Cowboys Rookie Trio Predictions 'Instant Impact' Or 'Overrated'?
FRISCO - With workouts officially underway across the NFL, more and more predictions are coming out about which first-year players will have the biggest impact for their respective teams.
For the Dallas Cowboys, they have their fair share of options. Of course, there is no telling how any rookie will until the season starts in the fall. Until then, BleacherReport, though, offered their prediction for three rookies that could make an instant impact for the Cowboys. ... and from inside The Star, we offer our ... well, more tempered ... response.
First up, tight end Luke Schoonmaker out of Michigan, who Michigan drafted with the No. 58 overall pick in the second round.
FROM B/R: ‘Even as part of a tight end group that includes Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, Schoonmaker has to emerge as a difference-making pass-catcher. With a 6'5", 251-pound frame and 4.63 speed, Schoonmaker can do exactly that, even if he isn't an every-down player in year one."
OUR RESPONSE: Losing Dalton Schultz in free agency to the Houston Texans is likely going to hurt the Cowboys offense to some extent, which is where Schoonmaker has a chance to make his impact felt.
In his final season at Michigan Schoonmaker hauled in 35 receptions for 418 yards and three touchdowns, averaging a respectable 11.9 yards per catch. If he can put up similar numbers as a rookie in an offense already featuring Tony Pollard, CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks then the Cowboys will find him useful.
But he’ll still rank as only the No. 6 pass-catcher on the team. Is that enough to call him “impactful” if, given snaps, Jake Ferguson could put up the same numbers?
Next up to supposedly make an instant impact is linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, drafted with pick No. 90 in the third round.
FROM B/R: “Fans should expect Overshown to see the field early and often as a rookie. And the former Longhorn should have a legitimate shot at winning a starting job in training camp."
OUR RESPONSE: While it is still to be seen if Overshown will make a case to start immediately in Dallas, there is a lot to like about the pick.
But we think B/R is way off here.
The new linebacker is a converted college safety, recording 249 tackles, three interceptions and 17 passes defended in his college career. He is a “fly-around” guy, no doubt.
He has an opportunity to earn playing time early … on special teams.
Overshown as a starter? Because there are so many interchangeable parts in coordinator Dan Quinn’s defense, a lot of cogs would have to turn just right for that to happen.
Micah Parsons would have to start at end. Damone Clark would have to prove inferior to Overshown. Overshown would also have to be better than Jabril Cox.
That is a lot of cogs.
Lastly, B/R is excited to see what running back Deuce Vaughn can do, drafted No. 212 overall in the sixth round.
FROM B/R: “Though undersized at 5'5" and 179 pounds, Vaughn is a speedy, shifty runner who also provides some pass-catching ability. Last season, he tallied 1,558 rushing yards, 378 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns."
OUR RESPONSE: Yes, there will be questions about Vaughn's size. Any running back coming in at 5-5 and 179 pounds is bound to deal with concerns regarding his durability in the NFL. But maybe Vaughn isn't your typical “little back.”
He utilizes good speed and great quickness, both on the ground and as a threat in the passing game. Furthermore, he could serve as a helper return specialist.
But here are the obstacles: Is he better at anything than starter Tony Pollard? Can he pass-protect and run inside the tackles at a level that jumps him ahead of backup Roland Jones and Malik Davis?
It was a strong draft for Dallas as it came away from with potential playmakers on both sides of the ball (including top pick Mazi Smith, the defensive tackle who’s the easy prediction to help most right away). But right now? With this aforementioned trio of rookies, we’d advice the customary optimism - hey, the Cowboys have a chance to land immediate difference makers at key positions, and ones they hope can help them get over the hump! - with a cautionary reminder of just how imposing that hump can sometimes be.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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