Which rookies will likely have impact this year?

[Mr_437]

Unless someone surprises us, it’s hard to see anyone else breaking out this year as a rookie.

As a fan we all want rookies to play at a high level immediately but the evidence over time shows that very few rookies have immediate impact that makes a huge difference. A Day 3 draft pick - we have 5 Day 3 picks - are low percentage chance guys to have long term impact.

Exactly. Many expect something from Day 3 guys, but I expect nothing and if they surprise me it's gravy.

 

[gtb1943]

first three rds should make impact their rookie year
4th and 5th maybe make in impact some timea
anything later that makes an impact is all but a lottery win

 

[speedkilz88]

I believe you. It will still be hard for Revell to be fully recovered when season starts.

It’s hard enough for any rookie to just show up and become an immediate impact. I expect Revell to emerge maybe later in the season. Maybe even 8n 2026.

Do you believe Dr Cooper?

 

[JoeKing]

It's got to be Book.

 

[quickccc]

One of the unusual parts of the off-season doldrums - the time between draft and FA, OTAs, mini-camps and training camp is the glut of stories and speculation about the impact of rookies on the upcoming season. Fans typically assume most rookies will be better than they ever will be. That’s just what us fans do.

According to NFL stats in the last 25 years, only about 30% of all drafted players will make an NFL roster more than a year. Obviously rounds 1-3 selections which are Day 1 and Day 2 picks are locks. But Day 3 picks - rounds 4-7 are usually long shots statistically.

With that in mind, looking realistically at the Cowboys 2025 draft, which players will have a major impact this season? Here are our picks:

• 1st round Tyler Booker, G. He’s a lock as a starter and most likely to be an impact this season. IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 2nd rd Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE. I see Ezeiruaku as a rotational player who will makes some plays and perhaps show major development as the season goes on. SOME IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 3rd rd Shavon Revell- CB - coming off a major knee injury and having had some kind of off-season “setback” (whatever that means) makes me think Revell may not play much this year. NO IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 5th rd Jaydon Blue- RB- Blue is a speedy Swiss Army knife guy who will probably only get 8-12 touches a game but has big play capacity. Not a starter but will have immediate impact. IMPACT LIKELY
• 6th rd Shemar James, LB- probably will be a ST contributor without much impact. NO IMPACT.
• 6th rd Ajahni Cornelius T - deep backup swing T, definitely a project. NO IMPACT
• 7th rd Jay Toia, DT- a big body run stuffer, Toia is a long shot but with the Cowboys needing run defense help could be a rotational player with minimal impact. LONG SHOT IMPACT
• 7th rd Phil Mafah, RB - Mafah is a long shot because he probably won’t play STs. Probably a practice squad developmental player. NO IMPACT
• 7th rd Tommy Akingbesote, DT - a very long shot most likely to make the practice squad. NO IMPACT

So of the 9 players drafted, I see Booker, Ezeiruaku and Blue as being the most likely rookies to have a meaningful impact on this team in 2025. The 6th and 7th rounders despite our hopes are all by NFL standards developmental long shots. Revell has big upside but that depends on his knee recovery.

Who are your realistic impact rookies?

.. " .......3rd rd Shavon Revell- CB - coming off a major knee injury and having had some kind of off-season “setback” (whatever that means) makes me think Revell may not play much this year. NO IMPACT THIS YEAR....... "

We may want to look deeper into this Shavon Revel rumor, i could've sworn i heard 105.3 per Bobby Belt and later on Broaddus, that it came from an misinformed writer who had the " set back " details wrong.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/source-says-cowboys-report-rookie-015923426.html

 

[Kwyn]

I believe you. It will still be hard for Revell to be fully recovered when season starts.

It’s hard enough for any rookie to just show up and become an immediate impact. I expect Revell to emerge maybe later in the season. Maybe even 8n 2026.

That’s fine. I just hate seeing debunked stuff in posts like this. It just perpetuates a myth created by bad online content churn.

Even in this thread there are other people reading what you wrote and talking about his “setback”.

Even though I’m the rumor was debunked within hours of being posted, I imagine we’ll be reading about his “setback” every time he’s mentioned until he actually plays for an extended period in the regular season even if his rehab goes as well as was ever expected.

 

[Pass2Run]

Does Jalen Cropper count as a rookie?

 

[charron]

Outside of booker I'm not seeing anyone making much of an impact this year.

De maybe late in games if we are up 10+ points.

Revell probably out all year.

I doubt blue gets a shot over Williams unless there is an injury.

No one else drafted has the talent to earn meaningful snaps.

 

[Bobhaze]

.. " .......3rd rd Shavon Revell- CB - coming off a major knee injury and having had some kind of off-season “setback” (whatever that means) makes me think Revell may not play much this year. NO IMPACT THIS YEAR....... "

We may want to look deeper into this Shavon Revel rumor, i could've sworn i heard 105.3 per Bobby Belt and later on Broaddus, that it came from an misinformed writer who had the " set back " details wrong.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/source-says-cowboys-report-rookie-015923426.html

That’s fine. I just hate seeing debunked stuff in posts like this. It just perpetuates a myth created by bad online content churn.

Even in this thread there are other people reading what you wrote and talking about his “setback”.

Even though I’m the rumor was debunked within hours of being posted, I imagine we’ll be reading about his “setback” every time he’s mentioned until he actually plays for an extended period in the regular season even if his rehab goes as well as was ever expected.

I’m not using the debunked “setback” junk story as my main reasoning for Revell not being an immediate impact player. He suffered a major ACL tear on October 24th last year which takes nine to twelve months to heal.

I like Revell’s upside and think he can be an impact player for sure. Just not this year. Maybe I will be proven wrong.

 

[Risen Star]

Stopped reading at Akingbesote no impact.

He's gone off the rails. @Reality, do something.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds053]

I hope a DT or 2 can finally give the middle what it’s been needing since the Glover and Ferguson days studs in the middle.

 

[plasticman]

Well, the OP did qualify the question with the condition of "major" impact.

I would take that as not only starting, but providing a contribution that impacts the outcome of the game.

I see only two possible major contributors.

The first is Tyler Booker. I think he will be at least as good as Zack's final two seasons in h is rookie year. He is practically "plug and play" at the position.

I believe Booker will enhance run blocking and pass protection from teh very start. he has that potential.

I think that Blue will provide a meaningful contribution even as a RB3. His speed gives him the ability to make game changing plays, evben with limited touches.

As far as our 2nd and 3rd choices, Revel will take a season to get completely healthy. he will miss training camp and that is a must for any rookie that is expected to contribute his first year.

In addition, our 2nd round pick at DE may churn out a few sacks his rookie season but making a "major" impact would require a starting position with the developed skill set to maneuver around starting NFL tackles.

That would take a generational talent in year #1 and Eze isn't quite at that point. he will contribute as a backup his rookie season but i don't expect a major impact.

I would look more to our 2nd year players and perhaps a couple of young players recovering from last season's injuries.

Those with potential to provide a major impact would include Guyton, Kneeland, Liafau, Beebe, Sam Williams, and Overshown.

 

[Chasing6]

Good thread Haze.
Booker and EzeRauk are my impact rookies. Booker is a given. Eze has to fight for snaps, but I think Flus will deploy Parsons, Fowler and EZE in certain situations maximizing the pressure.

Revel may show something mid to late season, but I expect him to be buried on the depth chart if a veteran like Gilmore is signed. The rest of the rookies look like low impact guys that can learn and hopefully make a leap next season into serviceable players in some capacity.

Booker, Eze and Blue.

 

[Bobhaze]

Do you believe Dr Cooper?

Yes I do.

 

[zrinkill]

1-5 Will have some form of impact ....... I think 1-3 will have a lot of impact if healthy ....... Blue will have an impact if used correctly on offense and on special teams.

 

[Bobhaze]

Well, the OP did qualify the question with the condition of "major" impact.

I would take that as not only starting, but providing a contribution that impacts the outcome of the game.

I see only two possible major contributors.

The first is Tyler Booker. I think he will be at least as good as Zack's final two seasons in h is rookie year. He is practically "plug and play" at the position.

I believe Booker will enhance run blocking and pass protection from teh very start. he has that potential.

I think that Blue will provide a meaningful contribution even as a RB3. His speed gives him the ability to make game changing plays, evben with limited touches.

As far as our 2nd and 3rd choices, Revel will take a season to get completely healthy. he will miss training camp and that is a must for any rookie that is expected to contribute his first year.

In addition, our 2nd round pick at DE may churn out a few sacks his rookie season but making a "major" impact would require a starting position with the developed skill set to maneuver around starting NFL tackles.

That would take a generational talent in year #1 and Eze isn't quite at that point. he will contribute as a backup his rookie season but i don't expect a major impact.

I would look more to our 2nd year players and perhaps a couple of young players recovering from last season's injuries.

Those with potential to provide a major impact would include Guyton, Kneeland, Liafau, Beebe, Sam Williams, and Overshown.

Your comment about second year players or other young players emerging this year is well taken. Most rookies take time to develop. Even really good ones.

 

[kskboys]

One of the unusual parts of the off-season doldrums - the time between draft and FA, OTAs, mini-camps and training camp is the glut of stories and speculation about the impact of rookies on the upcoming season. Fans typically assume most rookies will be better than they ever will be. That’s just what us fans do.

According to NFL stats in the last 25 years, only about 30% of all drafted players will make an NFL roster more than a year. Obviously rounds 1-3 selections which are Day 1 and Day 2 picks are locks. But Day 3 picks - rounds 4-7 are usually long shots statistically.

With that in mind, looking realistically at the Cowboys 2025 draft, which players will have a major impact this season? Here are our picks:

• 1st round Tyler Booker, G. He’s a lock as a starter and most likely to be an impact this season. IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 2nd rd Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE. I see Ezeiruaku as a rotational player who will makes some plays and perhaps show major development as the season goes on. SOME IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 3rd rd Shavon Revell- CB - coming off a major knee injury and having had some kind of off-season “setback” (whatever that means) makes me think Revell may not play much this year. NO IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 5th rd Jaydon Blue- RB- Blue is a speedy Swiss Army knife guy who will probably only get 8-12 touches a game but has big play capacity. Not a starter but will have immediate impact. IMPACT LIKELY
• 6th rd Shemar James, LB- probably will be a ST contributor without much impact. NO IMPACT.
• 6th rd Ajahni Cornelius T - deep backup swing T, definitely a project. NO IMPACT
• 7th rd Jay Toia, DT- a big body run stuffer, Toia is a long shot but with the Cowboys needing run defense help could be a rotational player with minimal impact. LONG SHOT IMPACT
• 7th rd Phil Mafah, RB - Mafah is a long shot because he probably won’t play STs. Probably a practice squad developmental player. NO IMPACT
• 7th rd Tommy Akingbesote, DT - a very long shot most likely to make the practice squad. NO IMPACT

So of the 9 players drafted, I see Booker, Ezeiruaku and Blue as being the most likely rookies to have a meaningful impact on this team in 2025. The 6th and 7th rounders despite our hopes are all by NFL standards developmental long shots. Revell has big upside but that depends on his knee recovery.

Who are your realistic impact rookies?

Yours is so well done I cannot improve on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kskboys]

Unless someone surprises us, it’s hard to see anyone else breaking out this year as a rookie.

As a fan we all want rookies to play at a high level immediately but the evidence over time shows that very few rookies have immediate impact that makes a huge difference. A Day 3 draft pick - we have 5 Day 3 picks - are low percentage chance guys to have long term impact.

Or even make the team.

 

[blueblood70]

One of the unusual parts of the off-season doldrums - the time between draft and FA, OTAs, mini-camps and training camp is the glut of stories and speculation about the impact of rookies on the upcoming season. Fans typically assume most rookies will be better than they ever will be. That’s just what us fans do.

According to NFL stats in the last 25 years, only about 30% of all drafted players will make an NFL roster more than a year. Obviously rounds 1-3 selections which are Day 1 and Day 2 picks are locks. But Day 3 picks - rounds 4-7 are usually long shots statistically.

With that in mind, looking realistically at the Cowboys 2025 draft, which players will have a major impact this season? Here are our picks:

• 1st round Tyler Booker, G. He’s a lock as a starter and most likely to be an impact this season. IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 2nd rd Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE. I see Ezeiruaku as a rotational player who will makes some plays and perhaps show major development as the season goes on. SOME IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 3rd rd Shavon Revell- CB - coming off a major knee injury and having had some kind of off-season “setback” (whatever that means) makes me think Revell may not play much this year. NO IMPACT THIS YEAR
• 5th rd Jaydon Blue- RB- Blue is a speedy Swiss Army knife guy who will probably only get 8-12 touches a game but has big play capacity. Not a starter but will have immediate impact. IMPACT LIKELY
• 6th rd Shemar James, LB- probably will be a ST contributor without much impact. NO IMPACT.
• 6th rd Ajahni Cornelius T - deep backup swing T, definitely a project. NO IMPACT
• 7th rd Jay Toia, DT- a big body run stuffer, Toia is a long shot but with the Cowboys needing run defense help could be a rotational player with minimal impact. LONG SHOT IMPACT
• 7th rd Phil Mafah, RB - Mafah is a long shot because he probably won’t play STs. Probably a practice squad developmental player. NO IMPACT
• 7th rd Tommy Akingbesote, DT - a very long shot most likely to make the practice squad. NO IMPACT

So of the 9 players drafted, I see Booker, Ezeiruaku and Blue as being the most likely rookies to have a meaningful impact on this team in 2025. The 6th and 7th rounders despite our hopes are all by NFL standards developmental long shots. Revell has big upside but that depends on his knee recovery.

Who are your realistic impact rookies?

A wild guess

the rookies who will have the most impact will be the ones who had the most impact after 17 games, and we could discuss it in 2026 ...

 

[kskboys]

6 rookies will have some level of positive impact this season for the Cowboys:

Tyler Booker, G
Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE
Jaydon Blue, RB
Jay Toia, DT/NT
Phil Mafah, RB
Tommy Akingbesote, DT

'Preciate your optimism!!!!