Much could change by the final roster reduction date, Sept. 5.

IRVING, Texas - Now less than a day from the camp-opening press conference and festivities, Cowboys officials, coaches and players are beginning to trickle south for training camp in San Antonio.

The team and its final six unsigned rookies are thought to be closing in on agreements, hoping to reach terms by the first practice on Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. (CST). The Cowboys will work out twice on Thursday, their first of 11 two-a-days over the next three weeks.

One of the Cowboys' stated goals this off-season was to promote competition for starting jobs and spots on the team, which will begin shortly. The turnover on a NFL roster from season-to-season is greater now than it used to be because of the free agency system, but this year the Cowboys could experience more than most teams.

On defense alone the club has parted ways with nine regular contributors from last season, while the offense will be transitioning to life after Terrell Owens. As many as 15 players could be new this year. The club signed four veteran free agents who seem likely to make the roster, and 12 rookie draft picks will compete for jobs as bit players or on special teams. Wade Phillips has promised to change his approach as well, which might put a number of players on edge for the four preseason games and dozens of practices until the season opener at Tampa Bay on Sept. 13.

Already we know there will be a couple tweaks to the roster between now and Wednesday's first whistle. Contract talks with rookies aren't believed to be much of an issue this year, but the Cowboys have one other player to add to the roster in Jesse Holley, the "4th and long" winner. To meet the league's 80-man limit by the opening practice, the team will have to waive another player or place him on the IR.

With those tweaks to the roster and the sure reality more will follow, DallasCowboys.com's panel of Nick Eatman, Rob Phillips and Josh Ellis has given their best shot projecting the 53-man final camp roster.

We settled on the simple agreement to keep five wide receivers, nine offensive linemen, nine linebackers, plus 10 in the secondary. The numbers at other positions were a consensus. Of course, those final few players may be special teamers first, regardless of position, so our ground rules won't apply to the Cowboys' coaches, scouts and front office personnel on the final cut date, Sept. 5. Injuries and future additions are certain to affect things, but here is an early thought.

Quarterbacks
Tony Romo
Jon Kitna
Stephen McGee

Running Backs
Marion Barber
Felix Jones
Tashard Choice
Deon Anderson

Wide Receivers
Roy Williams
Patrick Crayton
Sam Hurd
Miles Austin
Split Decision
Isaiah Stanback
Manuel Johnson
Kevin Ogletree

Tight Ends
Jason Witten
Martellus Bennett
Rodney Hannah (2 votes)

Offensive Linemen
Flozell Adams
Kyle Kosier
Andre Gurode
Leonard Davis
Marc Colombo
Montrae Holland
Pat McQuistan
Robert Brewster
Doug Free (2 votes)

Defensive Linemen
Marcus Spears
Igor Olshansky
Jay Ratliff
Jason Hatcher
Stephen Bowen
Marcus Dixon (2 votes)

Linebackers
DeMarcus Ware
Bradie James
Keith Brooking
Anthony Spencer
Bobby Carpenter
Jason Williams
Victor Butler
Brandon Williams
Stephen Hodge

Defensive Backs
Terence Newman
Mike Jenkins
Orlando Scandrick
Ken Hamlin
Gerald Sensabaugh
Pat Watkins
Alan Ball
DeAngelo Smith
Michael Hamlin
Mike Mickens

Specialists
Nick Folk
Mat McBriar
David Buehler
L.P. Ladouceur

Also Receiving Votes
John Phillips
Cory Procter
Junior Siavii