Dallas Cowboys: 5 UDFAs with chance to make the final roster

3. Francis Bernard, LB, Utah

The Cowboys starting linebackers are set with Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, and Sean Lee on the roster. Joe Thomas offers an underrated fourth option for them, meaning it won’t be easy for an undrafted rookie to make the team — but still, it isn’t impossible.

There were whispers leading up to the draft that Dallas could be looking to add a linebacker and while the first round predictions were a stretch, finding a young guy with starting potential down the road wouldn’t be a bad idea. While they didn’t use a draft pick on such a player, Francis Bernard from Utah could end up being that for them.

Bernard has shown the ability to be an NFL player but has some growing as a player to do if he wants to make it. According to Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network, there are flashes but he has to improve his ability to get off blocks — otherwise, he will be dependent on the defensive line to eat up blocks for him.

"“Francis Bernard projects as a potential depth LB in the pros. Bernard has bright flashes of play diagnosis/quickness to step into voids up front, but his ability to break down blocks, play through contact or serve as a consistent finisher all blend for concerns that will need to be ironed out before he latches on to a full-time role. Bernard is more quick than fast and more sudden than powerful — will need a DL that can provide heavy protections if he is to serve as a starter.” — Crabbs, The Draft Network"

Dallas currently has a line that could do that, especially after the addition of Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy. That could help Bernard, a former running back who understands what opposing offenses are doing, make enough plays to land on the final roster.

Of course, special teams is going to be what makes or breaks it for him and his speed and willingness to hit the ball carrier should help him in that regard.