Following an offseason that began with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, their strategy has now shifted towards making strategic additions within their available resources.
With training camp slated for late July, the Cowboys are focusing on finalizing their 90-man roster. As part of this effort, the team has scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey has emerged as one of the standout performers in the United Football League (UFL). He led the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season. Additionally, he topped all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). These stellar statistics earned Harvey one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's path 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, appearing 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 a track record of discovering talent in alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who had 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 an NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35). He also tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35) and set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99). This impressive performance earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Willie Harvey Jr.
Given this track record of success with players from alternative leagues, it wouldn't 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 provide valuable depth to the team.
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 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. We were at 88 this time last year."
The addition of Willie Harvey Jr. could well be another chapter in the Cowboys' ongoing quest to optimize their roster through savvy acquisitions. As the team gears up for the training camp in late July, all eyes will be on these hopefuls, eager to prove they have what it takes to contribute to the Cowboys' ambitious plans.