2024 is a pivotal year for the Dallas Cowboys, with much of their future plans riding on the outcome of this particular season. Knowing that, the decision-makers chose to head into this season relying on young and unproven talent.
With the release of their first unofficial depth chart of the regular season, it’s clear that this still appears to be the plan.
From rookies getting their first action to veterans settling into starting roles, we look at some of the more interesting revelations from Dallas’ depth chart.
Surprising Things We Learned From Cowboys’ Unofficial Depth Chart
Ezekiel Elliott Named RB1 Over Rico Dowdle
When it was reported that the Cowboys were interested in bringing Ezekiel Elliott back, it was clear that he was going to be more than a camp body and would firmly be a part of the 2024 season’s plans.
However, with many believing he would be a situational and short-yardage back, it was a bit of a surprise to see Elliott listed at the top of the depth chart.
For much of training camp, it looked as if Rico Dowdle was the most explosive and productive running back of the bunch. That set up many around the team to believe that despite Elliott’s involvement, Dowdle would, in fact, be RB1 entering Week 1.
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However, that doesn’t look to be the case, and despite the team’s committee approach, Elliott still sits atop the group. A room that also consists of newly acquired Dalvin Cook, second-year back Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Leupke hasn’t quite hammered out its identity yet.
The feeling is that everyone will be involved to a degree, with the amount of activity largely a mystery right now. The Cowboys could opt to use the hot hand or filter the touches, starting at the top with Zeke and trickling down.
Either way, even as Elliott looks to have his best years behind him and many assumed he would be with Dallas in a complementary role, he sits at the top of the running back room as the Cowboys prepare for the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
2 Rookies on the Offensive Line, Officially
The hope, if not the expectation all along, was that rookie first-round pick Tyler Guyton was going to snatch the left tackle job on Day 1. However, what was less certain was whether rookie third-round pick Cooper Beebe would beat out veteran Brock Hoffman for the starting center job.
As the Cowboys prepare for Week 1, both happened, setting up two rookies getting the nod against an excellent Browns defense.
While Guyton saw his play continue to progress and an injury to Chuma Edoga clear his path to start, Beebe’s path was far less easy.
Beebe and Hoffman were battling all training camp long, and the fact that the rookie was able to win the job despite never playing center in college is a huge testament to the work he was able to do.
It’s a tremendous feat for both rookies to do enough to win not only the job but also the trust of their coaches to be put in the position to start in Week 1. There’s no doubt it’ll be a challenge for those two, but with two rookies ready to go, it bodes well for the Cowboys’ future at the position.
Marist Liufau Over DeMarvion Overshown?
Probably the biggest surprise of them all comes in the linebacker room, with rookie Marist Liufau getting the nod over second-year backer DeMarvion Overshown.
Many believe Overshown is primed for a breakout season in 2024. That may still be the case, but at first glance, it looks like Liufau is above him.
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With Overshown’s position flexibility, it may make sense to let him be a rotational player as he is able to play multiple spots at the second level, setting up for quality depth across the board.
As for Liufau, not many saw this coming, at least on Day 1, as the third-round selection out of Notre Dame has made a massive impact since arriving in Dallas.
Both Liufau and Overshown figure to be fixtures in the linebacker rotation this season, as well as on special teams. But Liufau is getting the starting spot, at least on the unofficial depth chart, which speaks to Dallas’ linebacker depth.