Following an offseason that began with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, the team's approach has pivoted towards making strategic additions with the resources at their disposal. The Cowboys are now concentrated on finalizing their 90-man roster as they gear up for training camp in late July.
The latest move in their roster-building efforts is a 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). He led the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season, an impressive feat that showcases his defensive prowess. Additionally, Harvey topped all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two).
These achievements earned him one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable defensive talent.
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 soon picked up by the Cleveland Browns. Over the next couple of seasons, 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 shown a knack for finding talent in alternative leagues, and Harvey's consideration is not an isolated incident. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who had earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin quickly proved his worth by earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie.
Similarly, last season, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey set multiple NFL records, including the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35) and the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35). His impressive performance earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
Aubrey also set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99), further showcasing the Cowboys' adeptness at identifying and nurturing talent from alternative leagues.
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 team's linebacker corps.
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 remarked. "We're never done. I actually just met with (vice president of player personnel) Will (McClay) for quite some time this morning. We've got plenty of really good players to practice and get ready." He pointed out that the team was at 88 roster spots at this time last year, highlighting the methodical but persistent approach they are taking.
As the Cowboys continue to fine-tune their roster ahead of training camp, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how the inclusion of promising talents like Willie Harvey Jr. might shape their prospects for the upcoming season. Given the Cowboys' proven ability to unearth gems in alternative leagues, there’s reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.