Rodney Hannah News

By BLAKE HURTIK CARROLLTON - Almost every kid who straps on shoulder pads and a helmet in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has dreams of one day playing for the Dallas Cowboys.

The message was clear from Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips on the final day of mini-camp: Off-season practice is over, but the challenge is just beginning.

JAY KAPIKO HAMPSTEAD, NC: With the focus on special teams and the only way some of the players can make the team this year is to contribute in a variety of ways, do you see some of the rookies or free agents helping at the long snap position? If we are carrying two kickers to the game each week, it seems like we would look to avoid carrying a long ...

The Dallas Cowboys continued to work on the "Razorback," their version of the "Wildcat" offense, in practice.

No. 81 returned to practice Thursday at Standridge Field, the Cowboys' temporary practice site located just a couple of miles down the road from Valley Ranch.

The Dallas Cowboys unveiled the "Wildcat" offense during organized team activities Thursday at Standridge Stadium.

After watching two OTA workouts -- and getting the news that Greg Ellis is as good as gone -- it's time to tweak the 53-man roster projection.

Greg Ellis has been like a brother to DeMarcus Ware. One of the lessons he imparted to Ware is to always do what is best for his longevity, security and family.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he is excited about wide receiver Roy Williams' progress.

JEREMY SPENCER SAN ANGELO, TX: So of these new draft picks, how many could actually make the team? Seems like the Cowboys signed a free agent for every player lost in the off-season. Also, you keep the best players on the team that can contribute on offense or defense, and the backups are supposed to learn to play special teams.

No pads. No tackling. And not even half of the entire roster. Just helmets and shorts for the 27 first-year veterans and rookies at the Cowboys' mini-camp at Valley Ranch.

Sixth-round pick Stephen Hodge shouldn't have any problems making an immediate impact on special teams.

The Atlanta Falcons boosted their hopes for another trip to the playoffs by acquiring tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday for a draft pick next year.

MAC ENGEL After adding 12 players in the draft, there wasn't much room for the Dallas Cowboys to sign undrafted free agents, and they are keeping the number low.

Williams has been working out four days a week at Valley Ranch and is developing a strong chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones knows he will be feeling antsy Saturday waiting through the first round and deep into the second for his chance to finally make a pick in the NFL draft.

The Dallas Cowboys have signed their final three free agents: receiver Miles Austin, running back Alonzo Coleman and tight end Rodney Hannah.

IRVING, Texas - Tight end wasn't a high draft priority for the Cowboys last year, either.

Free Agency started at 11:01 p.m. Thursday across the NFL , but the Cowboys will not be busting through the doors for the most expensive players.

Cowboys assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and wide receivers coach Ray Sherman have emerged as candidates for respective head coaching vacancies over the last 10 days.