Cowboys rookie makes most of surprise start & should be given bigger role

One Dallas Cowboys rookie proves after a surprise start that he has earned an even bigger role with the struggling defense.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James lines up during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys picked up an important win over the New York Jets in Week 5. However, this team still has plenty of issues to get cleaned up.

Going into their matchup with the New York Jets, the Cowboys gave rookie linebacker Shemar James the opportunity to make an impact in a surprise start.

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The fifth-round pick has appeared in just two games for the Cowboys, but James has already shown his potential within the defense.

In the win over the Jets, James posted 15 tackles, and according to Pro Football Focus, James earned a 75.4 tackle grade.

Of course, not everything his roses for the rookie. PFF has James scoring grades in the 50s in the pass rush and coverage. But his coverage grade has already jumped nearly 20 points in just one week.

I keep seeing people downplay Shemar James' 15-tackle performance as if he were the recipient of clean-up duty from poor tackling. That wasn't the case. James diagnosed the play quickly, closed fast, and was consistently wrapping up. It was a good showing by the rookie. pic.twitter.com/LBh5Fw1uNn

— Dan Rogers (@DannyPhantom24) October 7, 2025

James was a standout defender in his three seasons with the Florida Gators. In each of his three seasons in Gainesville, James had over 45 tackles, with 64 in his final season.

The Cowboys were hoping the connection between defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and linebacker Jack Sanborn would be one of the keys for the defense.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys add second-year safety back to practice squad

However, it could be time for the Cowboys to hand over the keys to James and see if the rookie can blossom into a draft steal.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James and cornerback DaRon Bland. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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