Following an offseason brimming with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, their strategy has shifted toward making calculated additions with the resources at hand. Currently, the Cowboys are centered on completing their 90-man roster in preparation for training camp set to commence in late July.
The team has already scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., eyeing another potential gem from an alternative league.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey has emerged as one of the standout performers in the United Football League (UFL). During its 10-game season, he led the league with a total of 78 tackles. Additionally, he excelled among UFL linebackers in several key metrics: tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two).
His outstanding performance earned him a coveted spot on the UFL's inaugural All-League team as one of the top three inside linebackers.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's climb to professional football has been anything but straightforward. The linebacker went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, but he was soon picked up by the Cleveland Browns. His time with the Browns was a series of oscillations between the practice squad and the active roster, during which he appeared in four NFL games.
Harvey's 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, he made an impact on special teams, recording two tackles in his brief NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have a history of unearthing talents from alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin excelled as a rookie, earning Pro Bowl honors. Their acquisition strategy paid off substantially.
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 with 35 successful attempts. 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). His remarkable performance 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 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's defensive lineup.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Coach Mike McCarthy has been clear about the team's commitment to continual improvement. "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 got plenty of really good players to practice and get ready. We were at 88 this time last year."
This dedication to refining the roster indicates that the Cowboys are poised to leverage every opportunity to strengthen their team, including the potential addition of Willie Harvey Jr.
All eyes will be on Harvey as he steps into his workout with the Cowboys, a pivotal moment that could mark the next chapter in his resilient journey through professional football.