A few rookie diamonds shine brightly amid Cowboys’ rough performance

Given a second-straight loss was recorded on Sunday, in a game that the Cowboys mostly slept-walked through for the first three quarters, the 2024 rookie class didn’t shine that well. But there were some bright spots.

The two rookies starting on the offensive line acquitted themselves well. One rookie managed to play peacemaker between Dallas’ two veteran defensive leaders.

A rookie being able to do that, much less be willing to attempt that to begin with, shows signs of future leadership.

After a 1-2 start, and with all of the questions hanging over this franchise, the Cowboys needs all of that they can get. Even if it comes from a rookie.

Here’s how the rookies fared in Sunday’s 28-25 loss to Baltimore.

Tyler Guyton

The first-round pick out of Oklahoma, Tyler Guyton, started and played all 80 offensive snaps in the game. He also saw three snaps on special teams.

Guyton was flagged for holding in the game, but the penalty was offset by a Ravens defense penalty on the same play.

Overall, Guyton continues to impress and, more importantly, has not turned into a first-round disappointment much like last year’s top pick, Mazi Smith, has been.

Marshawn Kneeland

The Cowboys’ second-round pick in April, Marshawn Kneeland, saw 10 snaps on defense and another 13 on special teams in Sunday’s loss.

He finished the game with two tackles, one solo. But his best play of the day came on the sidelines.

A frustrated Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence got into a heated discussion. When Parsons stepped toward Lawrence, Kneeland jumped up from the bench and got in Parsons’ way.

It was enough to keep the situation from escalating.

It was an impressive move from a rookie, to be the peacemaker between two established vets.

Cooper Beebe

The third-round pick from Kansas State, Cooper Beebe, also played all 80 offensive snaps and three more on special teams.

The starting center had another solid performance. He went the entire game without a single penalty being called on him for the second time in three weeks.

For a player at a brand-new position, counting his college days, Beebe’s performance so far this year has been stellar.

Marist Liufau

The third-round pick from Notre Dame, Marist Liufau, was moved back to the bench after getting the start last week against the Saints.

Liufau finished the game on Sunday with one solo tackle. He saw just nine snaps on defense and 13 on special teams.

DeMarvion Overshown was back in as a starting linebacker. In 49 snaps he had six total tackles, three of them solo.

It will be interesting to see if Liufau and Overshown rotate as starters or if last week’s start was an aberration.

Caelen Carson

The fifth-round pick from Wake Forest, Caelen Carson, got his third-straight start.

In 62 defensive snaps, Carson had seven tackles, six of them solo. He failed to record a defended pass for the second-straight game, however.

DaRon Bland remains on IR for at least two more weeks, but recent reports have him at practice and showing no signs of a limp.

When Bland returns, expect Carson’s run as a starter to end.

Ryan Flournoy

The sixth-round pick from SE Missouri State, Ryan Flournoy, was once again inactive. Given the struggles the receivers are going through, maybe it’s time for Flournoy to see some game action?

Nathan Thomas

Offensive Tackle Nathan Thomas, the seventh round pick out of Louisiana, is on injured reserve.

But at least he is still in the organization. His fellow seventh round pick, Justin Rogers, was cut before the season began and is now on the Bengals practice squad.

The Undrafted

Tight End Brevyn Spann-Ford, out of Minnesota, saw nine snaps on offense and another nine on special teams on Sunday.

With the return of Jake Ferguson as the starting tight end, Spann-Ford’s chances take an immediate hit. He did not record a single stat in Sunday’s loss.

The other three undrafted rookies are currently on the practice squad.

Safety Emany Johnson, Defensive Tackle Denzel Daxon, and linebacker Brock Mogensen will likely remain there until an injury necessitates a call up.