The Landry Hat
Fansided

Dallas Cowboys: How many rookies will start Week One?

By Steven Mullenax

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Dalton Schultz #9 of the Stanford Cardinal attempts to make a reception during the third quarter against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Dalton Schultz #9 of the Stanford Cardinal attempts to make a reception during the third quarter against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Dallas Cowboys brought in a whopping nine rookies via the draft last month. But just how many of those prospects could earn a starting role Week One?

There are several starting roles up for grabs along the Dallas Cowboys‘ current depth chart. America’s Team has made some significant changes this offseason. And that could result in several rookies getting the rare opportunity to start for this team in Week One of the upcoming regular season.

Gone are longtime stalwarts like veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant, tight end Jason Witten and cornerback Orlando Scandrick. In their place, the Cowboys have added an influx of youthful talent to their roster. Any of whom could earn the starting nod this offseason.

In fact, the shakeup along the Cowboys wide receiver corps is quite unprecedented. For several seasons now, Dallas’ starting three have been Bryant, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley. That will not be the case in 2018.

Bryant was released earlier this year due to his massive contract, disappointing production and declining physical skills. Williams is currently rehabbing from a foot injury and was arrested over the weekend on charges of public intoxication and leaving the scene of an accident following an early morning car crash Saturday.

Finally, Beasley is coming off one of the worst seasons of his six-year career posting 36 receptions for 314 yards and four touchdowns. That was after leading the team with 75 catches the year before.

This shakeup should open up the Cowboys starting spots at wide receiver for rookies like third round selection Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson Jr., a sixth rounder. They’ll compete with newcomers Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson for impactful roles as well.

The unexpected retirement of Witten should open up a starting spot at tight end that fourth rounder Dalton Schultz is currently the favorite to fill. He’ll compete with veterans Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin and Rico Gathers for that role.

First and second round picks in linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and offensive guard Connor Williams appear to be shoo-ins as starters at their respective positions. If they aren’t starters day one, they figure soon to become them.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - 15 best first-round picks of all-time

I think the Dallas Cowboys could have as many as four rookies in their starting lineup come September. Whether that’s a good thing or not for America’s Team is yet to be determined. But certainly, there is a massive youth movement happening in Dallas. And it should make for some exciting storylines in 2018.

Home/Cowboys News