Tim

Benford

Observers have yet to see Benford drop a ball in camp, and his route running has impressed as well. A favorite of Rotoworld NFL Draft expert Josh Norris and NFLDraftScout.com’s Dane Brugler, Benford often looked like the best receiver on the field in the East-West Shrine game. He’s a darkhorse candidate for the No. 3 receiver role.

Benford showed impressive hands and route running in training camp, but he was outplayed by Cole Beasley, Dwayne Harris, and Andre Holmes in preseason action. Carpenter’s release suggests Stephen McGee may have a shot at the final roster after all.

Benford made relatively noise in the Cowboys’ offseason program, but was highly productive in his four-year career for small-school Tennessee Tech. Barring a revelatory camp, he should be ticketed for the practice squad.

Jones also hinted that Holmes may have jumped to the head of the class among the candidates for third receiver role. Kevin Ogletree and Cole Beasley played with the starters in three-wide sets, but Holmes is coming on strong. The Cowboys will move Miles Austin to the slot when they go three-wide if Holmes wins the No. 3 job.

Benford will miss the rest of rookie minicamp and OTAs before returning for training camp. The former Tennessee Tech receiver spent the entire 2012 season on the practice squad, and he’ll face an uphill battle for a roster spot.

Per FOX Sports, the Cowboys are “hoping” Benford clears waivers so they can stash him on the practice squad. The 2012 undrafted free agent caught 11 passes for 135 yards this preseason.

Benford spent all of 2012 and 2013 on the Cowboys’ practice squad. He caught just 4-of-7 targets for 34 yards this preseason. Benford also dropped a pass. He might be in line for another tour on the practice squad.