Following an offseason filled with high expectations, the Dallas Cowboys have shifted their focus to making strategic additions with the resources available. The team is now intent on finalizing their 90-man roster as they gear up for training camp in late July.
One of the notable moves on their radar is a workout scheduled with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
In the United Football League (UFL), Harvey emerged as one of the standout performers. Leading the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season, Harvey also topped the charts for UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two).
This outstanding performance earned him one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team, making him a hot prospect for teams like the Cowboys who are seeking to bolster their roster.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's journey to professional football has been anything but linear. Despite going undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, he was picked up by the Cleveland Browns. His time with the Browns saw him oscillating between the practice squad and the active roster, appearing in four NFL games.
His last NFL appearance was during the 2021 season when he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although opportunities were limited, Harvey managed to make his mark on special teams, recording two tackles in his brief NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have an impressive track record of identifying and capitalizing on talent from alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a receiver and return specialist 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 various records, such as the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35), and he tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (also 35). Additionally, he set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99), earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given the Cowboys' proven success with players from alternative leagues, it wouldn’t be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. made a significant impact should the team decide to sign him. His stellar UFL performance indicates that he has the potential to not only become a regular starter but also provide valuable depth to the squad.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team’s commitment to improving the roster. "I think it's just kind of where we are," he remarked. "We're never done."
McCarthy added, "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."
With McCarthy’s strategic mindset and the Cowboys' history of uncovering gems in alternative leagues, the potential addition of Willie Harvey Jr. could be a testament to the team’s unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
As training camp approaches, the Cowboys are keenly focused on fine-tuning their roster, ensuring they have the best possible lineup to tackle the upcoming season. Whether Harvey will officially join the ranks remains to be seen, but his credentials certainly make a compelling case.