Some players can solidify their spot on the final roster with how they play in the preseason.
With the Dallas Cowboys gearing up for Saturday’s preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, five players have nothing but opportunities in front of them.
Here are the top five rookies who have had the best camp so far.
Top Dallas Cowboys Rookies at Training Camp
RB Deuce Vaughn
Vaughn has been a guy that has had support since the moment he got drafted.
The pressure was on him to perform in minicamp and OTAs because it could pave the way for him to compete for a spot on the offense and special teams.
So far, he has stepped up to the challenge to become a quick standout player at training camp.
Vaughn has showcased his ability to use his size to get out of defenders’ viewpoint. He is quick, shifty, and physical with the ball in his hands.
He has also received punt returner reps. This shouldn’t slow down anytime soon since Mike McCarthy said KaVontae Turpin wouldn’t take any returner reps during the preseason.
Vaughn has shown his strength and toughness throughout this camp.
WR Jalen Brooks
Brooks has been an underdog and a pleasant surprise during training camp. He has performed well against man coverage and in downfield matchups.
He has shown his ability to run routes, create separation, and be a red-zone threat.
Putting the fact that he is a rookie aside, he has made difficult catches that would challenge even veteran players.
Brooks could be the team’s fifth wide receiver if he can continue all of this in the preseason in an NFL game environment.
DT Mazi Smith
Smith was drafted in the first round by the Cowboys to patch up the run defense.
He has the strength to put pressure on the quarterback and push right through offensive linemen.
Where he needs to progress is in the pass-rush department, which looks to be an uphill battle for him.
It is still a question if Smith will get any reps this weekend or at all during the preseason, but there is no doubt that he will make the jump this season.
LB DeMarvion Overshown
Overshown has been praised by teammates and coaches alike.
Micah Parsons has taken him under his wing during camp, which has translated nicely multiple times on the field.
Overshown had a significant practice on Saturday when he got an interception off his back during the final play. But before that, he was involved in showcasing his potential to push the chains back as a run defender.
He has been vocal about wanting to be a defensive and special teams weapon. Overshown has shown what a threat he can be in punt coverage.
Seeing what he can do against Jacksonville this weekend will be telling for how he can handle game-time situations.
CB Eric Scott Jr.
Scott Jr. has been good with his ability to swat balls out of receivers’ hands.
His route recognition and coverage have been good and continue to grow with time.
Although Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, and DaRon Bland are the starting three cornerbacks, Scott Jr. has made the competition for the fourth spot his to lose.
If he can cover receivers in the preseason, he not only has a shot of ending up on the final roster but could be a regular in the secondary for the Cowboys.