Steve

Octavien

Octavien is purely a special teamer. Ball, 25, has yet to record a pick in his career, but has oddly been talked up as possible competition for starting FS Ken Hamlin. The Cowboys could do much better if they’re really intent on replacing Hamlin, and may pursue an alternative early in April’s draft.

Octavien played in 14 games last season, finishing fourth on the team with 12 special teams tackles. Short for an NFL pass rusher at 6'0/239, he contributed just two tackles on defense.

Octavien was a third string linbacker and core special teamer last season. With Brandon Williams and Stephen Hodge getting healthy, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram speculates that Octavien is firmly on the roster bubble.

Octavien, a former Cowboy, has the versatility to play inside or outside linebacker. More likely, he’ll be limited to a special teams role for the Browns.

DajLeon Farr was also cut, so the Cowboys have opted to go with just Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett at tight end. Supplemental pick Josh Brent’s emergence allowed the team to dump backup nose tackle Siavii.