The Dallas Cowboys have a long history of finding talent in unexpected places, and perhaps no better example of that exists than former WR Miles Austin.
Undrafted out of Monmouth in 2006, Austin carved out a career that included two Pro Bowl appearances, over 5,000 receiving yards, and a season where he took the league by storm with 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Now, in 2025, another undrafted wideout is turning heads in Oxnard: rookie Traeshon Holden.
While it’s far too early to crown him the next Miles Austin, the similarities are hard to ignore.
Both entered the league without hearing their names called on draft weekend, and both walked into a Cowboys receiver room with room to climb the depth chart.
If Holden continues his current trajectory, he might just follow in Austin’s footsteps.
Room on the Depth Chart
The Cowboys’ wide receiver room is far from settled behind stars CeeDee Lamb and newly acquired George Pickens.
While those two are locked into the top of the depth chart, the rest of the roles are up for grabs. Jalen Tolbert and Jonathan Mingo are likely the top candidates fighting for WR3, but beyond that, it’s anyone’s spot to win.
Dallas usually carries six wide receivers on the 53-man roster, so KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy, and a younger group including Holden are all fighting to fill out the room.
All are talented, but none have a stranglehold on WR4 and beyond. This creates a golden opportunity for someone like Holden.
He has ideal size at 6-foot-3, and his college tape shows a player capable of making contested catches and operating over the middle.
Unlike in other years where the Cowboys had a clearer pecking order at wide receiver, 2025 offers the perfect window for an undrafted player to make a name for himself, and Holden is already making the most of it.
Coaching Connection
One of the underrated factors in Holden’s early success is his connection with Cowboys wide receivers coach Junior Adams, who coached him during his time at Oregon.
The chemistry and familiarity between player and coach has allowed Holden to get a head start in learning the offense and understanding the expectations at the position.
In the NFL, especially for undrafted rookies, small advantages can turn into big breaks.
Having a coach in your corner who already believes in you goes a long way when the roster bubble begins to shrink.
Making a Name for Himself
Holden isn’t just surviving in camp, he’s thriving.
Multiple reporters have noted his name during practices, citing his reliable hands, crisp route-running, and ability to make plays in traffic.
He’s hauled in several eye-catching grabs already, including a diving sideline catch that drew cheers from both teammates and coaches.
While it’s early in the process, standout plays in front of decision-makers are how undrafted rookies earn their keep.
Holden is doing exactly what he needs to do to prove he belongs, just like Miles Austin once did.
It’s still a long road to the 53-man roster, and even longer to stardom, but Traeshon Holden is checking every box so far.
The Cowboys once found a gem in Miles Austin. Don’t be surprised if they’ve done it again.
