While the Dallas Cowboys win on Monday was fueled by new arrivals and returning veterans, the 2025 rookies carried their share of the load.
Tyler Booker was once again solid at right guard. Booker has filled in the hole left behind when Zack Martin retired at the end of 2024.
Defensive end Donovan Ezieruaku had a strong outing.
In addition to several nice tackles, Ezieruaku recorded his first safety with a strong tackle on Ashton Jeanty late in the game.
Here’s how the rookies fared in the 33-16 victory in Las Vegas.
Tyler Booker (OG)
While Tyler Guyton was trying to earn an Academy Award for Best Acting by a player flopping on a football field on Monday night, Tyler Booker was having another solid game.
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Booker played on all 67 offensive snaps and another five on special teams (20%). The only blemish on his night was an unsportsman-like conduct call late in the game that had little impact on the outcome.
It was the third time Booker has drawn a yellow flag this year.
Donovan Ezeiruaku (DE)
He tackled Ashton Jeanty in the endzone for a safety to account for the final two points of the game.
Ezieruaku has two sacks and 25 tackles on the season.
Shavon Revel Jr. (CB)
Shavon Revel Jr. made his NFL debut on Monday night. The Cowboys eased him into action with 19 snaps and he finished with one assisted tackle.
The third rounder from East Carolina is coming back from a severe knee injury in 2024 in his senior season.
Jaydon Blue (RB)
The fifth round pick was inactive for Monday night’s game. He has played in just four of the Cowboys’ 10 games this year.
Blue has 65 yards on 22 carries along with a five-yard reception for the season.
Shemar James (LB)
Shemar James, the fifth rounder from Florida, had 26 defensive snaps (43%) and another 16 (64%) on special teams.
James did not start but finished with seven tackles, second only to DaRon Bland’s 10. James had started the previous four games for Dallas.
Ajani Cornelius (OL)
The sixth round pick back in April, Ajani Cornelius was not active on Monday night in Las Vegas. His only appearance this year was in the win over the Jets.
Jay Toia (DT)
The seventh rounder from UCLA, Jay Toia had 13 defensive snaps (22%) and another four (16%) on special teams. He did not record a single stat.
Alijah Clark (CB)
An undrafted free agent, Alijah Clark, had one snap on defense (2%) and another 19 (76%) on special teams. He finished with three tackles.
Trikweze Bridges (DB)
Bridges was not active for the game on Monday night.
Phil Mafah (RB)
The seventh round pick that showed some promise in the preseason remains on IR.
The Practice Squad Four
These four rookies are on the Cowboys practice squad:
- Traeshon Holden (WR) – Practice Squad
- Rivaldo Fairweather (TE) – Practice squad
- Justin Barron (LB) – Practice squad
- Zion Childress (DB) – Practice Squad
Gone But Not Forgotten
Defensive tackle, and the Cowboys final seventh round pick back in April, Tommy Akingbesote, was cut prior to the regular season. He remains out of the NFL.
