Dallas Cowboys: 5 Cut candidates fighting for a spot at training camp

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Jan 25, 2020; Mobile, AL, USA; North defensive lineman Bradlee Anae of Utah (58) in the first half of the 2020 Senior Bowl college football game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Bradlee Anae, EDGE

This is one that would be hard to see since Bradlee Anae seemed like such a steal in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. While at Utah, Anae had 29.5 sacks in four seasons including 13 during his senior campaign. He was also credited with 40 tackles for a loss and five forced fumbles.

He then went to the Senior Bowl and showed out. No one seemed to be able to block him which put his name on the short-list of explosive pass-rushers to watch.

When Anae fell to the fifth, Dallas fans were thrilled. But then, he spent the majority of his rookie season on the bench. He finished his rookie season with just six defensive snaps — although he was given 120 on special teams. Unsurprisingly, he recorded no statistics in the minimal opportunities.

Looking forward to 2021, Anae now has another defensive coordinator which could already hurt his chances of making the roster. On top of that, Dan Quinn has some new faces to work with including rookie Chauncey Golston and free-agent addition Tarell Basham. That’s with players such as Dorance Armstrong and Randy Gregory also returning.

Anae could still make this team but it’s going to be tough for him and it could be an uphill battle.

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