Dallas Cowboys draft class gives glimpse of hope for the future
For the second year in a row, the Dallas Cowboys 12-win season ends in the playoffs at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. Albeit this time with a bit more positivity behind how they got there. Overcoming the loss of QB Dak Prescott for five games, below average play from the wide receivers, injuries around […]
For the second year in a row, the Dallas Cowboys 12-win season ends in the playoffs at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. Albeit this time with a bit more positivity behind how they got there.
Overcoming the loss of QB Dak Prescott for five games, below average play from the wide receivers, injuries around the offensive line and inconsistent play from the defense. However, they did get an enormous boost from their rookies. Especially their draft picks.
While undrafted players like KaVontae Turpin, Peyton Hendershot and Markquese Bell added some benefit as well, this focus will be only on the draft picks.
Undoubtedly one of the deepest, most effective rookie classes the Cowboys have had in years.
- OL Tyler Smith
People scoffed at the pick of Smith. Saying his hand placement is weak and causes too many penalties. That he would be better suited as a guard.
An early season injury of Tyron Smith forced him to play at left tackle ahead of schedule. Playing well above expectations, although penalties continue to be an issue.
Showing nastiness in the run and plenty of stability is pass protection. Elevating his hand usage, finishing up as the best rookie left tackle of the season.
- DL Sam Williams
A Dan Quinn favorite, Williams came into training camp as the sixth edge on the depth chart. Becoming the third or sometime second-best option at defensive end.
Not only was Williams used as an edge, but was often also used in Quinn's 'four edge' front as a 3-tech and nose tackle is pass rush situations. Even establishing himself as the Dallas Cowboys second-best run stuffing edge behind only DeMarcus Lawrence.
Finishing with four sacks, 11 QB pressures and 10 tackles for loss (second on the team), Williams is quickly establishing himself as one of the best pass/run defenders on the team.
- WR Jalen Tolbert
Undoubtedly the Cowboys most disappointing draft pick, the Senior Bowl standout was expected to come in and contribute immediately as the WR3. The Cowboys had let both Cedrick Wilson and Malik Tuner walk in free agency, traded Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup was coming off a torn ACL with an undetermined amount of time before his return.
Instead, not only was he passed over (often) for players like Noah Brown, Dennis Houston, Simi Fehoko (before injury) and eventually T.Y. Hilton, Tolbert was a virtual non-factor. Only two receptions for 12 yards to his name.
He still has a high potential, and this off-season's need for receivers and receiver development is hopefully the wakeup call he needs. For now, however, not a good start to his NFL career.
- TE Jake Ferguson
Ferguson caught many Dallas Cowboys fans often due to his play making ability. With how shifty and improvisational he is with the ball, after the catch. The third highest yards after catch per reception (6.5) and zero drops adds to his very high potential moving forward.
Even more so when factoring that not only was he often the Cowboys best run-blocking tight end, but their best overall in both aspects.
With Dalton Schultz hitting free agency this spring, the combination of Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot may be enough for the Cowboys to focus year two on 'Fergashot' as the starting tight end(s) moving forward.
- OT Matt Waletzko
Matt Waletzko never got to see the field his rookie season. Though it stands to reason that he likely would have seen the field were it not for landing on IR (shoulder).
With Tyler Smith and Terence Steele as the day one starters with Tyron Smith out, Waletzko was in place to be the swing tackle. Having beaten out both Josh Ball and Aviante Collins in training camp. Even with the signing of Jason Peters.
Assuming his return from injury has him ready to fully go in the summer, Waletzko will factor heavily into the offensive line discussion. Especially with a number of moves that will be made that can alter how it will look in 2023.
- DB DaRon Bland
For a decade, the Dallas Cowboys had ZERO players hit that were drafted in the fifth round. DaRon Bland changes that.
Leading the Cowboys in interceptions (5) and second in pass break ups (7). Third among qualifying players in yards allowed per completion.
The injuries to both Jourdan Lewis and Anthony Brown were devastating for the secondary. Scrambling to find the 'third guy'. What it did do was force extended playing time for their talented defensive back to play a number of positions and make a number of plays.
- LB Damone Clark
Speaking of fifth round hits, did anyone see Clark making an impact in year one? His spinal fusion in March 2022 was expected to sideline the former LSU LB for the season.
Instead, he quickly cemented himself as the Cowboys third-best linebacker, behind only Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch.
Playing the run and in coverage better than veteran Anthony Barr, and keeping promising prospect Jabril Cox on the sidelines.
Finishing with 47 tackles, one for loss and pair of forced fumbles. Giving promise to the LB position moving forward. Moving with some much needed speed.
- DT John Ridgeway
Despite the hype that Ridgeway would become that missing piece at nose tackle, Ridgeway was ultimately waived. Claimed by the Washington Commanders.
Even worse when seeing how effective he has been for them as a rotational run stopper.
He may have been let go too soon.
- LB Devin Harper
It's really unfortunate that Harper's season came to an end due to injury.
Often around the ball on every chance, Harper began to establish himself as one of the Dallas Cowboys best players on special teams. An often-underrated ability, especially from a seventh-round rookie.
2023 will see him go back to his spot as one of the Cowboys' special team's aces and could even see time on the defense depending on how free agency sets them up for next season.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman of USA TODAY Sports
