Dallas Cowboys: Early Rookie Progress Reports

The Dallas Cowboys have high expectations heading into the 2015 season. In order to reach their goals, they are going to need several rookies to significantly contribute.

Although it’s not even June, plenty has happened thus far in the offseason. Dallas started its organized team activities yesterday, and the rookies have already participated in their minicamp.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Dallas’ rookies and the latest news surrounding them.

Byron Jones

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Jones soars for a ball during drills.

Although he’s one of the few rookies that remain unsigned, cornerback Byron Jones will be an essential player this season. The Cowboys’ first-round selection will fill a key position of need if he proves to be successful.

Jones will most likely get the majority of his offseason work at cornerback, but there’s no telling exactly where he’s going to end up.

Depending on the health of Morris Claiborne and the play of J.J. Wilcox, the rookie will go where the secondary needs him most. Hopefully, Jones’ athleticism can help him transition quickly to the NFL.

Randy Gregory

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Gregory should be an impact player immediately.

Another player who will be relied on to perform is second-rounder Randy Gregory. The edge-rusher from Nebraska was rated as a top-10 prospect until he failed his drug test at the combine.

Gregory’s mistake could end up being an incredible blessing for Dallas. The team drastically needed an additional pass-rusher and wasn’t in the running to draft one of the elite players with pick No. 27.

Not only does Dallas get a potentially high-quality football player, but they get one for a bargain, considering what Gregory would’ve earned had he been selected early in the first. Gregory signed a four-year deal last week worth $3.8 million with a $1,034,500 signing bonus. If he can play up to his potential, the Cowboys will be more than happy to pay him for four years.

La’el Collins

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Collins is fighting for a starting spot this summer.

The final “first-round talent” Dallas acquired was LSU’s La’el Collins. Similar to Gregory, Collins' draft stock plummeted when police reached out to question the lineman after the murder of a woman he reportedly knew, according to the Associated Press (via the Detroit Free Press).

After cooperating with the police and having never been considered a suspect, the Cowboys decided to sign Collins to bolster their already impressive offensive line. The three-year contract is fully guaranteed and worth around $1.7 million, according to NFL Network’s Albert Breer.

Collins adds another layer of depth to what could be the strongest unit on the roster. He will potentially battle with Ronald Leary for the starting left guard spot, but Wednesday at OTAs, he’s been working with the first team at right tackle while Doug Free is out, reports the Dallas Morning News’ David Moore.

No matter where he lands, Collins will see plenty of playing time this season.

Chaz Green

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Green adds depth to a very strong offensive line.

The other rookie lineman Dallas should expect to use this year is third-round pick Chaz Green. The offensive tackle from Florida could eventually grow into an every-down player and will add even more insurance behind the current starters.

Green signed a four-year deal on Tuesday with a signing bonus of $624,372.

The tackle started 11 games for the Gators last year and would probably contend for a starting spot on other teams. However, considering Dallas’ depth, Green will most likely compete with Darrion Weems for the swing tackle position.

Ryan Russell

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Russell adds more depth at defensive end.

Fifth-rounder Ryan Russell is another rookie to keep an eye on. The defensive end out of Purdue started all four years at college and put up quality numbers, despite playing in a 3-4 scheme.

With the Cowboys, Russell will obviously play as a 4-3 end, giving him much more leverage to make plays. Also, the rookie will have ample time to grow as a player now that the defensive end position suddenly has several capable players. Russell projects to be the fifth end behind Greg Hardy, Jeremy Mincey, DeMarcus Lawrence and Gregory.

Russell signed a four-year rookie contract worth $2,482,987. With a strong showing this summer, he could earn himself a spot in the rotation.