With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Dallas Cowboys, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Dallas Cowboys rookies?
- Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan | Round 1, Pick 26
- Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan | Round 2, Pick 58
- DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas | Round 3, Pick 90
- Viliami Fehoko, DL, San Jose State | Round 4, Pick 129
- Asim Richards, OT, North Carolina | Round 5, Pick 169
- Eric Scott Jr, CB, Southern Miss | Round 6, Pick 178
- Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State | Round 6, Pick 212
- Jalen Brooks, WR, South Carolina | Round 7, Pick 244
Dallas Cowboys Draft Class Grade:
The Cowboys received a C+ rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B from ESPN, and a C from NFL Network.
Which Cowboys Rookies Will Make An Impact?
Dallas made a curious choice with its first pick, selecting 6-foot-3, 323-pound defensive tackle Mazi Smith (first round) out of Michigan.
Smith lined up in the zero or one-tech position (nose tackle) on 33% of his snaps at Michigan and is most valuable as a run-stopper in that role.
As an interior pass rusher, Smith struggled to contribute at a consistent rate, generating a 6.5% pressure rate, the third-best rate on his own team. Smith’s most immediate impact should come at nose tackle when Dallas lines up in a three-man front.
Last year in that situation, the Cowboys allowed 4.6 yards per carry, ranked 14th out of the 20 defenses which used three-man fronts on at least 100 opponent rush attempts.
Tight end Luke Schoonmaker (second round) is already 24 years old and a few months older than Jake Ferguson, with whom he’ll be competing for the starting job.
Schoonmaker’s balanced skill set as a blocker and receiver makes him an ideal replacement for Dalton Schultz.
That said, Schoonmaker’s modest ceiling as a pass catcher calls into question the second-round investment. Based on route-adjusted data, Schoonmaker’s catch rate was -0.5% below expected during his two years as Michigan’s starter.
DeMarvion Overshown (third round) is a safety/linebacker hybrid who doesn’t fit a traditional role. It will be on Dan Quinn to design a role suited to highlight his strengths and mask his weaknesses 一 expect him to see more action in coverage than against the run.
The selection of Viliami Fehoko (fourth round) pairs well with Smith as they each excel at defending the run. Fehoko has the prototypical build to line up at end in Dallas’s three-man fronts. Don’t expect any significant pass-rush contributions, but Dallas was clearly focused on improving its run defense with this class.
Asim Richards (fifth round) was a three-year starter at left tackle for North Carolina. Dallas needed to add bodies on the offensive line, and Richards could potentially provide depth at both guard and tackle.
At 6-foot-1 with 32-inch arms, Eric Scott Jr. (sixth round) has the body of Quinn’s ideal outside cornerback. Some concerning 40-times circulated following Scott’s Pro Day, but he injured his quad on his first attempt and was unable to run again 一 he’s likely much faster than any recorded time we’ve seen.
Running back Deuce Vaughn (sixth round) is an outlier by every measure. At 5-foot-5 and 179 pounds, he lacks the size to run between the tackles, but he’s also far less explosive than the typical undersized ball carrier. Among running backs drafted this year, Vaughn gained 10 or more yards at the second-lowest rate (12.3%).
Vaughn will compete for carries behind Tony Pollard, but because of his size and speed limitations, he likely will never be more than the third option in the backfield.
South Carolina receiver Jalen Brooks (seventh round) has some developmental upside due to his ability to produce after the catch. Based on route-adjusted data, Brooks picked up 29% more yards after the catch than expected last season, the second-highest rate in the SEC.
Dallas drafted Jalen Tolbert last year for similar reasons, but his rookie year was disappointing. Brooks and Tolbert will likely compete for snaps in the same role during training camp.
The Cowboys potentially added two immediate starters in Smith and Schoonmaker. Overshown and Fehoko will likely see action as rookies as well.
However, there’s not a lot to get excited about in terms of long-term upside in this class. It appears as though Dallas put a strong emphasis on immediate production in this draft 一 which was potentially justified given the wide-open state of the NFC.