Following an offseason that began with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, their approach has shifted to making strategic additions with the resources available. As the team gears up for training camp in late July, the focus has now turned to finalizing their 90-man roster.
The Cowboys recently scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., a move indicative of the team’s ongoing strategy to explore talent from alternative leagues.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Willie Harvey Jr. emerged as one of the standout performers in the United Football League (UFL), leading the league with 78 total tackles throughout its 10-game season. Not only did he top the charts in total tackles, but he also led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). His impressive performance earned him one of the three coveted 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 smooth. The linebacker went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019 but was quickly picked up by the Cleveland Browns. Over the years, Harvey oscillated between the Browns' practice squad and active roster, managing to appear in four NFL games. His last NFL appearance came during the 2021 season, where he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite limited opportunities, Harvey made his mark on special teams, recording two tackles in his four-game NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have demonstrated a keen eye for 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. The team’s scouting acumen was further validated last season with the addition of kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey set the NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35), tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35), and set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99). His stellar performance 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, it would not be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. makes 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, at the very least, provide valuable depth to the roster. Given Coach McCarthy's emphasis on continually improving the team, a player with Harvey's credentials could be a vital addition.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team’s commitment to improving the roster. Reflecting on the team's efforts, McCarthy shared his perspective, stating, "I think it's just kind of where we are. 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."
McCarthy’s comments underscore the team's relentless pursuit of excellence and readiness to explore every available avenue to strengthen their squad. Whether or not Willie Harvey Jr. will be the next success story in the Cowboys’ history with alternative league talent remains to be seen, but the potential is undoubtedly there.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the Cowboys as they seek to fine-tune their roster and build on a foundation of high expectations. The addition of players like Willie Harvey Jr. could be the pivotal moves that characterize their offseason and set them up for success in the coming season.