Cowboys' Rookies Who Will Make Instant Impact in 2023 Season

The Dallas Cowboys largely picked up players who will contribute over the long term during last month's NFL draft. First-round pick Mazi Smith, for example, is expected to begin his pro career as a rotational run defender and not a full-time starter.

"I never had a pass-rush plan," Smith said, per Nick Harris of the team's official website. "We're gonna get a plan and see what I can do. I was a run-stopper [at Michigan], and if we were gonna win a game, I was gonna have to stop the run. That's what I was focused on, and that's what I'm still focused on."

With Dallas' playoff window still wide open, though, the Cowboys should hope to see big contributions from a few rookies right away. Here, we'll examine three of Dallas' eight draft selections who are primed to provide them.

Factors such as positional value, proven production, team needs and roster depth were all considered, along with any relevant recent buzz.

Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan

Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) lines up before the snap during the Big 10 Championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and Purdue Boilermakers on December 3, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Round 2 (58th overall)

Like Smith, tight end Luke Schoonmaker is a developmental prospect who is likely to be part of a rotation early.

"His size, field-stretching ability and baseline blocking skills are a great foundation to try to build upon," Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. "Schoonmaker's development may take time, however, just as it did in college."

While Smith's contributions may be limited until he develops more as a pass-rusher, the Cowboys need to get a lot out of Schoonmaker early on. Dallas lost starting tight end Dalton Schultz in free agency and has 2022 fourth-round pick Jake Ferguson as its most productive returning tight end.

Ferguson had 19 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. That's a far cry from the 57 receptions, 577 yards and five touchdowns Schultz provided last season.

Even as part of a tight end group that includes Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, Schoonmaker has to emerge as a difference-making pass-catcher. With a 6'5", 251-pound frame and 4.63 speed, Schoonmaker can do exactly that, even if he isn't an every-down player in year one.

DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Linebacker Demarvion Overshown of Texas participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Round 3 (90th overall)

Former Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown might have the most statistically impressive season of any Cowboys rookie in 2023. Like Smith, he can help improve a run defense that ranked 22nd in yards allowed last season, but he can help fill other roles too.

A converted defensive back, Overshown can play in coverage, rush the passer and has enough versatility to play inside or outside linebacker. He finished last season with 96 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and five passes defended. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will have plenty of options when it comes to utilizing Overshown's skill set.

"At the end of the day, versatility really helps in that system, and I think DeMo provides that," Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said of Overshown's fit in Dallas, per Danny Davis of the Austin American-Statesman.

Fans should expect Overshown to see the field early and often as a rookie, and the former Longhorn should have a legitimate shot at winning a starting job in training camp.

Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State

AP Photo/Sam Hodde

Dallas Cowboys sixth-round draft pick running back Deuce Vaughn participates in the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Frisco, Texas, Saturday, May 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)

Round 6 (212th overall)

Like Schoonmaker, sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn will be tasked with helping to replace a high-level 2022 contributor. The Cowboys released longtime starting running back Ezekiel Elliott in free agency, which leaves a clear path to a large role for the Kansas State product.

Though undersized at 5'5" and 179 pounds, Vaughn is a speedy, shifty runner who also provides some pass-catching ability. Last season, he tallied 1,558 rushing yards, 378 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns.

The Cowboys don't believe that Vaughn's size will prevent him from seeing early-down work.

"I think clearly Deuce can play in the normal flow of our offense on first and second down," head coach Mike McCarthy said, per ESPN's Todd Archer. "... we’ll definitely have opportunities for him to take advantage of his productivity. He’s a dynamic player."

Franchise-tagged running back Tony Pollard will likely lead the backfield rotation and play in obvious passing situations—given his experience in pass protection. 2022 undrafted rookie Malik Davis will probably see a fair share of the workload too. However, Vaughn will have an early impact as a difference-making runner and receiver.