First look at Dak Prescott's new weapons in a Cowboys uniform
A couple of Dallas Cowboys' rookies had their first experience as "brand ambassadors" of the team this week when they attended the NFLPA's Rookie Premiere: TE Luke Schoonmaker and RB Deuce Vaughn. Every year, the NFLPA selects rookies across the entire league to attend the event "based on factors such as college performance, draft status, […]
A couple of Dallas Cowboys' rookies had their first experience as "brand ambassadors" of the team this week when they attended the NFLPA's Rookie Premiere: TE Luke Schoonmaker and RB Deuce Vaughn.
Every year, the NFLPA selects rookies across the entire league to attend the event "based on factors such as college performance, draft status, position, and marketability, all of which affect trading card value." It is, after all, presented by Panini America.
During the event, the player's union aims to give rookies the chance to "learn about the business of pro football from union leadership, following the footsteps of established players who have gone through the same experience."
While the above is undoubtedly what matters most about the event, it's another particular activity that most interests NFL fans: The unveiling of the rookies' official jerseys.
For the Cowboys, it was Schoonmaker's and Vaughn's time to shine. If you're wondering why first-round rookie Mazi Smith wasn't invited, I'd argue a nose tackle doesn't fit into the "marketability" that Panini is seeking. Even if football geeks like us love watching 320-pounders do freakish things in the trenches.
Below is the official NFLPA jersey-reveal picture. You'll find Schoonmaker, wearing No. 86, really quickly. At 6-foot-5, he's one of the tallest of the bunch, if not the tallest. As for Deuce, he's wearing No. 42. I'm sure you've heard a lot about his height by now so I won't bring it up anymore.
In all seriousness though, both Schoonmaker and Vaughn are seeking significant roles on offense. As the team's second-round pick, the tight end out of Michigan has his eyes set on beating Jake Ferguson for the starting role to become Dak Prescott's new best buddy. Meanwhile, Vaughn's sights are firmly set on earning the RB2 role. Even if he doesn't, the Cowboys will likely find ways to implement his play-making ability in specific situations.
