Following an offseason that started 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. As part of this effort, the team has scheduled a 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). Over the course of its 10-game season, he led the league with 78 total tackles. His defensive prowess extended beyond just raw tackle numbers; he topped all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two).
This impressive performance earned Harvey one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team, igniting interest from several NFL teams, including the Dallas Cowboys. Given his statistics and accolades, it's clear that Harvey has the potential to be an asset on any defense.
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. 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. His experience is a testament to his resilience and determination, qualities that could serve him well with the Cowboys.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have shown a knack for finding talent in alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin quickly established himself as a valuable asset, earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie.
Continuing their trend of scouting talent from alternative leagues, last season, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey's inaugural NFL season was nothing short of spectacular. He set the NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35) and tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35). Furthermore, Aubrey set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99). His achievements earned him first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
This history of success with players from alternative leagues suggests that the Cowboys have a keen eye for untapped potential, which bodes well for Harvey’s prospects.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given this track record, 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. With the Cowboys' current strategy of leveraging available resources to build a formidable roster, a player of Harvey’s caliber could be a crucial addition.
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 Cowboys' proactive approach in scouting and signing talent from both traditional and alternative leagues highlights their determination to assemble a competitive team. If Harvey’s tryout goes well, he may find himself as the latest testament to Dallas’s ability to identify and develop talent from less conventional sources.
In any case, as the Cowboys finalize their 90-man roster heading into training camp, it's clear that they are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence. Willie Harvey Jr. may soon have the opportunity to prove that he belongs on the NFL stage, adding another chapter to his journey of persistence and determination.