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Majority of Cowboys’ rookies could see the field early and often in 2024

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 18 Kansas State at Kansas
Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The rookie draft class could play a vital role for the Cowboys in 2024.

Whether it's as starters or backups, the Dallas Cowboys may have to rely heavily on their rookie draft class in 2024. Due to the way the roster is currently constructed, and the lack of depth at several positions, the majority of Dallas' rookies could see the field early and often this season.

Of the eight players the Dallas Cowboys drafted this year in the draft, a case could be made that nearly all of them have a chance to see playing time early on in their first year in the league. But which ones and what kind of role would they play?

With their first four picks the Dallas Cowboys may have landed themselves a couple of potential starters on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, whether that's as rookies or down the road remains to be seen though.

Both Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe have the best shot at locking down a starting job as rookies. Guyton will be given every opportunity to replace Tyron Smith at left tackle and the same opportunity will be given to Beebe to replace Tyler Biadasz as Dallas' new starting center.

While Marshawn Kneeland and Marist Liufau may not have as clear a path to earn starting jobs as rookies due to the depth ahead of them on the roster, each one could play a significant role early on. Kneeland will be tasked to replace the production of both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, while Liufau will more than likely play a backup role at linebacker. Both though have starting potential early on if needed because of injury.

Dallas' fifth-round pick, cornerback Caelen Carson, looks as if he could play an important role as a backup as a rookie. He has a really good shot at locking down the CB4 spot behind Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis. If no other outside free agent is added to the mix, he could be forced into a starting role as an injury fill-in.

Not to be left out, Ryan Flournoy has been gaining some traction in the WR3 competition already in practice. His play has turned some heads.

Even late-round draft picks Nathan Thomas and Justin Rogers have an opportunity to earn a backup role as rookies. It may be a little more difficult for Thomas considering the depth Dallas currently has along the OL, however, it's not out of the question he competes for a backup role.

As far as Justin Rogers is concerned though, the Cowboys lack of depth at defensive tackle helps his case of not only making the team, but earning playing time early in his rookie season. That. of course, all depends on how he performs the remainder of the offseason and whether or not Dallas brings in more defensive tackle help, which they probably will.

All in all, it's very reasonable to believe the majority of the Dallas Cowboys 2024 rookie draft class could see the field early and often this season. Whether or not that's a good or bad thing remains to be seen. Whatever the case, it does mean the Cowboys will likely be relying on a lot of their younger players this year.


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