The Dallas Cowboys are kicking off their first practice of training camp on Wednesday.
Some rookies are looking at camp as a make-or-break time that could determine if they get a spot on the final roster or not.
Let’s look at some of the Cowboys rookies’ expectations before camp and during the preseason.
Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 Draft Pick Expectations for Training Camp
DT Mazi Smith
Dallas’ defense had a successful year last season, continuing to build up the unit under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. However, the run defense was the final piece of the puzzle missing to push them to a new level.
That’s where Cowboys rookie first-round draft pick Mazi Smith comes in. He is expected to be one of the leading solutions to improve this defense.
Smith talked to PFN about how this offseason has been for him ahead of camp.
This is Smith’s first offseason training for the NFL, and as far as he is concerned, “work is work.” Smith says he is doing everything he can to be even better and get bigger, faster, and stronger.
When Smith was asked what he looks forward to most at camp, his answer was simple but speaks for itself: “Hitting somebody.”
As for expectations for Smith heading into camp, it will be important to see what Smith can do in pads, especially next to Cowboys DT Johnathan Hankins, stuffing up the middle of the defensive line.
TE Luke Schoonmaker
Tight end Luke Schoonmaker is a player with a good shot to fill a much-needed role ahead of camp: the starting tight end position.
Although the odds are in Jake Ferguson’s favor to fill this role, a productive camp from Schoonmaker could change that.
Schoonmaker should fit right in with the Cowboys adopting a West Coast-style playbook for the season with Mike McCarthy calling the plays and newly hired offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer at the helm.
Schoonmaker comes from a pro-style offense which could make him an easy fit for the offense.
As far as his expectations going into camp, he will need to play at the highest level possible and outshine Ferguson. However, with Ferguson expected to take a considerable leap in his second year, this will be something to watch at camp.
Either way, this offense should have space for both players next season, adding another threat to the already exciting TE room that was underutilized at times last season.
LB DeMarvion Overshown
As for the Cowboys’ third-round draft pick, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown has an opportunity to help pave a path for the future of the linebacker room.
The linebacker room has a mix of veteran presence and young players ready to prove themselves as set fixtures for the position.
With linebacker Damone Clark coming off an impressive rookie season because of his ability to split through blockers and tackle well, it’s hard to imagine a multiverse where he is not part of Dallas’ defensive scheme this season.
With a good camp, Overshown could take that spot that Clark filled last season, seeing that Clark should have a more significant role in 2023.
Being a special teams threat could amplify Overshown’s chances to make the final roster and shore up a missing piece of the special teams unit after the loss of linebacker Luke Gifford during the offseason.
All that to say, don’t underestimate what Overshown could show the Cowboys during camp.
DE Viliami Fehoko Jr.
Viliami Fehoko Jr. is going into a room stacked with veterans who have fortified their spots already.
However, this isn’t bad for Fehoko, as he can prove himself to be a viable backup if needed.
His expectations at camp are simple: learn from the room he’s in and take every rep he gets with his best foot forward. He already has a proven record of playing with the aggression that the Cowboys can utilize and create a versatile player out of, which could work in his favor.
OT Asim Richards
Asim Richards stepped into the Cowboys’ offense at an interesting time, which could work in his favor.
With the newer shift within the Cowboys’ offensive line, which has been versatile and with minimal set in stone, Richards could battle his way to be a swing tackle.
Expectations for Richards are to live up to his name and be effective, especially with all the uncertainty still surrounding the O-line.
It’s not likely that Richards will get reps with the starters, and he is a guy we will probably see more of in the preseason. Overall, he is a very underrated player for the Cowboys. He has the strength needed, and if he can become more of a versatile player, he could be someone who finds a spot on the line in the future.
CB Eric Scott Jr.
Eric Scott Jr. heads into camp as one of the more “underrated” players. Competition will be tough with the Cowboys’ cornerback room shored up with Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore.
With DaRon Bland coming off of the 2022 season leading the defense in interceptions (5), it’s pretty much a given that he will be given a more significant role this season as well.
So Scott’s expectations heading into camp are to make a name for himself in a room full of talent. Scott has an advantage of being a big-body CB that can challenge receivers in press coverage.
But like Overshown, Scott’s impact with his special team’s work could benefit him even more. So don’t be surprised if you also see him working with John Fassel at camp.
RB Deuce Vaughn
Speaking of another possible special teams addition, Cowboys sixth-round running back Deuce Vaughn is the guy everyone is rooting for going into camp. But getting more involved in the running back room will be challenging for Vaughn and everyone else who is battling for the second RB spot behind Tony Pollard.
Vaughn’s size has been discussed as a disadvantage throughout his football career, so it’s nothing new. But he is going up against players with experience and the upper hand at getting reps with the starting offense during camp.
Expectations for Vaughn at camp are to showcase his speed to the full extent and not hold back. Getting involved in special teams could be the difference-maker for him making the final 53-man roster.
Although it’s anticipated that KaVontae Turpin will keep his spot as the team’s leading returner, Vaughn could prove himself as a viable backup, especially with receiver Noah Brown, who previously worked behind Turpin, out of the picture and now playing for the Texans.
WR Jalen Brooks
With an already stacked receiver room going into camp, seventh-round pick Jalen Brooks will probably get more reps with Cooper Rush and Will Grier than Dak Prescott.
With the first, second, and third spots filled at the receiver position, the battle for that fourth spot will be one of the most competitive heading into camp.
With a lack of an explosive veteran presence in the receiver room last season and the Cowboys acquiring Brandin Cooks, this all works against younger receivers like Brooks.
The glass-half-full perspective is that Brooks can take this camp and season to be as explosive as possible with the opportunities he gets and learn the playbook to pave a pathway for himself later on down the road.