The Dallas Cowboys' 12-4 season in 2014 was the team's first winning record in five years. To keep the good times rolling, owner and general manager Jerry Jones knows that he is going to need to find contributors in the draft. Young, inexpensive talent is crucial for sustainability in the NFL, especially for the perpetually cash-strapped Cowboys. This year's rookie class is high in potential but also question marks.
Fortunately, the group appeared to make a quality first impression in Dallas' preseason opener against the San Diego Chargers last week. ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer thought the unit really stood out.
@toddarcher what made the biggest impression on you from last nights game? #cowboysmail
— Dean Hoyt (@karstenwise21) August 14, 2015
"It was hard not to get excited about the rookie class," Archer wrote in his weekly mailbag. "Byron Jones was solid, although he needs some work. Randy Gregory had a sack and brought some pressure as a pass-rusher. Damien Wilson took his strong practice work to the field as well. La'El Collins had a strong performance. I liked what Devin Street and Dustin Vaughan, although not rookies, did. I was disappointed in the younger receivers, such as Deontay Greenberry and George Farmer. They had chances to make plays and didn't get it done. People shouldn't get carried away with results. It should mostly be about individual performances. The Cowboys had more good than bad from players that you had expectations for before the game began."
Archer is right not to get carried away with results this early in the preseason. But it's encouraging to see more good than bad. Both Jones and Gregory can be real difference makers for a defense sorely in need of a few. If they can hit the ground running, with other rookies providing solid depth, than the Cowboys should remain favorites to repeat as NFC East champions.
