Position battleground (rookies): Cowboys at Browns breakdown for draft picks/UDFAs

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Which team has the better draft class?

Previously we broke down both team’s offense and defense for the upcoming game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. Now we dive back into the position battleground, this time looking at how some of each team’s rookie class stack up against each other.

Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Guyton

First Round

This is Guyton’s first big test. Not only is it his first official game in the NFL, he also goes up against Myles Garrett who is a complete game-wrecker. If Guyton can utilize his size and length to keep Garrett at bay and keep Dak’s blindside protected then Dak can continue to funnel the offense through Lamb. If there’s any rookie on the field you need to watch closely this week, it’s Guyton. So much of the game this week hinges on his blocking abilities.

Grade: N/A

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Marshawn Kneeland

Second Round

Kneeland quickly found himself placed under the microscope during training camp when Sam Williams went down for the season. The good news is that from what we saw in Oxnard, Kneeland looks to have answered the call, so far. He will play a big role rotating in behind the defensive ends. With Nick Chubb out, the Browns are starting their backup running backs which will give some breathing room for Kneeland as his run defense in setting the edge is what he does best.

Grade: N/A

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Cooper Beebe

Third Round

From all accounts it looks as though Beebe will be starting at center this week. He’s been seen taking snaps with Dak in practice and from how he started up until this week you can see the difference in his snapping skills. Beebe also has his work cut out this week going up against a formidable defensive line that can create sacks and pressures up and down the line. But he gets a huge benefit over Guyton by being sandwiched between Zack Martin and Tyler Smith to help out.

Grade: N/A

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Marist Liufau

Third Round

Liufau looks to be a solid addition to the linebacker corps. Last year, the linebackers were extremely thin, this year it looks a whole lot better. The biggest resource to Liufau’s development this year comes in the form of Eric Kendricks. With Kendricks on the team it’s no surprise the rookie linebacker has taken off so well and it will be interesting to see how he develops early in the season.

Grade: N/A

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Caelen Carson

Fifth Round

Carson gets the nod to start on the outside thanks to the DaRon Bland injury. Carson will have to contend with Jerry Jeudy and Amari Cooper. Juedy has scored the grand total of 11 touchdowns since coming into the NFL four years ago, but we all know the skills that Cooper possesses. He can make things painful for a rookie in his first game. Carson has proven in training camp to be a reliable and athletic cornerback, but seeing how he matches up with this wide receiver will be an important part of how this game plays out.

Grade: N/A

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Ryan Flournoy

Sixth Round

Flournoy is another athletic freak in this year’s draft class. He will look to add depth when it’s needed In this game. He’s the WR5/6 as it stands, but given opportunities he could climb the ladder. Will that happen this week against a defense that allowed the fewest passing yards last year? Probably not, but keep an eye on his weekly snap count after this week to see how he’s progressing.

Grade: N/A

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Cleveland Browns

Zak Zinter

Third Round

The Browns took the Michigan mauler in the third round, which isn’t bad value. He waits for his moment while sitting on the bench to start the season and adds depth to the inside offensive line group. Zinter is a smart and intelligent blocker and faced talented defensive linemen in college. Given his experience and skill, Browns fans should expect to see Zinter play at some point this year.

Grade: N/A

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Jamari Thrash

Fifth Round

Thrash has superb footwork and runs exceptional routes. He’s smart and knows how to put defensive backs in a bind. His trouble is physicality and strength, which he has neither of. This can cause him to struggle to get off the line when faced with strong cornerbacks that know how to jam. He’s playing WR4/5 for the Browns this year, and given that the team struggles to pass the ball around beyond Cooper and David Njoku, that leaves a player like Thrash expecting very little scraps as a receiver.

Grade: N/A

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Nathaniel Watson

Sixth Round

Watson has sneaky athleticism and a huge wingspan to get to the ball carrier if it’s in his vicinity. The trouble is he does the hard part easily, but makes the easier part look hard. He gets in the right position, shows good instincts and understanding where to be, but then loses track of the ball or ball carrier when it gets toward him. He also struggles to shed blocks and take the right angles when chasing on the outside.

Grade: N/A

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