Dallas Cowboys Rookies Continue to Make Plays
When you dedicate 8 of your 11 draft picks to one side of the ball, you're sending a message. The Dallas Cowboys did that with their draft picks this year and it's been met with positive results in the preseason. Plenty of the Cowboys rookie draft picks have made an impression. Some more than others, […]
When you dedicate 8 of your 11 draft picks to one side of the ball, you're sending a message. The Dallas Cowboys did that with their draft picks this year and it's been met with positive results in the preseason.
Plenty of the Cowboys rookie draft picks have made an impression. Some more than others, but they've been noticed.
New defensive Dan Quinn coordinator seemingly has had an effect that Mike Nolan never could. We're seeing players play harder and more excited than last season and coming off a disastrous season last year, it's been a welcomed surprise.
It's early, but it's still a positive outlook.
Linebackers
Micah Parsons being picked might've been criticized at the time of the pick, due to the greater need at the interior of the defensive line, as well as around the secondary.
However, Parsons has been the most energetic player on the field, being constantly around the play and making most of his "See ball. Get ball." mentality, showing his elite speed and helping create turnovers.
The other rookie linebacker, Jabril Cox, was lauded for his coverage ability coming out of the draft. So far he leads the Dallas Cowboys in tackles this preseason.
Cox has taken great angles to the ball carrier, and his length and size have made him unable to break free from. Despite Cox not being as developed as Parsons currently, the future of these two is very bright.
Secondary
In addition to the linebacker position, the Cowboys also overloaded the secondary with two corners in Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright, as well as safety Israel Mukuamu.
Joseph has been sticky in coverage so far, being one of the least target corners on the team. Wright, who was considered a reach pick back in April, has been fit well in Dan Quinn's Cover 3.
Both seem to be off to nice starts and should really help what was a horrendous secondary last season. However, even more surprising than these two has been the Dallas Cowboys sixth round selection in Mukuamu.
His 6'4" 215-pound size as a safety has definitely been intriguing. However, there was doubt he would see much playing time, or even be a roster lock.
Despite that, Mukuamu has made the most of his opportunities. Lining up all around the field and making plays.
He's played well enough to earn a roster spot, but it would likely be as the fifth safety option: Donovan Wilson, Damontae Kazee, Malik Wilson and the competition between Jayron Kearse and Darian Thompson. Plays like this that will make him too good to release to the waiver wire.
Defensive Line
The Dallas Cowboys went heavy, with an emphasis on heavy on the defensive line. Osa Odighizuwa and Chauncey Golston are versatile defenders who can line up in many different spots. Despite Golston having yet practiced, his upside as a rotational defensive lineman will be valuable down the line.
It's been the impressive play of Odighizuwa, and the eye-opening play of Quinton Bohanna that's stood out. Not only have they both shown strength and push, but they've also done exactly what each was brought in to do.
Odighizuwa was brought in to use his strength and burst to get into the backfield and make plays.
Bohanna was brought in to use his size (6'4" 337-pounds) to clog running lanes and disrupt the offensive lines to create pressure on the ball carrier.
Offense
The only offensive rookie to make an impression so far of any kind has been fifth round receiver Simi Fehoko. Despite having almost zero effect in the first game, he had a much bigger impact against the Cardinals.
His second game firmly put him right back in the conversation with Malik Turner and Noah Brown. If he makes the roster, he'll be primarily used on special teams to start. But his receiving skills on display reminded people of his potential out of his 6'4" 227-pound, 4.37 40 frame.
Rookie lineman Josh Ball was undoubtedly the Dallas Cowboys most controversial pick. He has started the year on the PUP list, and might have to start the season there too.
Matt Farniok, the team's final pick, has been active but has yet to leave much impression. Not just for a roster spot, but possibly not even a spot on the practice squad.
So far, he's underperformed compared to other options on the offensive line, falling out of favor from the initial depth chart.
It's early, but it looks like they'll need to play earlier than expected, and the increased play time and play making of them has been reassuring. If they're able to continue to make the impact they have so far, all signs are pointed up for this group from here.
