The NFL preseason is creeping upon us meaning all 32 teams will see their rookies in a game-like atmosphere. For some rookies heading into preseason, they know their roster spot is guaranteed. The games played are just an opportunity to get their feet wet and get a gameday-like experience. For other rookies, this is a three-game audition. Their goal is to secure a spot on their team’s 53-man roster or practice squad. However, it’s also an audition for the other 31 NFL teams as some players may land on other teams depending on their preseason performances.
The Dallas Cowboys drafted eight rookies whose first audition will come against the Los Angeles Rams on August 11th. Gems can be discovered in preseason and three guys could be an impactful player this upcoming season. Here are three Cowboys rookies to keep an eye on during preseason.
Three Cowboys Rookies That Could Excel
Caelen Carson
Caelen Carson also known as “Seat Belt” was drafted in the fifth round out of Wake Forest. For Carson, he was probably drafted to a perfect scenario when he landed with Dallas. He’ll be joining a secondary accompanied by two of the best ballhawks in the NFL, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. As we’ve seen the last two seasons this is a unit that loves to take the football away and relies heavily on their secondary to make plays, in both the run and passing game.
The starting cornerbacks will most likely be Jourdan Lewis as the nickel corner while Diggs and Bland play outside. Carson will get the majority of his reps at that outside position and has two of the best to learn from. Defensive back coach Al Harris has transformed the Cowboys secondary into one of the best units in the NFL. Similar to Bland, who was also drafted in the fifth round, Carson could be a gem and a big-time contributor for the Cowboys defense.
Marist Liufau
If there was one thing the playoff game showed for Dallas last year it’s the dire need for help at the linebacker position. Last season Dan Quinn used a lot of hybrid linebacker/safety looks by playing Markquese Bell and Donovan Wilson in the box. Now with Mike Zimmer calling the defense, he’s transitioning back to the traditional linebacker style of football, and that’s where Marist Liufau comes into play.
The Cowboys took Liufau in the third-round out of Notre Dame and he excels against the run and pass. The loss of Leighton Vander Esch could be a huge blow for the Cowboys but Zimmer has a few other guys he’ll need to step up. They signed Eric Kendricks this offseason and Damone Clark is awaiting a big year. DeMarvion Overshown, who missed last season with an injury should also be back in the mix. This is a young group of linebackers with all but Kendricks under 25 years old. These guys will be juiced and full of energy as the season comes, and even if Liufau isn’t the week one starter he’ll get tons of opportunities to be an impactful player for Zimmer’s defense.
Ryan Flournoy
The way the statics lineup it looks as if the Cowboys’ offense is a well-oiled machine. Realistically, this is a unit with a lot of holes at the playmaker positions but the numbers say otherwise. That goes to show how good Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have been. Last season Michael Gallup was playing in the number two wide receiver spot but didn’t give the Cowboys much production. Brandin Cooks did step up in a big way and will look to have another productive season in year two with Dallas. The question that still stands is who will be the guy to take the pressure off Lamb and Cooks?
Jalen Tolbert is expected to step into the starting role alongside Lamb and Cooks. He’s shown flashes of what he can bring to the offense and will get the opportunity to be a game-changer this season. For Ryan Flournoy, you may be in a very fortunate situation. Not only are you playing with one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL but also on a team who loves to air the ball out. The Cowboys threw the ball 56.7% of the time last season and averaged about 64 passing plays per game.
Flournoy is an explosive athlete with 4.4 speed and big hands. Compared to Gallup who he could be a replacement for he’s faster, stronger, and is more of a vertical threat with a 39.5” vertical jump. If Prescott needs a guy to stretch the field or a big body to throw jump balls to Flournoy could offer both if he’s allowed to showcase his talent.
