What are your 2023 expectations for our rookies?

[quickccc]

-Mazi Smith
I think he makes an impact this season. May take 1/4 of the season before we see his true impact, as a run stuffer. Need to see how they use him in the pass rush, and how he develops there.

-Luke Schoonmaker
I see him being worked in behind Ferguson and Hendershot. Then all 3 getting pretty much equal time, until one emerges as the lead TE. TC will tell us more though.

- DeMarvion Overshown
He will be mostly ST's, and get some plays, or opportunities to spell Kearse. He could be used to spy on the more mobile QB's as well.

- Vikiami Fehoko
May get a few plays in the rotation, but will need to show something to earn more. I think more of a 2024 player.

- Asim Richards
Need to see him in TC, to see where he fits in for depth. More of a 2024 guy.

- Eric Scott
Everyone is high on him, but need to see him in TC as well. He may be like Bland, and will take until later in the season to get his opportunities more. Hopefully not because of injuries.

- Deuce Vaughn
He will get his plays in, and I think in a Lance Dunbar type way. Not just gadget plays. I don't see him getting a lot from the start though. Depending how Davis and / or Jones does as the backup RB.

- Jalen Brooks
I don't really know much about him, but he may be one of those players fans will over hype in TC. For now I will say a PS player.

How many CBs are we expected to keep ? Seven ?
If so 7 CBs, this is how I see the number/names on the 53 roster

1 Diggs
2 Gilmore
3 Bland
4 Lewis
5 Scott
6 Joseph
7 Goodwin

 

[quickccc]

-Mazi Smith
I think he makes an impact this season. May take 1/4 of the season before we see his true impact, as a run stuffer. Need to see how they use him in the pass rush, and how he develops there.

-Luke Schoonmaker
I see him being worked in behind Ferguson and Hendershot. Then all 3 getting pretty much equal time, until one emerges as the lead TE. TC will tell us more though.

- DeMarvion Overshown
He will be mostly ST's, and get some plays, or opportunities to spell Kearse. He could be used to spy on the more mobile QB's as well.

- Vikiami Fehoko
May get a few plays in the rotation, but will need to show something to earn more. I think more of a 2024 player.

- Asim Richards
Need to see him in TC, to see where he fits in for depth. More of a 2024 guy.

- Eric Scott
Everyone is high on him, but need to see him in TC as well. He may be like Bland, and will take until later in the season to get his opportunities more. Hopefully not because of injuries.

- Deuce Vaughn
He will get his plays in, and I think in a Lance Dunbar type way. Not just gadget plays. I don't see him getting a lot from the start though. Depending how Davis and / or Jones does as the backup RB.

- Jalen Brooks
I don't really know much about him, but he may be one of those players fans will over hype in TC. For now I will say a PS player.

WRs ....Six ?
1 Lamb
2 Cooks
3 Gallup
4 Turpin
5 Tolbert
6 Fehoko

- Unless Schoon just really wows the club by leaps and bounds and is so head and shoulders above current Ferguson/Hendershot, I don't think the lead TE role
won't be settled in camp, i think that adventure will be determined ....as the season goes on..

- I agree with Vaughn and his role and competition vs other backups

 

[Point-of-the-Star]

-Mazi Smith : Like most others said he'll see significant playing time. If he proves to be able to anchor down and get some pushback I see him and Hankins in the middle on goal line and short yardage. If he proves he can penetrate on passing plays he'll up the ante toward full time starter.

-Luke Schoonmaker : The plantar fasciitis is worrisome, very much so (I've had it and suffered almost a year with it and it still flares up). Read: First line treatment is rest . I think Luke has the tools to be almost Jason Witten like (not saying he will be). Get the foot playable, he'll be in the lineup a lot and produce.

- DeMarvion Overshown : As mentioned earlier he has a potential high ceiling but is very raw. But, he is an attacker that plays long and fast and DQ likes that. He'll be mostly a ST guy but see him being used against running QB's (Hurts) to shadow/attack the RPO. I think DQ has visualized a plan as such. This guy could develop into a really good hybrid type LB.

- Vikiami Fehoko : I think he makes the final 53 if he shows the athleticism and good technique to play 3 tech. Last I heard they were trying to get him to put on weight to play inside. I think he could make Neville Gallimore expendable. Could also end up on the PS. He's got some eye opening college film. 50/50 to make the final 53 but due to draft capital I say he makes it.

- Asim Richards : Again, if he performs in camp he'll stick. I'm thinking more like a project and a PS guy. We need him to be that guy and make the final 53. Our Cowboys coaching staff has the reputation of developing these no-name OL into NFL quality players. Fingers Crossed ! I'm saying PS right now pre camp.

- Eric Scott : We have a lot of talent in our defensive backfield. I think this guy stays and may be a gem in the rough. Coaching and player development folks thought they saw something and I'll trust them. Special team ace maybe with becoming a solid DB backup. Final 53 !

- Deuce Vaughn : I can't wait to see them carve out ways to use this little monster's talents. Seriously, I'm excited about him. If he shows he's NFL ready talent I can see him in 10-15 plays a game on offense and even Maybe / Possibly more. If he can be a threat in the passing game with some quick throws/screens and chew up chunks of yardage the opposing defenses will have to respect him and assign assets/adjust their schemes to account for him. Go Deuce! Be a playa ! Did I say I was excited about this guy?

- Jalen Brooks : I have no good handle on the WR room other than our top 3. I've heard that Tolbert has made strides and looked great. Simi is in year 3 and has the 2 years of practice experience. I say it'll be hard for him to make the final 53 but goes onto the PS.

TJ Bass : I'm adding him as an UDFA. He's big, strong, technical and aggressive as mentioned above. Not overly athletic tho. My hat's off to @quickccc for mentioning him. I think he was a worthy UDFA signing. Kinda my pet cat although a few months back I said I didn't have any pet cats. I'm pulling for him. He barely makes the 53 (surprise) but more likely the PS.

Although Dallas draft and rook pickups aren't getting a lot of national press I'm OK with that. This team has talent. It's up the the coaching staff to continue to develop the talent of these new guy as we need them to be NFL good and play on those rookie contracts so we can keep our nucleus star vets. Dallas has one of the best talent evaluation / acquisition departments in the League.

I'm excited for our guys and the team. Can't hardly wait for training camp and the season.

GO COWBOYS !

 

[jazzcat22]

How many CBs are we expected to keep ? Seven ?
If so 7 CBs, this is how I see the number/names on the 53 roster

1 Diggs
2 Gilmore
3 Bland
4 Lewis
5 Scott
6 Joseph
7 Goodwin

Can't see us keeping 7, but you never know.
I think Lewis starts the season on PUP.
If another player steps up on ST's, maybe they finally can dump Goodwin. I like him on ST's, one of the best. But he offers nothing at CB.
This is where Joseph needs to step up or he may be on the bubble. They will keep Scott, they like keeping their draft picks, plus they traded up for him, so they don't want to look bad there.

Don't forget about Nashon Wright, he can flip between S & CB, so they have some flex there. Which I do not like that as much as some, and same goes for Wright as it does Joesph. Who steps up on ST's. Both were decent, but one or both needs to beat out Goodwin.

 

[Typhus]

Just when I begin to post, all here have answered the questions.
Great thread.

 

[baltcowboy]

What are you basing if off of ? Draft round status ?

Schoon has not even played a single NFL game to display this talent ..and you're already anointing him as the most talented TE on the roster ?

Yeah. I think the fact that he is 6’6 and runs 4.58 actually counts for something. I guess you like the 4.7 and 4.8 guys.

 

[quickccc]

Yeah. I think the fact that he is 6’6 and runs 4.58 actually counts for something. I guess you like the 4.7 and 4.8 guys.

So you're basing it off personal workout numbers ?

Knowing that there's been many and plenty of guys entering he NFL draft that have wowed in shorts and t-shirts pre-draft ..but bummed out when it came to translating
40 time and drills to the actual playing field.

Show me the true player on the actual playing field ... not an athlete in shorts and tshirt workouts vs air.

 

[CouchCoach]

It’s funny how some of you underestimate Schoonmaker. Barring injury he is the most talented tight end on the roster and it’s not even close. If Mazi can take on double team blocks, the defense takes another step towards greatness.

He is a complete TE, just needs to stay healthy.

Rookie DT's that force double teams are rare. I'll settle for him being able to handle one NFL OL this season.

 

[baltcowboy]

So you're basing it off personal workout numbers ?

Knowing that there's been many and plenty of guys entering he NFL draft that have wowed in shorts and t-shirts pre-draft ..but bummed out when it came to translating
40 time and drills to the actual playing field.

Show me the true player on the actual playing field ... not an athlete in shorts and tshirt workouts vs air.

We will see in training camp

 

[quickccc]

Can't see us keeping 7, but you never know.
I think Lewis starts the season on PUP.
If another player steps up on ST's, maybe they finally can dump Goodwin. I like him on ST's, one of the best. But he offers nothing at CB.
This is where Joseph needs to step up or he may be on the bubble. They will keep Scott, they like keeping their draft picks, plus they traded up for him, so they don't want to look bad there.

Don't forget about Nashon Wright, he can flip between S & CB, so they have some flex there. Which I do not like that as much as some, and same goes for Wright as it does Joesph. Who steps up on ST's. Both were decent, but one or both needs to beat out Goodwin.

- When did they have Wright at safety ?
..or could you be confusing him with S/CB Izzy Makumu who has flexed at both S and CB. and even played the CB role even better than Wright ?

- Not only do I forget about Wright ..I predict he gets cut because he is JAG,.. and he's not the stand out on special teams that Goodwin Jr. and Joseph (despite his 10 penalties) are.
Unless he just shocks and surprises.. i could see him cut and brought back to the practice squad,

- For past years folks have been predicting and even hoping Goodwin gets cut because he only special teams gunner, but apparently he's an exceptional gunner, and
one Bones holds very reliable that there hasn't been much of a challenge to him.

- The way I see it, since Bones is an exceptional special teams coach, ..give him his hand picked exceptional special teams players

 

[quickccc]

We will see in training camp

Training camp may start it ... but I think it's gonna be much more determined once the lights come on in live game action in regular seasons, .. and performances determined win-loss stakes.

These guys re gonna be going against regular starters in regular season on a full time basis, .vs just the fringe bubble and practice squad developmental guys in camp .just .IMHO.

 

[baltcowboy]

Training camp may start it ... but I think it's gonna be much more determined once the lights come on in live game action in regular seasons, .. and performances determined win-loss stakes.

These guys re gonna be going against regular starters in regular season on a full time basis, .vs just the fringe bubble and practice squad developmental guys in camp .just .IMHO.

We will see. MM and the offensive coordinator think we had a weakness at tight end. They expect to see Schoonmaker out there. Belt and Broaddus say the Cowboys think they have something with the Michigan kid.

 

[jazzcat22]

- When did they have Wright at safety ?
..or could you be confusing him with S/CB Izzy Makumu who has flexed at both S and CB. and even played the CB role even better than Wright ?

- Not only do I forget about Wright ..I predict he gets cut because he is JAG,.. and he's not the stand out on special teams that Goodwin Jr. and Joseph (despite his 10 penalties) are.
Unless he just shocks and surprises.. i could see him cut and brought back to the practice squad,

- For past years folks have been predicting and even hoping Goodwin gets cut because he only special teams gunner, but apparently he's an exceptional gunner, and
one Bones holds very reliable that there hasn't been much of a challenge to him.

- The way I see it, since Bones is an exceptional special teams coach, ..give him his hand picked exceptional special teams players

Yeah maybe I am thinking of Izzy. However, maybe Wright’s rookie season there was talk of trying him at S.

 

[plasticman]

I only have expectations for Mazi. I want him to be included into the rotation.

My expectations for their 2nd years will be radically different.

 

[big dog cowboy]

• Luke Schoonmaker- he will play immediately but I don’t think he will be impactful this year. He has a good skill set, is more athletic than many think but I don’t think he will have gaudy numbers this year.

He walks in a better blocker than Schultz. So his impact will be immediate.

He won't have gaudy numbers because he won't get the targets. Too far down the food chain.

 

[xwalker]

What are you basing if off of ? Draft round status ?

Schoon has not even played a single NFL game to display this talent ..and you're already anointing him as the most talented TE on the roster ?

You have to study game footage to understand...

He is one of the most fundamentally sound blockers that I've seen in college football.

His RAS was 16th of 1105 TEs since 1989...

 

[quickccc]

You have to study game footage to understand...

He is one of the most fundamentally sound blockers that I've seen in college football.

His RAS was 16th of 1105 TEs since 1989...

I'm not talking his blocking, ...defenses are not scared of that.

The Kelcies, Andrews, Pitts, etc. places fear factors in opposing defenses and give them headaches and mismatch coverages because of their
receiving skills.
You just like to have a TE that also has some acceptable blocking skills that is not Schultz like.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

-Mazi Smith: Probably play about 30% to 35% of the snaps. Doesnt offer much in the passing game right now, and that snap count is pretty typical for a run defending DT

-Luke Schoonmaker: I expected him to be behind Ferguson even before the foot injury. He will get some run as a blocker of he is healthy, but I dont expect much as a reciever

- DeMarvion Overshown: Hard to say. He is an ascending player, but I expect him to be behind Clark. I think his 2023 playing time depends on health. If an LB or Kearse goes down, he will tons of snaps

- Vikiami Fehoko: We are thin inside, but that Golston also figures into the 3T rotation. I think Golston would be ahead of Fehoko both inside and as a run down DE. As an effort guy, I could still see him getting about 200 or so snaps with a splash play here and there

- Asim Richards: I dont expect to see him in the field. I think 2023 is a transition year for him, and he will be buried on depth chart. Could see him competing for a starting spot in 2024 though

- Eric Scott: Likely to make the roster, but at most will play ST

- Deuce Vaughn: I think they will bring in a #2 HB, and Vaughn should do well as a high usage 3rd HB. Could see about 80-100 carries

- Jalen Brooks. Either he doesnt make the roster or he contributes on ST. Cropper may be a better WR

I think this is pretty spot on, although I think Overshown and Fehoko are going to see fewer snaps than mentioned here.

 

[Mac_MaloneV1]

It’s funny how some of you underestimate Schoonmaker. Barring injury he is the most talented tight end on the roster and it’s not even close. If Mazi can take on double team blocks, the defense takes another step towards greatness.

He wasn't even the most talented TE on Michigan.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I think this is pretty spot on, although I think Overshown and Fehoko are going to see fewer snaps than mentioned here.

Both are really hard to call. Overshown will only any kind consistent defensive snaps if we get hit by injuries.

Fehoko would really need a good camp to get any consistent run. And even then max 200 snaps