3 Surprise Rookies Who Could Make Cowboys' 53-Man Roster
The 2024 NFL training camp season is underway and Dallas Cowboys won't have to wait much longer before they get in the mix. The Cowboys are back in Oxnard, CA this summer beginning on July 25 when head coach Mike McCarthy begins to assemble the troops with the hope of ending the franchise's Super Bowl drought next season.
The upcoming training camp sessions will reveal which Dallas rookies have what it takes to play meaningful football come September. While first-year pros like Tyler Guyton and Marshawn Kneeland don't have much to worry about, other rookies must fight harder to earn playing time if they want to achieve their NFL dreams.
Some bubble youngsters will struggle while others will rise to the occasion. Here is a look at three Cowboys rookies who could surprisingly make next season's 53-man roster.
1. Ryan Flournoy, WR
The Cowboys have left each of the last five NFL Drafts with exactly one wide receiver. Ryan Flournoy was the team's lone wideout selection in April as Dallas used the 216th overall pick on the former Southeast Missouri State pass-catcher.
After uneventful stints at Central Missouri and Iowa Western, Flournoy began to put things together with the Redhawks in the last two seasons. The Hazel Crest, IL native caught 118 balls for 1,823 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns during that stretch, and was even awarded for his efforts with a first-team All-OVC nod in 2022.
As a Dallas fan I’m intrigued by WR Ryan Flournoy. He could find a role in their three wide receiver sets. Has elite level athleticism, is a solid route runner, and can be used all over the field. There is opportunity for him to earn playing time.pic.twitter.com/wLElBZgR6i
— Kevin (@Daboys_22) April 28, 2024
He also showed some promise as a special teamer, returning five kicks for 113 yards (22.6 per return) and one touchdown.
While he won't usurp CeeDee Lamb or Brandin Cooks for their spot on the depth chart, I could see Flournoy being in the WR5/6 mix. The likes of Racey McMath, Jalen Moreno-Cropper, and Tyron Billy-Johnson don't exactly have an edge over Flournoy in any department. If he can avoid making any more mistakes, it'll likely stay that way.
With a promising amount of athleticism, Flournoy could keep climbing the depth chart as the summer continues. Hopefully, that's the case because giving Dak Prescott another dangerous weapon will improve the Cowboys' Super Bowl odds in no time.