This is the Dallas Cowboys most important rookie for 2018

Of the Dallas Cowboys rookies who joined the team following the 2018 NFL Draft, this first-year player may be the most important and the biggest surprise.

The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2018 NFL Draft with a whopping ten draft picks. They exited the annual selection event with nine of college football’s best players as well as a couple of veterans acquired via trades.

Of those nine rookies, six of them play on the offensive side of the ball. That means this year, only three defensive rookies were chosen in the draft. Interesting, huh? That being said, which rookie do you think will have the most impact this upcoming season?

Before we try to parse the answer, let’s first go over all the rookies chosen in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. And they were …

Round 1: Leighton Vander Esch, LB – Boise State
Round 2: Connor Williams, G – Texas
Round 3: Michael Gallup, WR – Colorado State
Round 4: Dorance Armstrong Jr., DE – Kansas
Round 4: Dalton Schultz, TE – Stanford
Round 5: Mike White, QB – Western Kentucky
Round 6: Chris Covington, LB – Indiana
Round 6: Cedrick Wilson, WR – Boise State
Round 7: Bo Scarbrough, RB – Alabama

Of the above group, which one must have a big season in order for the Cowboys to find success in 2018? Basically, which rookie is the most important in 2018? Many may choose Vander Esch, who is expected to compete for a starting role with former second rounder Jaylon Smith at middle linebacker.

Perhaps it’s Williams, who should start at left guard between two All-Pros, left tackle Tyron Smith and center Travis Frederick, along their famous offensive line. Another easy choice could be Schultz as the Cowboys are now without future Hall of Fame tight end Jason Witten for the first time in 15 years.

But, in fact, I believe the most important rookie is actually Gallup. The Cowboys have a desperate need for a wide receiver to step up following the unceremonious release of longtime number one wide out Dez Bryant earlier this offseason.

It is believed free agent signee Allen Hurns will be the one to take up Bryant’s mantle. But Hurns is coming off two back-to-back injury plagued seasons. Longtime number two, Terrance Williams, is dealing with a broken foot and a recent arrest. Finally, Cole Beasley is an undersized slot receiver who is coming off his worst season as a professional.

This trio of veterans represents the Cowboys best hope for having an average receiver corps in 2018. The one cause for real hope within this unit is Gallup. And one legendary former Cowboy believes the rookie will surprise fans this season

"“I think Michael Gallup’s going to surprise some people, I think he’s got some skills that are beyond his age range,” Daryl Johnston told Fox 4 Sports Sunday. “He’s got great hands, great feel for the sideline, good body control. I think that this wide receiver group is going to surprise some people and I think Sanjay Lal is going to maximize the abilities that group has.”"

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The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of talented rookies who could have breakout season in their first year in Big “D”. But I’d argue not one of them is more important than Michael Gallup due to all the unanswered questions surrounding the Dallas Cowboys’ receiver corps right now.