Dallas Cowboys: 3 rookies who could be impactful right away

Dallas Cowboys rookie: RB Deuce Vaughn

Besides watching an emotional phone call between Deuce and his Dad on draft day-Chris Vaughn is a scout for the Dallas Cowboys -this team got one of the major steals in the draft when they selected the elusive and versatile Vaughn with its sixth round pick.

The former Kansas State running back is as good as advertised because all he did at KSU is accumulate 4,884 yards from scrimmage, score a total of 43 touchdowns (34 rushing/9 receiving) average 5.5 yards per carry and average 11..0 yards a reception.

Standing at 5’5 and weighing 185 pounds, Vaughn gained all of those yards against Power 5 schools such as Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas over his college career. Against the Bama in the 2022 Sugar Bowl, Vaughn ran for an 88-yard touchdown that was the longest touchdown given up by Bama in 20 years.

Vaughn finished the game with 133 yards on 22 carries while averaging 6.0 yards a per carry, and it was the performance against Bama that made Dallas’ front office an official believer. Vaughn’s versatility is similar to Tony Pollard in that he can beat you running the ball or catching the ball out of the backfield. Vaughn is a change of pace back that will thrive in a West Coast offense because of the mismatches he presents to linebackers.

Just think of Vaughn running the wheel route against a linebacker in the same manner Pollard did against the Minnesota Vikings last season. It’s almost unstoppable against a diminutive and speedy running back like Vaughn.

Vaughn will undoubtedly see the field because at KSU he ranked in the top five for running backs in receiving yards, second yards after the catch, and lethal in his route running. A talent like that will see the field. Vaughn can be like fellow KSU alum and former Eagles running back Darren Sproles.

The Bonus:

Vaughn gives the Dallas Cowboys two ultra-talented running backs that can beat you several ways and giving Dallas more depth at the running back position. Vaughn allows Dallas to use a true running back by committee that keeps all of them fresh throughout the season.

In conclusion,

Although there are other rookies that can make an immediate impact on the Dallas Cowboys roster this upcoming season, Smith, Schoonmaker, and Vaughn appear to have the inside track because of the positions they play and their talent level.

The transition from college to the NFL is truly a big challenge for most rookies in general, but the positions they all play are some of the easiest to transition to when the players are really talented. I know they face struggles as rookies, but I predict far more ups than downs as we witnessed this trio play outstanding against elite college competition that were in the NFL top-100 college players.

I can foresee other rookies taking the leap like offensive tackle Asim Richards, edge rusher Viliami Fehoko, and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown because they are talented as well. So, do not be surprised if you those three players getting increased snaps.

But as of right now and until proven otherwise, this special trio of Smith, Schoonie, and Vaughn is too impactful to overlook.