Sometimes you have to look back to see forward. As the 2024 NFL Draft quickly approaches let’s take a look back at how the Dallas Cowboys 2023 draft class performed, and are any of them primed to make what Mike McCarthy calls the “second-year leap.”
The Dallas Cowboys have been quiet in free agency. So the team is hoping these players can –at least in part–help make a deeper playoff run next season (a.k.a Super Bowl or bust).
Cowboys 2023 Draft Picks
DT Mazi Smith,
TE Luke Schoonmaker,
LB DeMarvion Overshown
DE Viliami Fehoko
OT Asim Richards
CB Eric Scott Jr.
RB Deuce Vaughn
WR Jalen Brooks
Both Smith and Schoonmaker had less the impressive rookie campaigns. However, if Jalen Tolbert’s improvement in year two is any indication then Mazi and Luke could also be strong contributors.
Now that Jonathan Hankins is signing with the Seattle Seahawks the Cowboys run-stopping ability–or lack of it–could become that much worse. Mazi could potentially play a big role shoring up the D-line in Big D.
Tight end isn’t a need for worry based on Jake Ferguson’s breakout year. That said, Schoonmaker could grow his production in both the passing and run-blocking game.
With Leighton Vander Esch gone, the Cowboy linebacker room is looking like a deserted island. But Overshown could be a glimmer of hope for Cowboys fans. Before his ACL injury happened against the Seahawks in preseason last year, he seemed destined to make the team. Now with Eric Kendricks flipping from the 49ers to the Cowboys, Overshown could compete with Damone Clark and give a little depth to this linebacking group.
The DE spot was deep in Big D last season so Fehoko benefitted from that with a whole year to work on his technique and getting his body NFL-shape. Plus, with Armstrong and Fowler Jr. gone, Fehoko will get plenty of reps to show off all that talent.
Now on to the O-line. Departures from both left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz
leave huge holes to fill. Richards got in a few games last year, and could step up in year two. Plus, look for undrafted free agent T.J. Bass have a much bigger impact in 2024.
With DC Mike Zimmer back at the helm you could see Scott Jr. could get the opportunity to get on the DB depth chart for the Cowboys. He definitely had some flashes of speed and talent in camp last year.
Running back is a big question mark right now. Yes, Rico Dowdle just signed for another year, and Deuce Vaughn had some shots in his rookie season. Most people expect Dallas will grab a running back in the draft. If that happens both Deuce and undrafted rookie free agent Luekpe would be left fighting for snaps.
Last, but far from least, Jalen Brooks impressed over and over again in Oxnard, and got a few shots in the regular season grabbing all six targets for 64 yards.
The Cowboys and their legion of fans are watching and waiting to see what happens in the 2024 draft–and if the 2023 draft class can make that all important “second year leap.”
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