2022 represents a big test for the Cowboys' front office philosophy
After a largely inactive free agency period for the Dallas Cowboys, they'll go into the 2021 season with a roster full of rookies and just enough new veterans to count on one hand. Dallas has plenty of big shoes to fill now that players like Amari Cooper, Randy Gregory and La'el Collins are no longer […]
After a largely inactive free agency period for the Dallas Cowboys, they'll go into the 2021 season with a roster full of rookies and just enough new veterans to count on one hand.
Dallas has plenty of big shoes to fill now that players like Amari Cooper, Randy Gregory and La'el Collins are no longer here. Instead of gathering plenty of experienced vets to secure depth, the Cowboys have stayed pat with their desire to team build through the draft. In doing so, they're putting a large amount of pressure on these young players.
The addition of players like Tyler Smith and Jalen Tolbert will require an immediate impact. Smith locked in to the left guard, and Tolbert playing as WR3 in Michael Gallup's absence.
Tyler Smith has the nastiness and run blocking ability the Cowboys covet, but his pass blocking sets are what will need to be addressed. Especially if the intention is to move him to tackle down the line. Otherwise, fellow rookie Matt Waletzko is an early suitor to take on the swing tackle position, despite no professional snaps taken.
Tolbert won't have as big a hurdle to jump in early contributions. He's already a solid separator at the line of scrimmage and playmaker. It's reasonable to consider that he'll be taking on the Cedrick Wilson role. Playing as the early WR3/4, especially in rotation.
However, he is not the only pass catcher who'll need to step up early. Tight end Jake Ferguson won't be the Dallas Cowboys TE1 in 2022, as Dalton Schultz is the clear leader.
Due to the lack of depth at the position, Ferguson is in position to compete with plenty of early snaps with Sean McKeon. Expect to see plenty of him too, in two TE situations. The Dallas Cowboys ran 12-personnel (one RB, two TEs) on 33% of their snaps when they had their initial starting TEs, and had their highest success rates running the ball with multiple TEs on the field.
That's just on offense.
On defense, players like John Ridgeway and Sam Williams will be used a lot out of pure need. Both defensive tackle and edge rusher have plenty of bodies, but these rookies fit particular roles.
The Dallas Cowboys need that pure run stuffing 1-technique, and Ridgeway fits the bill. The "Vanilla Gorilla", as he's called, is a 6'5" 320-pound nose tackle, considered to be one of the best in his rookie class. He's a rotational player but will need to play the Brent Urban role in Year 1.
Sam Williams, on the other hand, might not as clearly defined a role early in the season. He's sitting as the fifth edge on the depth chart as of now, and will need to impress for early snaps.
Even though the Cowboys defense used seven different edges in rotation in 2021, the snap differential was very top-heavy.
The reality is the Cowboys front office's stance on off-season team building will be on full display. With the lack of veteran acquisitions, these young players will be asked to take on roles early. As the season progresses, there will likely be more rookies and expanded roles needing to be filled.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
