Following an offseason that began with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, the team has shifted its focus towards strategic additions to optimize their resources. As they prepare for training camp in late July, finalizing their 90-man roster has become a top priority.
In line with this approach, the Cowboys have scheduled a workout with standout St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey has emerged as a prominent figure in the United Football League (UFL), showcasing remarkable skills and consistency. He led the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season, illustrating his dominance on the field.
Additionally, he topped all UFL linebackers in multiple key statistics: tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). His exceptional performance earned him one of the three inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's path to professional football has been anything but straightforward. After going undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns. During his time with the Browns, he fluctuated between the practice squad and the active roster, appearing in four NFL games.
His most recent NFL appearance was in the 2021 season when he made a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite limited opportunities, Harvey left his mark on special teams, recording two tackles in his four-game NFL stint.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Dallas Cowboys have a proven history of 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 potential of players from these smaller leagues.
Last season, the Cowboys also brought in kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey set an 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). Additionally, he 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.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given the Cowboys' track record of success with players from alternative leagues, Willie Harvey Jr. has a promising potential should the Cowboys sign him. His performance in the UFL suggests that he could become a regular starter or, at the very least, provide valuable depth to the roster.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Coach Mike McCarthy has been consistently vocal about the team's commitment to improving the roster, expressing a relentless pursuit of quality players. "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."
As the Cowboys navigate their final roster decisions, Harvey's potential signing appears to align well with the team's strategy of leveraging alternative league talent to bolster their squad. His journey of persistence and standout UFL performance make him a noteworthy candidate to watch as the Cowboys head into training camp.