Cowboys' unofficial depth chart shows darkhorse WR has bigger shot at making the roster than expected

The Dallas Cowboys released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of the team's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams this Saturday.

Key word: Unofficial.

You see, these depth charts usually come with some surprises fans and media members aren't expecting but they likely don't mean as much because it's not the true way the Cowboys perceive their team. However, that won't stop us from overreacting to it because, well, it's still August.

So without further ado, let's dive into our observations from this year's first unofficial depth chart, starting with some special teams insight which could hint at a larger chance at the 53-man roster than originally expected.

Rico Dowdle and Jalen Cropper listed as returners

With the new kickoff rules, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy admitted that everyone in the NFL is likely to opt to have two returners and added he and special teams coordinator John Fassel have conversations about it every day, asking "Who's on the 48 (gameday roster)?"

McCarthy's comments reflect the importance of having the right kickoff returner to accompany KaVontae Turpin, who earlier in the offseason said he expects team to stop kicking to him early on. Being a quality kickoff returner will only help players' roster chances, which is why it was noteworthy to see RB Rico Dowdle and WR Jalen Cropper as kick and punt returners respectively. The depth chart also lists Deuce Vaughn and David Durden as being in the mix at this role.

For Cropper, earning this role could go a long way in his long-shot roster chances after turning heads in the last couple of sessions as a receiver.

No surprises at the offensive line

The Cowboys listed Chuma Edoga and Brock Hoffman as starters at left tackle and center, respectively, leaving rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe as backups. This should come as no surprise to fans as the team has asked its rookies to "earn it."

So far, Guyton has looked like the best option at LT and I'd consider it a surprise if he doesn't start Week 1. The same cannot be said about Beebe, however. Hoffman has done his part and with Beebe going through some growing pains snapping the ball - which he did not do at college - the safest Day 1 bet to start will likely be Hoffman.

Trey Lance firmly at QB3

Although the Cowboys hoped for Lance to enter the preseason as the second-best quarterback on the roster, the former No. 3 overall pick's development is taking some time. Lance has made some impressive throws in training camp but mistakes have also been frequent.

There's nothing that will help Lance more than preseason reps. Most of his struggles have to do with vision and that will only get better with playing time. Even if he's rolled out as the third-string QB at first, expect him to have the majority of the preseason snaps as the Cowboys already know what they've got in Cooper Rush.

Marist Liufau listed above DeMarvion Overshown

Again, the depth chart is unofficial, but it was a surprise to see third-round rookie Marist Liufau over DeMarvion Overshown. Right now, Eric Kendricks and Damone Clark are looking like the top two on the LB room but Liufau and Overshown will be battling each other for playing time.

One thing is clear though: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was behind the Liufau draft pick and it's clear he likes the rookie. Don't be surprised if there's a lot of rotation between these two as the battle for LB3 could continue into the regular season.

Related: Cowboys 53-man roster projection before preseason: This year's draft pick misses the cut