As the 2024 regular season inches closer, the Dallas Cowboys rookie class is garnering a ton of attention from the fan base. After a lackluster draft class performance in 2023, it is easy to understand why.
These fans are used to big successes coming from their rookies. The Cowboys have been one of the strongest drafting teams in the league for years now.
The fact is, that did not happen last season, and the new Cowboys rookie class must be better.
The Dallas Cowboys 2023 NFL Draft class:
Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Vilami Fehoko, Edge, SDSU
Asim Richards, IOL, North Carolina
Eric Scott Jr., CB, Southern Mississippisi
Deuce Vaugh, RB, Kansas State
Jalen Brooks, WR,…— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) April 29, 2023
With new holes on the roster being opened after Dallas’ dormant free agency performance, and existing weaknesses from 2023 still hanging around, it will fall on these young guys to push the Cowboys to the next level this year.
The point being, whether on the offensive line or in Mike Zimmer’s new defense, this Cowboys rookie class has no shortage of expectations in 2024.
Which of them will take those expectations head on and shine the brightest in their inaugural season?
Tyler Guyton, Left Tackle
You can not raise this question without talking about first-round pick, Tyler Guyton.
The former Oklahoma Sooner headlined this year’s Cowboys rookie class when the organization turned his way with the 27th overall pick. This came after the organization parted ways with franchise legend Tyron Smith, thus creating a massive hole at the left tackle spot that they then chose to fill with the raw talent of Guyton.
Comparisons to Tyler Smith immediately came from his selection, though Tyler Guyton may face some stronger challenges in his first year.
Guyton is much more of a project than Smith was coming out of Tulsa. He will need time to adapt to the NFL, though he seems eager to get to work.
#Cowboys rookie Tyler Guyton continues to work with Big Duke Manyweather and @OLMasterminds ahead of training camp 🤟
(🎥: @ olmastermindstraining on IG) pic.twitter.com/5UjpKI196R
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) July 1, 2024
It won’t be shocking if Guyton ends up as the best Cowboys rookie in 2024.
However, I don’t think it is fair to bank on that solely because of his title as a first round pick.
It won’t be a cakewalk for Guyton in his rookie campaign, and it may take some time before we can get really excited about his on-field performance.
Marist Liufau, Linebacker
If any Cowboys rookie performs way above his expectations in 2024, my money is on it being the 3rd-round pick, Marist Liufau.
Coming out of Notre Dame, many did not make the connection with Liufau and Dallas.
Linebacker was a big need heading into the 87th pick where he was drafted, but drafting a running back at that pick was the consensus move from the fans and media’s perspective.
When Liufau’s name was called, many were left with the same response…
Who?
As the months have gone on, we have learned about the young linebacker’s potential and his elite traits, and boy is there a lot to like.
He is touted as having some of the highest football IQ of anybody in the 2024 draft class. His athleticism is top-notch for the position, and his fit in Mike Zimmer’s defense is essentially perfect.
Marist Liufau is one of the most intelligent players in the 2024 class and he brings a tenacious spirit to the Cowboys defense.
Listen to what DC Mike Zimmer says on his call. pic.twitter.com/nhdKA5bM4A
— Dominic White (@DomWWhite) April 27, 2024
Because of the desperate need for linebackers in Dallas, he may get a ton of playing time right away.
Expect this Cowboys rookie to perform, and perform well, in 2024.
Cooper Beebe, Center
Last but certainly not least, we have fan-favorite and 3rd-round pick from Kansas State, Cooper Beebe.
For whatever reason, the fan-base has just taken to this guy, and that might grow even stronger as his rookie season gets underway.
Beebe was my personal favorite draftee from this Cowboys rookie class. Simply put, there is no way he should have been available where he was, and Dallas did a great thing by drafting him where they did.
His relentless effort, NFL-ready ability, and potential all position him as the center of the future.
With Tyler Biadasz heading north to Washington D.C. in free agency, the center spot needed to be filled, and the Cowboys offensive coaches campaigned hard for Beebe.
Cowboys C Tyler Biadasz agreed to a contract with Commanders, a person familiar with deal said. He is the first but probably not last Cowboys player to follow Dan Quinn to Washington.
Biadasz a respected veteran who saved two turnovers in 2023 with his motor to cover and finish. pic.twitter.com/ZdC9qJOTsN
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 11, 2024
The question now is, how will his first season stack up with the rest of the Cowboys rookie class?
I see Beebe as the strongest bet to have a great rookie season.
He does have some developmental things to work through. After all, he wasn’t a first-round type of guy.
With how Dallas develops offensive linemen, this Cowboys rookie has a great chance to be the next great one.
