Dallas Cowboys 2017 Rookie Class: Midseason grades

Drafted in the seventh round, not many gave Ohio State wide receiver Noah Brown much of a chance to make this Cowboys roster. Especially considering how stacked the team already was at the position. And the fact another receiver, Ryan Switzer, was already selected three rounds ahead of him.

But Brown proved his worth during the offseason, beating out names like Andy Jones, Lance Lenoir, Brian Brown and Uzoma Nwachukwu for a spot on the Cowboys’ active roster. It was especially surprising since Dallas opted to keep six receivers this season, when they normally only keep five. Noah Brown‘s play simply forced their hand.

So far this season, the 21-year old receiver hasn’t made much noise as a pass catcher. In fact, Brown has recorded just one reception for 13 yards in five games. No, where the seventh rounder has had the biggest impact this season is in the running game.

At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Brown is an excellent run blocker. Against the San Francisco 49ers in Week Seven, the rookie receiver had a key block that sprung running back Ezekiel Elliott for a 72-yard touchdown on a screen pass.

As many of you know, getting any production out of a seventh round pick in his first season is rare. And Brown finding a role on this team as a run blocker while he develops as a receiver is providing some great value for the Cowboys.