As the Cowboys rookies continue to work through Rookie Mini Camp, the franchise made the announcement Friday that they assigned jersey numbers for their 2022 Draft Class. Looking at all their numbers, you could arguably say the most notable number has to be 73 that was assigned to Tyler Smith, the Cowboys 1st-Round Pick this year.
Although the number was already shown in a picture of him and Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones during his NFL Draft press conference, it pops out to me since older fans remember No.73 being worn by legendary offensive lineman Larry Allen, who was a force on the offensive line during the mid-1990s and early 2000s.
It will be interesting to see if Smith can live up to those expectations, but you’re likely not going to find that answer till years down the road.
Jumping to the other assigned jersey numbers, 2nd-Round Draft Pick Sam “De” Williams landed No. 54, and you could argue that is another interesting number since he will have to live up to the names of Randy White and Chuck Howley, both Super Bowl MVPs for the Cowboys in the 1970s.
No. 18 was given to the Cowboys third-round pick Jalen Tolbert, as most fans remember that number being sported by WR Randall Cobb during his one season with the team. Could Tolbert be better than Cobb or contribute in similar ways? The odds are high.
No. 48 was assigned to Wisconsin TE Jake Ferguson, the franchise’s fourth-round pick. The number is most closely associated with former Cowboys FB Daryl “Moose” Johnston, an underrated player during the 90s Cowboys dynasty who blocked for RB Emmitt Smith.
No.71 will be worn by Tackle Matt Waletzko, one of the club’s fifth-round picks. Despite already having a huge presence, we can only hope he can fill some big shoes that were left by La’el Collins, who last sported the number.
No. 53 will be rocked by Linebacker Damone Clark. The number is closely associated with Center Mark Stepnoski, who played during Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII.
Cornerback DaRon Bland will sport No.30, which most recently belonged to current Cowboys CB Anthony Brown. He announced a switch to No.3 last season.
No. 95 was given to Arkansas DT John Ridgeway, who made headlines by saying he wants to come in and break someone’s neck when he gets out there (Dallas).
Lastly, No. 50 was handed to Linebacker Devin Harper. Fans will likely recall seeing Sean Lee run all over the field with the number, so we can only hope Harper does the same.
