Hot Takes, Predictions for Cowboys Rookies After 2023 NFL Draft
The 2022 Dallas Cowboys rookie class was a bit of a mixed bag. First-round pick Tyler Smith stepped right into a start role because of Tyron Smith's injury, performed well and started all 17 games.
However, second-round pick Sam Williams was only a part-time contributor (27 percent of the defensive snaps), and third-round receiver Jalen Tolbert had trouble even getting on the field.
This year, Dallas will be looking to go further than the divisional round and will hope for stronger contributions from its rookie class. Over the weekend, the Cowboys picked up eight new players via the draft, including first-round defensive tackle Mazi Smith. They targeted positions of need early and will have to see those picks pay off to take positive steps in 2023.
How will the 2023 Cowboys class fare this season? You'll find a few hot takes and bold predictions below.
Draft Results
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The complete order and full results from the 2023 NFL draft:
DeMarvion Overshown Will Outshine Mazi Smith in Year 1
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There's a lot to like about Mazi Smith, a physical phenom with a ton of size (6'3", 323 lbs) and power. However, consistency and polish are not among the Michigan product's best traits.
"The Wolverine is more traits and tools than a finished project, but it's going to be hard to find more defensive tackles with more potential than he has, meaning his best football could be ahead of him," Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.
It's going to take time for Dallas to unlock Smith's potential, and this season, he'll likely rotate a lot with the likes of Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore.
Third-round pick DeMarvion Overshown, on the other hand, is poised to make an early and dramatic impact as a coverage linebacker. The converted safety excels against the pass but has the physical tools to be a solid chase-and-tackle linebacker, too.
"He could be a good fit as a 'Will' linebacker for a team that uses even fronts and diversifies the type of coverages he plays in, showcasing his strong man and zone coverage skills," Holder wrote.
While Overshown will likely need to add a little mass to his 6'3", 229-pound frame, he should immediately step into the sort of hybrid safety/linebacker role Dallas has often filled with Jayron Kearse.
Smith can be a foundational defender in time, but Overshown will be all over the field early and is positioned to make more highlight plays in Year 1.
Luke Schoonmaker Won't Start Right Away
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With Dalton Schultz departing in free agency, many expected the Cowboys to use an early selection on a tight end. They did just that, taking Michigan's Luke Schoonmaker in the second round.
While the selection of the 24-year-old over more highly rated prospects—according to the B/R Scouting Department's big board—such as Darnell Washington and Tucker Kraft was a bit surprising, the former Wolverine has a strong physical profile (6'5", 251 lbs, 4.53-second 40) and plenty of upside.
Like Smith, though, it may take some time for Schoonmaker to become a complete player.
"Schoonmaker is an exciting draft-and-develop type, but an older one," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "His size, field-stretching ability and baseline blocking skills are a great foundation to try to build upon. Schoonmaker's development may take time, however, just as it did in college."
Expect him to have a somewhat limited role as a receiver early on, possibly as a split end specializing in vertical routes. Meanwhile, 2022 fourth-round pick Jake Ferguson can fill the more traditional tight end role.
This isn't to say that Schoonmaker won't have an early impact. Just don't expect him to be an every-down player right away or a top-tier fantasy option as a rookie.
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Deuce Vaughn Is More Than Just a Good Story
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In the sixth round, Dallas took Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn, whose father, Chris Vaughn, is a scout for the Cowboys.
The elder Vaughn called his son to tell him he was drafted, and it made for one of the draft's more memorable moments.
However, the 21-year-old represents more than just a feel-good story. Though undersized at 5'5" and 176 pounds, he's a shifty and explosive runner and a terrific receiving back.
"If Vaughn were four inches taller and 15 pounds heavier, he would be a Day 2 pick without question," Klassen wrote. "The speed, twitch, and pass-catching skills he shows on film are easy to fall in love with."
Vaughn, who racked up 1,558 rushing yards, 378 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season, won't see a significant workload at the next level. However, he can step in as a complement to Tony Pollard in the backfield and possibly as an additional option in the slot. He also has some experience returning kicks and may also contribute on special teams.
Smaller backs don't often last in the NFL, Darren Sproles being a notable example. Vaughn isn't Sproles yet, but he has all the tools needed to be a similar high-level contributor.
*Advanced stats from Pro Football Reference.
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