With the draft in the books and training camp around the corner, I have decided to take one last look at the Cowboys rookies to see where they fit in and the possible impact they can have this season.
Taco Charlton, defensive end, Michigan
Charlton has a great chance to be a day one starter or worse case a rotational player who sees the field a lot. With Randy Gregory still suspended, Tyrone Crawford declining, and DeMarcus Lawrence susceptible to the injury bug at any given time Charlton has a great opportunity in front of him. He can play both end spots and should be an impact player from day one.
Role- Starter
Chidobe Awuize, cornerback, Colorado
Awuize will forever be tied to Cowboy legend Drew Pearson who read his name after shredding Eagles fans putting a smile on the faces of Cowboys fans everywhere. Awuzie should also put smiles on fans faces as well as he will be starting this season in some capacity. He was one of the top nickel backs in the draft and will push Anthony Brown for the starting job. Awuzie can also play the field as well giving the Cowboys options and giving himself opportunities to make an early impact.
Role- starting nickel or corner
Jourdan Lewis, cornerback, Michigan
Like his college teammate Charlton and fellow rookie Awuize, Lewis should see the field early and often. He has a great chance to come in and nab one of the corner jobs and if not be a key backup who can rotate in. While not a lock to start, you will hear a lot from Lewis this season.
Role- possible starter/ key reserve
Ryan Switzer, wide receiver, North Carolina
Switzer has a great chance to team with Lucky Whitehead or take Whitehead’s job as starting return man as he was one of the best returners in college during his career. Switzer will also see time in the slot helping Cole Beasley and the offense as a whole. Early impact guy who will see the field often.
Role- starting return man/ rotational slot
Xavier Woods, strong safety, Louisiana Tech
Woods might be the steal of the draft for the Cowboys as he has legitimate chance to start at strong safety replacing the departed J.J. Wilcox. Woods, who like Wilcox, is a big hitter who likes contact and attacks the ball well forcing turnovers. However, unlike Wilcox, Woods has speed allowing the Cowboys more freedom in their play calling. Should be another day one starter.
Role- starter
Marquez White, cornerback, Florida State
White is a bit of a project who needs a bit of fine-tuning before seeing a lot of playing time. Comes from Florida State who has put some solid defensive backs in the NFL so he has that going for him. White will provide depth and most likely see time on special teams. I would look for him to make an impact in year two and three.
Role- special teams
Joey Ivie, defensive tackle, Florida
Ivie is a guy who will probably end up on the practice squad. He has some promise, most notably a high motor and plays every snap hard. Played at Florida a school known for churning out defensive talent. Don’t expect much from him right off the bat but a few years down the line he might be a part of the defensive line rotation.
Role- practice squad
Noah Brown, wide receiver, Ohio State
Brown is another steal who despite his seventh round draft position has a chance to not only make the active roster but see the field as well. Brown was overshadowed a bit on a talented Ohio State offense but showed promise when he scored three touchdowns against Sugar Bowl champions Oklahoma. He also played some H-back and special teams where he will most likely end up this season. Is a big bodied receiver who can certainly help in the red zone and with a strong camp and pre-season can earn a spot in the rotation.
Role- special teams/rotational receiver/ red zone specialist
Jordan Carrell, defensive tackle, Colorado
Carrell will most likely end up playing nose guard for the Cowboys as he stands at 6’2 300lbs. Like Ivie, he might have to spend the year on the practice squad fine tuning his skills but will have a chance in camp to show that he can make the active roster. Should be a rotational guy for the Cowboys down the road.
Role- practice squad/depth