One month ago today, the 2024 NFL Draft kicked off in Detroit.
30 days later, the Dallas Cowboys have some new players looking to earn their stripes and contribute immediately.
It is going to be crucial for the Cowboys rookie class to step up in the 2024 season.
As fans have discussed extensively, the team did almost nothing in free agency and the trade market.
At the same time, they lost multiple starters are depth pieces to other teams.
This gives the Cowboys’ rookies and UDFAs a great chance to get snaps in their first seasons.
Last season, Dallas got just about nothing from their 2023 draft class.
Their first three picks, Mazi Smith, Luke Schoonmaker, and DeMarvion Overshown were either on the bench or injured.
And it’s not like the late-round guys stepped up in their absence.
The most contributions from those guys came from RB Deuce Vaughn, but he only averaged 1.7 yards per carry in his limited action.
Dallas’ roster was stacked enough last year to achieve a 12-5 record without their rookies.
They don’t have that same luxury this time around.
It is going to be on these rookies to show up, earn playing time, and ball out at times if the Cowboys want to replicate their 2023 success.
So, let’s take a look at which Cowboys rookies have the best chance to do that.
Center, Cooper Beebe
The obvious first answer here comes from the 73rd pick in the draft, Center Cooper Beebe.
This Kansas State product fell to Dallas in the 3rd round and with a glaring need at center, they did not hesitate to grab him.
At the start of OTA’s, the team is giving Brock Hoffman the 1st-team reps.
But I still expect Beebe to take the job and start at center in Week 1 this September.
His rookie counterpart, Tackle Tyler Guyton, may see some time behind veteran Chuma Edoga at the start of the season.
Beebe on the other hand is more pro-ready than Guyton, and he could show that quickly.
He was reliable and downright physical, and that won’t change as he makes the jump from college to the pros.
This was shown against some NFL talent vs the Texas Longhorns in 2023, as he more than held his own.
All in all, expectations are high for Beebe, and for good reason.
He is likely to start at center and perform well in his rookie campaign, giving Dallas a major boost on the offensive line.
Linebacker, Marist Liufau
On draft night, some (including myself) were surprised to hear Marist Liufau as the Cowboys’ 87th pick
There were some running backs and bigger-name linebackers that seemed likely.
As we’ve learned, this pick had little to do with anything other than new Defensive Coordinator, Mike Zimmer.
High motor, great athleticism, intelligence, and versatility.
That’s just about everything Zimmer looks for in linebackers, and Liufau has strengths in all of those areas.
He also has a pretty clear path to on-field reps.
Right now, Liufau is slotted in as Dallas’ starting SLB according to ESPN.
Even if Overshown does overtake him, which I believe is likely, he will be the clear LB4 on the roster.
This means snaps on defense, special teams, and a starting role if anybody goes down or if he overperforms.
The Cowboys spent a top-100 pick on Liufau for a reason.
And it’s because he can contribute immediately to multiple aspects of the game.
Don’t be surprised by how much field Liufau gets in his rookie season, because Zimmer loves him.
Defensive Tackle, Justin Rogers
How about the Cowboys get some shades of Brock Purdy in this draft class?
Justin Rogers, The team’s final pick and the 244th in the entire draft, has a chance to earn snaps right away.
Defensive tackle may be the weakest spot on the entire Cowboys roster.
Aside from veteran Osa Odghizuwa, it’s Smith, Chauncey Golston, and Carl Davis Jr.
Essentially, the players standing in Rogers’ way are a guy coming off a major shoulder injury and a bad rookie season, and two lower-level veterans.
That’s pretty good news for this former Auburn Tiger.
Rogers was one of a few true Nose Tackles in the 2024 draft, and he could fill that role in Dallas.
Zimmer loves utilizing “NTs” to his defense’s advantage.
As much as the Cowboys would love a rebound season from Smith, they can’t bank on that, and Rogers is waiting in the wings for a shot.
He brings run-stuffing ability and pass-rush potential.
If Dallas gets a chance to put some of that on the field, he could develop into a starter for them.