With the Cowboys set to open practice on Sunday, ESPN Dallas takes a look at players fighting to make the 53-man roster and how they may potentially fit on the roster in 2013.
Name: Ryan Cook
Position: Center/guard
Contract status: Signed through 2013
Why he should make it: He started 11 games last year at center after he was acquired from Miami less than a week before the season started. He is smart and can get by. He can also play anywhere on the offensive line, although his tackle days are probably behind him. The Cowboys’ preference is to go with Travis Frederick at center, but if he cannot hold the job, then Cook could help as an answer because of his experience.
Why he should not make it: The Cowboys made a modest commitment to Phil Costa in the offseason with a multi-year deal, and he should benefit from a change to more of a zone blocking scheme that should suit his physical traits better. Cook is set to make $1.1 million this year, which would be too much for someone not on the gameday roster. The Cowboys have talked about getting younger up front, and while Cook is not that old, there would be more of a long-term benefit by going with a younger player as a backup.
Main competition: Kevin Kowalski.
Chance to make roster: 40%
