These Cowboys Rookies are Likely to See Early Playing Time
The Dallas Cowboys have just under 30 combined new rookie players (picks and undrafted free agents) on the roster headed into OTA's. By the end of pre-season, the current roster will be down to 53 players. A handful of these rookies will be a part of it. How many is to be determined, but there […]
The Dallas Cowboys have just under 30 combined new rookie players (picks and undrafted free agents) on the roster headed into OTA's. By the end of pre-season, the current roster will be down to 53 players.
A handful of these rookies will be a part of it. How many is to be determined, but there are some early favorites to make the team.
Even if there are a good number of rookies to make the Cowboys roster, how many do we expect to play right away?
It's expected that as the season progresses, more players will get more playing time. Some will even get called up from the practice squad. But for this, we're only going to examine which players will have the first impact.
It's early, but these are the rookies who have the fast track to see significant playing time early.
Tyler Smith
Let's start with the easiest choice. Tyler Smith is the Dallas Cowboys first round pick, slated to plug-and-play at left guard after the loss of Connor Williams in free agency.
While the pick is still creating a stir of emotions, the reasons for him being the pick are clear. He's a bullyish, nasty blocker. Especially in the run-game.
Aside from Smith, the Cowboys only have a small handful of players who'll compete for the job. Connor McGovern is the most likely to push the rookie but demonstrated in 2021 he's a much better right guard than left.
Unless the Cowboys add a veteran guard, it's hard to see anyone else winning the job.
Jalen Tolbert
This is essentially playing out of need. Outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Dallas Cowboys are down in quality depth at receiver:
James Washington is the only other receiver who looks like an early favorite to start; Michael Gallup is likely to miss the start of the season recovering from a torn ACL; Noah Brown is primarily a special-teams player, used mostly on rotation.
Other than that, it only leaves a trio of second-year players in Simi Fehoko, Brandon Smith and TJ Vasher. All of whom have zero catches in the NFL.
The Cowboys need a player who can create separation against press coverage, as well as high-point a ball when in one-on-one situations. Aside from Smith, Jalen Tolbert might have more snaps as a rookie than anyone.
John Ridgeway
The Dallas Cowboys needed to get better at run defense. They also needed a pure nose tackle who can man the inside. John Ridgeway is both of these.
As a rookie, he's likely not going to be an immediate starter. He'll be in a heavy rotation behind players like Osa Odgihizuwa, Neville Gallimore and Carlos Watkins. Likely coming in on short-yardage situations, 3rd and 4th down defensive packages and near the goal line.
Ridgeway will come in and play the Brent Urban role. Even if it's only as a situational player to start, the Cowboys are in need of Ridgeway's services earlier than later.
Jake Ferguson
Similar to Jalen Tolbert, Jake Ferguson will have to play early due to lack of depth. Dalton Schultz is the clear TE1, who will likely play on the franchise tag unless a deal is made before the July 15th deadline. Aside from him, there's not much else.
Sean McKeon battled multiple injuries last season, Jeremy Sprinkle is primarily a special teams player and Ian Bunting is a developmental player without much game experience.
Even if Ferguson comes in as TE3 on the squad, he's got plenty to offer right away. He's a great edge blocker, as well as on the second level. He's also a defined pass catcher and playmaker with the ball. He might not have Pro Bowl numbers year one, but he's going to be used in plenty of packages to start.
Jonathan Garibay
With Greg Zuerlien no longer on the team, the kicker position is up for grabs between rookie Jonathan Garibay, who only missed one field goal in 2021, and second-year kicker Chris Naggar.
Naggar has only attempted one professional field goal (37 yards) and two extra points, making one, in his short time with the Browns. All in only one career game.
If we base this entirely on college performance, Garibay is the early leader for the job:
- Naggar – 17/21 (80.9%) field goals, career long of 58 yards; 43/46 extra points.
- Garibay – 23/27 (85.1%) field goals, career long of 62 yards; 55/57 extra points.
It also doesn't hurt when you throw in clutch factor. The Dallas Cowboys might have their guy, without having to use a draft pick.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
