The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 rookie class continues to fight for their roster spots as we near the end of training camp.
Saturday night’s 27-12 win over the Raiders in Las Vegas helped many of the young players make their case. A few took a step backward, unfortunately.
Here’s how the rookies fared on Saturday, beginning with the draft picks from April:
Tyler Guyton
The first-round pick out of Oklahoma, Tyler Guyton, is looking increasingly like the starting left tackle come Sept. 8th.
Guyton turned in a solid effort against the Raiders. He’s been looking like a beast in clips coming out of camp back in Oxnard too.
I have to admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of this pick back in April.
But Guyton is making a believer out of me.
Marshawn Kneeland
Marshawn Kneeland, the second-round pick out of Western Michigan, had just one tackle in Saturday’s win.
He’s likely going to be the starter on the edge opposite DeMarcus Lawrence when the Cowboys open the season in Cleveland.
Unlike Guyton, though, he still needs to be a little more impressive in game action. The way Dallas has been shopping for defensive linemen, Kneeland can’t afford to be complacent.
Cooper Beebe
Like Guyton, Cooper Beebe is playing like a seasoned vet. The third-round pick out of Kansas State had an amazing sequence on one play.
After snapping the ball to Try Lance, Cooper manhandled the Raiders’ nose tackle, throwing him to the ground.
Beebe then came off of that block and picked off a linebacker coming on a delayed blitz.
Talk about some Travis Frederick vibes.
Marist Liufau
Marist Liufau had three tackles against the Raiders on Saturday. The third rounder from Notre Dame is going to make the final roster at the end of camp.
But it seems unlikely that he’ll crack the starting lineup at this point unless there is an injury.
Right now, I see a starting lineup at linebacker of Micah Parsons, Eric Kendricks, and DeMarvion Overshown.
And Liufau needs to be looking over his shoulder. Because there is another rookie linebacker breathing down his neck.
Caelen Carson
The fifth-round pick out of Wake Forest, Caelen Carson did not record a stat in Saturday’s game.
But the cornerback is all but locked into the final roster at this point. He is expected to play a significant role in Mike Zimmer’s defense this year.
Ryan Flournoy
The sixth-round pick, Ryan Flournoy hauled in four catches for 23 yards – including a touchdown from Lance.
He also added one carry for 7 yards.
Flournoy isn’t making anyone forget about the absent CeeDee Lamb. But he is making his case for the fourth receiver spot.
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.
The Undrafted
Among the UDFA’s, linebacker Brock Mogensen out of South Dakota may be on the bubble of making the roster.
Mogensen had three tackles on Saturday as he tries to compete with Liufau for the first backup slot. He’ll need another stellar game this Saturday.
Tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford, from Minnesota, went without a catch on Saturday.
He’s battling John Stephens Jr. for the third TE slot on the roster.
Running backs Running back Snoop Conner (five carries for 15 yards) and Nathaniel Peat (one catch for 15 yards) are also fighting for a spot in the Cowboys’ running-back- by-committee room.
Three defensive players made their case with their play on Saturday.
Safety Julius Wood had five tackles, including one for a loss. Defensive tackle Denzel Daxon also had five tackles.
Cornerback Josh DeBerry finished with three tackles.
One player who may have sealed his fate was receiver Jalen Moreno-Cropper.
Not only did he fail to make a catch, he fumbled the ball back to the Raiders on a punt return.
One mistake is all it takes at this time of year. Moreno-Cropper may have fumbled away his chance with Dallas on Saturday.
Maybe even his shot in the NFL too.
