The NFL is so dense with talent that the difference between a washout and contributor is often the slimmest of margins. Some of it is luck, some of it is circumstance, and some of it is skill. Whatever the case may be, contributors can come from anywhere.

Coming into 2018, few foresaw Antwaun Woods becoming a key cog in the Cowboys' defense, Joe Looney starting and performing competently throughout the season, or Blake Jarwin leading the Dallas tight ends in receiving yards and touchdowns, as each was a reserve when training camp began.

In 2019, there will undoubtedly be another crop of Cowboys players who surprise and become big contributors. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few under-the-radar players who could become major contributors next season:

Caraun Reid, DT

The more astute Cowboys fans won't be surprised to learn of Caraun Reid's inclusion on this list, as he was one of the team's better defensive linemen down the stretch this past season.

Reid ranked second among Dallas defensive linemen in stops (any tackle on a play that is deemed unsuccessful for the offense) per snap in 2018, behind only DeMarcus Lawrence. At 6-foot-2, 305 pounds, Reid is a well-built defensive tackle who is an above-average athlete for the position.

Some of Caraun Reid's best plays from 2018. pic.twitter.com/whCEbLNWNE — All22Hype (@All22Hype) February 3, 2019

Whereas Woods is a bull in a china shop, Reid relies on his hands to take on and discard blocks on his way to make a play on the ball-carrier. Reid is adept at shedding blocks because he does an excellent job of using his hands and length to create the necessary separation.

Reid mostly plays with a solid base and pad level, which allow him to absorb contact at the point of attack without getting displaced against single blocks. His strong get-off (1.69 10-yard dash; 89th percentile among defensive tackles, per MockDraftable) allows him to initiate contact and reset the line of scrimmage, creating knock-back on contact, immediately after the ball is snapped. Reid is quick to identify screens, giving himself time to peel back and disrupt them.

Having said that, Reid needs to improve in his ability to read blocking schemes, but that will come with experience -- 2018 was just the second season in Reid's five-year career when he played over 120 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Moreover, Reid needs to do a better job of translating his ability to disrupt against the run to generating more pressure as a pass rusher.

Caraun Reid has been so good as a rotational 1T for DAL since being signed. Nice lateral quickness to cross the center's face, which allows him to immediately get vertical and disrupt in the backfield. If DLaw wasn't amazing, this would have been Reid's play. pic.twitter.com/rbU5P5S3Kh — John Owning (@JohnOwning) January 8, 2019

In 2019, Reid could grow into a major contributor because he provides the most backfield disruption of any nose tackle currently on Dallas' roster. As long as Reid improves his ability to read blocking schemes, his strong get-off and active hands should allow him to be a productive reserve in 2019.

Cedrick Wilson, WR

Don't feel bad if you forgot about Cedrick Wilson, the Cowboys' 2018 sixth-round pick who sat the season out after shoulder surgery in August.

Just 23 years old, Wilson checks in at 6-foot-2 and a hair under 200 pounds, giving him

size to go with his above-average athleticism.

Though he missed the entirety of his rookie season, Wilson's college tape reveals a player who is ready to contribute, and with Tavon Austin and Cole Beasley's contracts expiring in March, Wilson could see a lot of opportunities next season.

Cedrick Wilson is smooooooooth pic.twitter.com/ho2g2bSApA — Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) January 25, 2018

In college, Wilson found success because of his refined route-running ability. Despite the fact he lacks elite deep speed, Wilson was able to become the best vertical threat in Boise State's offense because he understands how to separate from coverage with pacing and subtle movements.

Wilson is a smooth route-runner who transitions well into his speed breaks, allowing him to separate on post routes, corner routes and double-moves down the field.

Cedrick Wilson...still dope. Beating a double. Jumpball. Six. pic.twitter.com/BGynog7dnr — Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) February 13, 2018

Wilson won't be mistaken for Dez Bryant anytime soon, but he does possess reliable hands with the ability to make catches outside his frame and above his head. Wilson also tracks the ball extremely well, showing the ability to adjust given the trajectory of the pass.

Wilson is also effective after the catch, as he is quick to transition from the catch point to turning upfield, gobbling up yards after the catch. He's not the strongest receiver, but Wilson runs hard and shows good vision to avoid would-be tacklers.

I love Cedrick Wilson. Super versatile WR. pic.twitter.com/H4fhAgdsuM — Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) January 10, 2018

On top of his route-running ability, Wilson is also a willing blocker and an adept return man, which are a couple of the main reasons he could separate from the pack to make the team and earn playing time.

Tremendous coverage from Siran Neal working against Cedrick Wilson. Slightly late on the outside stab, but he stays step for step to the sideline. Then you see Gesicki eat the cushion vs Nate Andrews and spring inside for the catch with room to run. pic.twitter.com/VlO4S44sKf — Jonathan Valencia (@JonValenciaPFN) January 30, 2018

Wilson's biggest struggles come against the press, as he tends to let cornerbacks disrupt the timing of his routes at the line of scrimmage. Additionally, Wilson needs to improve in his ability to hand-fight through the release and stems of his routes, as aggressive cornerbacks found success pinning him to the boundary. At Boise State, Wilson found the most success when given free releases.

Wilson needs to improve the depth and breadth of his releases against press coverage, or he's going to have a lot of trouble when playing against cornerbacks with tight alignments.

Given his skill set, Wilson will likely find the most immediate success in the slot, where he won't have to deal with much press coverage. But if he develops his releases against press coverage, Wilson's skill set should translate outside as well.

After missing all of 2018, he's easy to forget, but don't be surprised if Wilson becomes Dallas' No. 3 or 4 wide receiver and a big contributor in 2019.

Taco Charlton, DE

Most of the Cowboys' fan base has already washed its hands of the 2017 first-round pick, but don't be surprised if Taco Charlton develops into a major contributor in 2019.

Fans are still salty about the Cowboys' front office passing on T.J. Watt to select Charlton in 2017, and 2018 didn't exactly help.

Last season was a tough one for Charlton as he dealt with a nagging shoulder injury, which he got surgically repaired after the season. Charlton had some frustrating bouts of inconsistency -- likely, in part, due to his shoulder issue -- throughout the season, which even led to him getting benched for rookie Dorance Armstrong for a stretch.

Great play by Taco Charlton vs the run here. Takes up two blocks and helps make the tackle. pic.twitter.com/zKGVCCBpst — John Owning (@JohnOwning) December 31, 2018

Still, through all of the inconsistent, Charlton flashed enough that it would be unwise to give up on him as he enters his third season.

While he did struggle in 2018, Charlton showed some improvement against the run after lacking the strength to hold his ground at the point of attack as a rookie. Charlton definitely looked stronger in 2018, and it allowed him to be more effective against the run.

Regardless of who it’s against or the result of the play, Taco’s spin move is starting to look better than last year, where he would spin and still be in the same spot. pic.twitter.com/7B7zFR3Tiz — Cowboys Nation (@CowboysNation) September 9, 2018

As a pass rusher, Charlton still needs to refine his hand technique and deepen his pass rush repertoire, but he did show an effective counter spin move to generate pressure.

Even with his struggles last season, it's still too early to label Charlton a bust. It's not easy playing with a bum shoulder, especially at defensive end. If Charlton continues to get stronger while improving his footwork, timing and hand technique, he could surprise a lot of people and finally play to his draft position.

Twitter: @JohnOwning