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Dallas Cowboys rookies could shine in Week 17

By Steven Mullenax

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 12: Taco Charlton #97 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates his sack of quaterback Sean Mannion #13 of the Los Angeles Rams during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 12: Taco Charlton #97 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates his sack of quaterback Sean Mannion #13 of the Los Angeles Rams during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys could have several rookies on the field when they finish their season in the City of Brotherly Love on Sunday.

The Dallas Cowboys‘ rookie class had a lot to live up to in 2017. Last season, the Cowboys had a legendary haul of first-year talent that included names like quarterback Dak Prescott, linebacker Jaylon Smith and running back Ezekiel Elliott.

But the Cowboys’ 2017 draft class was a little more low key. First round selection, defensive end Taco Charlton, has started to come on as of late after struggling through most of the season with limited snaps.

Second round pick, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, has only recently been able to make an impact on Dallas’ defensive secondary as a hamstring injury has hindered him most of the year. After missing nearly all of the offseason, third round selection Jourdan Lewis made his debut in Week Two and has had a solid rookie season at corner.

Fourth round pick Ryan Switzer has done little on the offensive end of the ball. But the talented returner has made a positive impact on special teams in his first year. Sixth round selection, safety Xavier Woods, has been a stalwart for this Cowboys defensive secondary, filling in when needed and being a versatile role player.

Finally, seventh round pick, receiver Noah Brown, was mainly used as a blocker at his position this year. But he emerged last weekend as a possible threat at wide out as well.

These rookies should all have a chance to shine this weekend as the team prepares to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17. Starting wide receivers Dez Bryant (knee), Terrance Williams (non-injury related absence) and Cole Beasley (illness) all appeared on the team’s injury report this week. That could mean more snaps for Switzer, Brown and rookie Lance Lenior, who was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad this week.

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With Benson Mayowa (back) already ruled out for the contest in Philly, Charlton will likely get the start at defensive end in his place. Corners Awuzie and Lewis are already entrenched as the starters at corner. Throw in the possibility that starting quarterback Dak Prescott may not play the entire game, then we could see rookie passer Cooper Rush get his first real NFL action.

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