Following an offseason that began with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, their approach has shifted to making strategic additions with the resources available. The Cowboys are now focusing on finalizing their 90-man roster as they gear up for training camp in late July.
The team has scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., a name that has garnered attention due to his impressive performance in the United Football League (UFL).
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey emerged as one of the standout performers in the UFL, leading the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season. His dynamic play did not stop there; he led all UFL linebackers in several key defensive metrics, including tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). His stellar performance 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 picked up by the Cleveland Browns. Over his tenure with the Browns, he oscillated between the practice squad and the active roster, ultimately 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. His persistent effort and adaptability illustrate his determination and readiness to seize new opportunities, such as the one presented by the Cowboys.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have a history of successfully identifying and integrating talent from alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who had earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin's impact was immediate, earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie. In the same vein, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL last season.
Aubrey's performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. He set the NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35), 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). His accolades include 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 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, at the very least, provide valuable depth to the roster. Harvey's stats not only signify his individual prowess but also hint at his ability to adapt to higher levels of competition.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team’s commitment to improving the roster. In a recent statement, McCarthy shared, "I think it's just kind of where we are. 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 statement underscores the Cowboys' proactive approach to roster management, reflecting their keen eye for finding and nurturing talent from various leagues and backgrounds. The inclusion of Willie Harvey Jr. in the upcoming workout sessions is a testament to this philosophy.
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming training camp, all eyes will be on how these new additions, including potentially Harvey, mesh with the existing roster. If Harvey's past performances are any indicator, his addition could be another masterstroke for the Dallas front office and coaching staff. The team's strategy of seeking out and successfully integrating players from alternative leagues has already yielded remarkable dividends, and there is every reason to believe that this trend will continue.