Dallas Cowboys: History says a rookie will be a major contributor

The ending of OTA’s to the beginning of the training camp is considered the “boring period” for the NFL, but for the Dallas Cowboys fan base, there is never a dull moment when discussing America’s Team among themselves.

From Dak Prescott’s looming contract extension to head coach Mike McCarthy getting the Dallas Cowboys over the hump, Dallas’ fan base knows how to keep itself occupied until training camp begins. With training camp about four weeks away, the fan base is more excited about the incoming rookies and second year players. And for good reasons, too!

The Dallas Cowboys has high expectations for this incoming rookie/undrafted free agent class, and this class collectively might be the missing link to what this team desperately needs to win a championship-or at least make a grand appearance in the NFCCG (National Football Conference Championship Game).

Throughout its storied history, the Dallas Cowboys has always had a rookie or a group of rookies’ standouts and contribute in a major way to the team’s success.

The Dallas Cowboys drafted and signed some talented rookies and undrafted free agents to a team that has won 24 regular season games and one playoff game in a two-year span. The only thing needed is a few players to make this team bona fide on both sides of the ball.

The last three years have seen Dallas’ rookies like CeeDee Lamb (2020), Micah Parsons (2021), and DaRon Bland become major contributors during their rookie season. This trio helped the Dallas Cowboys win a total of 25 games and an NFC East Championship.

With so many rookies capable of duplicating the same feat, there really is not a wrong answer to which player will rise to the top and showcase his skillset. The easy answer is first round pick Mazi Smith out of Michigan-a massive tackle built like miniature tractor. Smith has the size (337 pounds), height (6’3), speed, quickness, and strength to move offensive linemen with ease. Just watch his tape. My Gawd!

But aside from Smith and highly rated tight end, Luke Schoonmaker, the Dallas Cowboys feature other candidates that can surprise everyone like Bland did last year when the opportunity presented himself. Here are few players to focus on during training camp and preseason: DeMarvion Overshown (LB/3rd round, Viliami Fehoko, Jr. (DE/4th round), Asim Richards (OT/5th round), Eric Scott, Jr (CB/6th round), and Deuce Vaughn (RB/6th round).

Don’t be surprised if each aforementioned player makes the 53-man roster because every one of them possess some specific skillset that the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff adores. For example, Scott has the size (6’0 feet), athleticism, and speed that defensive coordinator loves in his defensive backs. Vaughn is an explosive running back that will thrive in a West Coast offense used with other backs to keep him fresh and ready for any type of situation-think Darren Sproles and the havoc he caused defenses.

Offensive lineman Richards is my sleeper choice to shock the world and become a day one starter since he in essence is replacing the role of Connor McGovern-who left in free agency. Richards is versatile in that he can play guard and left tackle, and as a left tackle at UNC, he only allowed three sacks in over 1,000 plus snaps in 2022.

Oh, by the way, Richards protected former college teammate and archrival quarterback Sam Howell of the Washington Commanders while playing for the Tar Heels! I dislike the Tar Heels like the Philadelphia Eagles. Man!

Then there are the Dallas Cowboys undrafted free agents that will compete and have some say on who makes this roster. Names like Hunter Luepke (FB), Tyrus Wheat (OLB), David Durden (WR), Isaiah Land (EDGE), T.J. Bass (OL), Jalen Morenco-Cropper (WR), T.J. Bass (OL), Earl Bostick, Jr. (OT), John Stephens, Jr and Princeton Fant (TE).

I’m aware most Dallas Cowboys fans have never heard of some of these undrafted free agent rookies. My advise is to watch their high light reels of their college tape, and the fans will come away with why weren’t some of these players flat out drafted because the talent is clearly visible on tape.

When it comes to the undrafted free agents, their tape speaks volumes on why the Dallas Cowboys signed them. But watch out for Luepke, Wheat, Bass, Durden, Morenco-Cooper, Fant, and Stephens. Those players standout, and I can see a scenario where Fant and Stephens go to the practice squad to refine their raw talent to NFL day one starters.

In the meantime, you can dissect all of the rookies and decide which ones will propel the Dallas Cowboys to a successful season. Because history says the cream of the rookies always rises to the top!

• Published on 06/29/2023 at 11:01 AM
• Last updated at 06/29/2023 at 11:01 AM