The Dallas Cowboys 2017 rookies have some pretty big shoes to fill after what the 2016 draft class was able to accomplish a season ago. It will be a little bit more difficult for them, because there are very few of them that are expected to start or see a significant role this season, but you never know what will happen.
We have already seen injuries become a problem, which has forced a few of the Cowboy’s rookies into a more prominent role already this season. Fortunately, the majority of them have performed well and a few of them have exceeded expectations so much that they might have just earned themselves more playing time. These are the rookies I want to focus on in this article.
Now, before I get started I want to clarify that I don’t think the Dallas Cowboys first two draft picks have done anything yet to see an increased workload. I think Taco Charlton has done well, but is probably best in a situation role until he develops more. Unfortunately, Chidobe Awuzie continues to battle the injury bug and hasn’t been able to stay on the field long enough to prove himself.
Keeping all of that in mind, continue to read below to see the Dallas Cowboys rookies that I believe could possibly see more playing time based on the way they have played so far this season.
Jourdan Lewis
Dallas Cowboys rookie Jordan Lewis’ off-season mostly consisted of a pending domestic domestic violence case and injuries. Those two things have kept him off the practice field and hindered his development. Fortunately though, he made his NFL debut against the Denver Broncos and ended up having to play quite a bit as an injury replacement.
In Lewis’ first career game in the NFL, he was able to make six tackles, and pick off QB Trevor Siemian, returning it for 25 yards. Unfortunately, it didn’t have much of an impact in the game, but it was a positive sign of the player he can become.
Jourdan Lewis was once again thrust into action in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals due to injuries and followed up his impressive performance from the week prior. He was sticky in coverage the entire game against the Cardinals WRs and made some key open field tackles.
Lewis’ performance over these first two games have likely earned him more playing time and possibly a starting position. At the worst, he could be the slot CB when the Cowboys defense plays nickel. Regardless of where he plays, there is no doubt that he has earned the right to be on the field more often.
Ryan Switzer
Cowboys Nation have been chomping at the bit to see the Cowboys rookie WR Ryan Switzer see more of a role on offense. Unfortunately, that has yet to happen and he has only seen a few snaps on the offensive side of the ball. But, after seeing him have some success in the return game, you can see why an increased role on offense could be in the cards rather soon.
Switzer will no doubt be compared to Cole Beasley because of their similar size, but #10 is just a little bit bigger and more explosive with the ball in his hands. We did see him involved on offense a little bit against the Cardinals when he lined up in the backfield and was on the receiving end of a quick toss, but it only left us wanting more.
With so many mouths to feed on the offensive side of the ball, it’s going to be difficult to increase Switzer’s role. But, I can foresee where offensive coordinator Scott Linehan gets him more involved and has specific packages in place just for Switzer. Hopefully, it sooner rather than later.
Xavier Woods
Dallas Cowboys rookie Xavier Woods is kind of a do it all defensive back. He can play safety, cornerback, and can play in the slot as well. It’s that versatility that has gotten hbm on the field already, and he has done nothing to dissuade me from thinking he deserves more playing time. In fact, I would pound the table for it if I was on the coaching staff.
Jeff Heath hasn’t really done anything wrong, but he hasn’t been overly impressive either. Xavier Woods however is more athletic and could possibly be an upgrade when paired next to Byron Jones. Now, I don’t think this will happen anytime soon, but it is something to keep in mind.
I do however believe Xavier Woods needs to be on the field more often. His versatility to play any position in the secondary allows defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to get really creative with his coverages, something we saw against the Cardinals Monday night. There were several instances where he had six defensive backs on the field and just three down lineman. It’s something we could see more of as the season progresses.
Noah Brown
It’s no secret that I’ve been a big fan of Noah Brown’s dating back before the draft. I was personally ecstatic to see him drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round, because I personally had a fourth-round grade on him.
Brown is still raw as a WR, but the skill set he has right now could be extremely valuable on offense for the Cowboys. After being inactive the first week of the season, the coaching staff decided to add them to the active roster the last two weeks. And, if you were watching him like I was, you probably noticed why.
Brown’s ability to block in the running and passing game is a tremendous asset. The Cowboys have been lining him up in the slot and having him crash down and seal off the linebacker on outside zone plays and tosses. He may be a WR, but he blocks like a TE. I believe this particular skill set will get him on the field more often and help the offense. And, that’s not been mentioning that he is another surehanded WR in the passing game.
hard to disagree with your choices here, im hoping Cheeto’s leg allows him to get to 100% and i think with time Taco will be fine
I’m really anxious to see what #33 can do once he can finally get back on the field and stay healthy. I really think he would be a starter by now if not for his injury problems. Taco still has a ways to go, but there is something to work with there.