Dallas Cowboys Report Card: Grading the Rookies Heading into Week 2

As the disappointment from the Cowboys loss on Sunday wears off as the week progresses, fans can take solace in knowing that the Cowboys rookies have performed very well.

Offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Bill Nagy did their duty against the Jets on Sunday night to keep Tony Romo as clean as possible.

In lieu of the loss, there is still good news.

For each Cowboys rookie from the draft, let's grade ‘em from Week 1.

Tyron Smith, OT: C+

Smith has been a nice surprise for Dallas. Not in the sense that he was expected to be a disappointment but in regards to his play as a rookie. He was drafted as the ninth pick in the draft to add stability to a shaky Cowboys line, and so far, he's played well.

But Smith is growing and maturing quickly. He’s also getting help from his offensive line mentor Kyle Kosier by assisting on blitz pickups and double teams.

If Smith were a bum, he would be on the bench, but because he’s so immensely talented, he’s starting and playing well.

I won’t give Smith anything higher than a C due to this just being Week 2, and he’s not totally on his own yet. But the ceiling is high on Smith, and I expect great things.

Bruce Carter, LB, Incomplete

Carter gets an incomplete grade for now. He’s on the reserve/non-football injury list and will not return until at least Week 7 of the season.

He’s expected to eventually start, but for right now, he’s on the bench still rehabbing his knee.

DeMarco Murray, RB, D

Don’t panic in thinking that Murray’s grade is too low for his skill level. He’s going to be a very good player for the Cowboys, but as of right now, he’s still learning and growing.

Murray looked a little timid on a kick return and only received two carries for the entire contest. Dallas doesn’t have full trust in him to take over the No. 2 running back slot just yet, but as he matures in Garrett’s offense, that trust will come.

His D grade will also improve as the season progresses.

David Arkin, OL, Incomplete

I’m giving another incomplete for another rook. Arkin was inactive for Sunday’s game and his status is unknown for Sunday’s contest against the Niners.

He played well in training camp and even played with the first team before he was replaced by Bill Nagy.

I think that Arkin will be OK, but just like any other rookie, he’ll have to keep learning and growing. The Cowboys can’t really afford to let Arkin go as they are light in terms of depth and experience.

Dwayne Harris, WR, D+

Maybe I’m holding on too tightly to that preseason game when Harris had 127 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Broncos.

I think it proved that Harris has potential to become a pretty good receiver.

But for right now, he’s just a rookie battling for playing time. He saw some time on special teams, and that will be his primary role until he proves otherwise.

At this moment, the plus sign is for his “breakout” performance against Denver back in the preseason, but that could change to an F as the season goes on.

Bill Nagy, OL, C+

Nagy was the final pick for the ‘Boys of the 2011 NFL draft. He was chosen in the seventh round and has ascended to the starting lineup. Nagy replaced David Arkin on the first team back in August, and he hasn’t looked back.

Dallas has so much confidence in Nagy that they released left guard Montrae Holland and decided to rely on youth instead of vested experience.

Nagy, Smith and Arkin look to be the future on the line in Dallas, and so far, they have played past expectations.

I placed the plus on Nagy because he’s been such a pleasant surprise.

Overall Grade: C-

In the next few years, I believe the 2011 Cowboys draft will grade as one of the best in recent memory.

I still think Jerry Jones should have taken a safety or another cornerback as the team ended up cutting Josh Thomas. But so far, through one week of play, the Dallas rookies are looking alright.