Cowboys’ rookies see roles increase slightly in win over the Rams

The Cowboys’ 2023 rookie class had a slightly better showing Sunday against the Rams compared to two weeks ago against the Chargers.

But not by much.

The rookies are not making nearly the impact for the Cowboys that many of their peers are across the NFL. This trend needs to change soon.

Especially as Dallas failed to make any moves at the trade deadline yesterday to improve the roster.

Mazi Smith

The first rounder out of Michigan recorded a tackle late in the third quarter of Sunday’s win.

He had 18 snaps on defense – matching his total from two weeks ago – but below his season-high. He was third among the team’s defensive tackles.

Osa Odighizuwa and Johnathan Hankins continue to take the majority of the snaps.

Luke Schoonmaker

We had a Schoonmaker sighting on Sunday.

Luke Schoonmaker (Dallas News photo)

With five minutes left in the second half, Dak Prescott hit the second rounder from Michigan for a 13-yard pass.

It was the first play of a five play drive that ended with a touchdown and a 33-3 lead. He had 25 snaps on offense and 15 on special teams.

In seven games, Schoonmaker has two catches for 14 yards and one touchdown on seven targets.

DeMarvion Overshown

The third rounder from Texas continues to recover from his pre-season injury and continues to work toward the 2024 season.

Viliami Fehoko

Did not see action on Sunday. He has not played a single down this season.

Asim Richards

After two straight weeks listed as inactive, Richards saw action on Sunday with Tyron Smith being a late scratch.

Richards played 11 snaps on offense and another seven on special teams.

Eric Scott Jr.

Did not see action on Sunday. He has not played a single down this season.

Deuce Vaughn

For the second straight game, Vaughn was a healthy scratch for the Cowboys.

Vaughn’s stock with the Cowboys – for reasons unknown – seems to be tumbling at this point.

The sixth rounder from Kansas State has 40 yards on 20 carries. He has five receptions for 19 yards.

He has no touchdowns scored this in his rookie season.

Jalen Brooks

The seventh round pick was inactive on Sunday.

He has only seen action in two games this year for a total of 20 snaps on offense and 24 on special teams. He has no stats.

T.J. Bass

The undrafted free agent played just nine snaps on offense and seven on special teams.

The guard saw no action against the Chargers two weeks earlier. Bass played 81 snaps in lone start in Week 3 against the Cardinals.

Hunter Luepke

The undrafted free agent from North Dakota State appears to have moved up the depth chart ahead of Vaughn.

He is currently third in snaps behind Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle.

Luepke caught one pass for a negative yards on Sunday. He had six snaps on offense and 21 on special teams.

Luepke has one touchdown on three carries and 13 yards rushing. He’s added two receptions for 10 yards for the season.

Brandon Aubrey

The rookie kicker continues to be the crown jewel of the rookie class. Aubrey has hit all of his first 18 field goal attempts.

Brandon Aubrey is 18-for-18 in field goals this season. (Getty Images)

If he makes his next field goal attempt he will set the new record. Cleveland’s Travis Coons (2015) currently shares the record of 18 with Aubrey

Since missing his first extra point attempt on a raining night in New York Aubrey has made 17 straight point after tries.

He was 5-for-5 on extra points and hit both field goals – including a 58-yarder – in Sunday’s win.

At least the Cowboys solved their kicking issues with their undrafted free agent from Notre Dame.