Following an offseason that started with high expectations, the Dallas Cowboys have shifted their approach to making strategic additions within their available resources. As the team gears up for training camp in late July, they are working diligently to finalize their 90-man roster.
In line with this effort, the Cowboys have scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., a player who has recently made headlines with his standout performance in the United Football League (UFL).
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey emerged as one of the premier talents in the UFL. Throughout the 10-game season, he led the league with 78 total tackles. Adding to his impressive stats, he led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). These accomplishments earned him one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team.
A Journey of Persistence
Willie Harvey Jr.'s path to professional football has been anything but smooth. Undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, Harvey was picked up by the Cleveland Browns. During his time with the Browns, he oscillated between the practice squad and active roster, appearing in four NFL games. His last NFL appearance came during the 2021 season, where he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the limited opportunities, Harvey managed to make his mark on special teams, recording two tackles in his four-game NFL career.
Dallas's History with Talent from Alternative Leagues
The Cowboys have demonstrated a keen eye for 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, highlighting the success of the Cowboys' scouting strategy.
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). Additionally, he 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 extraordinary performance earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Willie Harvey Jr.
Given the Cowboys' track record of success with players from alternative leagues, it would not be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. made a significant impact should the team decide to sign him. His performance in the UFL suggests he has the potential to become a regular starter or provide valuable depth to the Cowboys' 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 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 Dallas Cowboys appear to be methodically approaching their roster development this offseason, making calculated decisions that reflect their strategic vision. With the potential addition of Willie Harvey Jr., the team continues its tradition of uncovering and developing talent from alternative sources. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how these new and existing players come together to potentially exceed expectations for the 2023 season.