last NFL appearance came during the 2021 season when he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite limited opportunities, Harvey managed to make his mark on special teams, recording two tackles in his four-game NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have shown a keen eye for identifying talent in alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin went on to earn Pro Bowl honors as a rookie. Last season, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey set the NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35). Additionally, he tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss and set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season. His remarkable season earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given this track record of success with players from alternative leagues, it would not be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. made a significant impact should the Cowboys decide to sign him. His UFL performance suggests that he has the potential to become a regular starter or at least provide valuable depth to the Cowboys' roster.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team’s commitment to improving the roster. "I think it's just kind of where we are," McCarthy said. "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. We were at 88 this time last year."
This commentary underscores the Cowboys' persistent efforts to identify and integrate new talent into their roster. Should Harvey manage to impress during his workout, he could very well become another success story for the Cowboys, further boosting their reputation for discovering and nurturing talent from alternative leagues.
With the offseason winding down and training camp on the horizon, the Cowboys’ roster moves will be keenly observed, not only by their fans but by the entire league. The addition of Willie Harvey Jr. could be a pivotal development, adding another layer of depth and competence to their already promising lineup.