Cowboys Rookie Class Grade: Too Low or Just Right?
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys' young talent undoubtedly helped them to a 12-5 finish and a run to the Divisional Round this past season.
Dallas has drafted Tyler Smith, Micah Parsons, and CeeDee Lamb over the past three years in the first round and hope to keep the solid first-round selections going in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The youth movement is strong in the NFL, with multiple rookies making major impacts in crucial moments during the 2022-23 season. Unsurprisingly, the New York Jets had the best rookie class, according to NFL.com, with rookies Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson each earning a Rookie of the Year Honor.
How does the Cowboys rookie class compare? Dallas' 2022-23 class ranked No. 10 of the 32 teams. Here is what NFL.com said of the Cowboys' first two picks, Tyler Smith and Sam Williams:
Tyler Smith was drafted to play left guard next to Tyron Smith, but a preseason injury to the veteran forced the rookie to man left tackle from Week 1. He didn't get a chance to play his intended position until Dallas decided to insert Jason Peters at left tackle and place Tyron Smith at right tackle following a season-ending injury to usual right tackle Terence Steele. In all, the rookie played well, allowing six sacks, per Pro Football Focus, and accounting for close to a dozen penalties. But considering how he was required to adjust his role while getting his feet underneath him as a green blocker, he did a good job.
Entrenched behind DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams didn't see a ton of defensive snaps (273 on defense and 245 on special teams) but showed glimpses of why the Cowboys felt confident selecting him in the second round. He finished with 22 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defensed in his 15 games played, easing his way into the NFL while producing when given the opportunity.
Cornerback DaRon Bland must be mentioned when grading this draft class. Bland could be considered a steal after finishing the season with five interceptions, seven passes defensed and 54 tackles. The Fresno State product stepped up when injuries allowed him more playing time, giving Cowboys fans a glimpse at his bright future.
The Cowboys are currently scouting the NFL Combine in search of the next best class. The combine runs from Feb. 27 to March 6 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. Former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is the favorite (-175) to be drafted No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears own the first pick, however there are multiple quarterback-needy teams who may desire to trade up. The draft will take place at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. with the first round beginning on April 27.
The Cowboys have six total NFL Draft selections, with a pick in every round except the sixth. After a stellar career at the University of Texas, could running back Bijan Robinson be a real option for Dallas? Certainly that would turn heads and be a dream scenario in terms of cap flexibility while simultaneously adding to Dallas' 2023 youth movement.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Cowboys?
America's Team ALERT! Get your Dallas Cowboys game TICKETS from SI Tickets ... here!
Follow Bri Amaranthus on Twitter and Instagram
Follow Cowboys / Fish on Facebook
Subscribe to the Cowboys Fish Report on YouTube for constant daily Cowboys live-stream podcasts and reports!
