The Dallas Cowboys could see five rookies among their 22 starters when the season opens in Cleveland on Sept. 8th.
In most cases, that would have a general manager laying in for a few cases of Tums in preparation for a chaotic year. But with Jerry Jones as the GM, the Cowboys live in a state of perpetual chaos anyway.
The fan base probably should stock up though.
The offensive line is probably going to see two rookie starters in Tyler Guyton at left tackle and Cooper Beebe at center. The defensive line will likely have Marshawn Kneeland as an edge starter too.
Linebacker Marist Liufau and cornerback Caelen Carson will definitely see a lot of playing time.
They both have legitimate chances to be starters in Cleveland, with Carson’s chances a little higher than Liufau’s at this writing.
The rest of the rookie class had one last dress rehearsal to show the Cowboys why they should remain on the roster. Many will be looking for jobs elsewhere this week.
Here’s a look at how the rookies fared on Saturday starting with the draft picks.
Tyler Guyton
The first-round pick out of Oklahoma, Guyton, should be the starting left tackle come Sept. 8th when Dallas next takes the field in Cleveland.
Guyton is making Will McClay’s reputation for drafting offensive lineman grow by the minute.
Marshawn Kneeland
Kneeland, the second-round pick out of Western Michigan, did not record a stat in Saturday’s loss. I did not recall seeing him on the field but I did miss a part of the game early on.
He’s likely going to be the starter on the edge opposite DeMarcus Lawrence when the Cowboys open the season.
Cooper Beebe
Like Guyton, Beebe is playing like a seasoned vet. The third-round pick out of Kansas State is also a likely opening game starter next month.
Marist Liufau
Liufau did not record a stat on Saturday – like Kneeland, I didn’t notice him on the field either. The third rounder from Notre Dame is going to make the final roster at the end of camp.
It seems unlikely that he’ll crack the starting lineup at this point unless there is an injury.
Caelen Carson
The fifth-round pick out of Wake Forest, Carson did not record a stat in Saturday’s game.
With DaRon Bland’s foot injury sidelining him for at least a third of the season, Carson could be the opening game starter across from Trevon Diggs.
Ryan Flournoy
The sixth-round pick, Ryan Flournoy hauled in three catches for 30 yards – including an 11-yard touchdown pass from Trey Lance.
He also added one carry for four yards.
Flournoy may have successfully made his case for the fourth receiver spot – despite CeeDee Lamb’s holdout ending with a massive new contract.
Nathan Thomas
A seventh-round pick, offensive lineman Nathan Thomas is in jeopardy of not making the roster – or the practice squad.
Justin Rogers
Also, a seventh-round pick, defensive tackle Justin Rogers, could also be in danger of not making the team. Especially with the recent signings by the Cowboys at his position.
Rogers did record one tackle against the Chargers.
The Undrafted
Running back Nathaniel Peat had three carries for 14 yards on Saturday. Is it enough to get him on the final roster?
Or even the practice squad?
Probably not.
Even though Dallas is looking to be a running-back-by-committee this season, Peat probably isn’t going to find a seat with his name on it.
Tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford continued his battle with John Stephens Jr. for the third tight end slot on the roster. Spann-Ford had three catches for 28 yards.
Stephens had three catches for 40 yards on Saturday.
Spann-Ford’s best hope for beating out Stephens is his being a better blocker in the run game.
Receiver Cam Johnson had four catches for 22 yards, but it seems unlikely it will be enough to get him a roster spot. Fellow receiver Alec Holler had two catches for 21 yards in what is likely his last game for Dallas.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper had one catch for six yards in what is almost certainly is last game for Dallas too. Especially with Lamb officially back in the fold.
On the defensive side, a couple of players may have made the regular season roster.
Safety Julius Wood had four tackles on Saturday. Cornerback Josh DeBerry had two solo tackles, including one for a loss.
Defensive tackle Denzel Daxon recorded one tackle on Saturday.