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Dallas Cowboys: Don’t sleep on these three 2019 rookies

By Brad Austin

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 29: Bobo Wilson #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against Donovan Wilson #37 of the Dallas Cowboys and Tyvis Powell #45 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter during a NFL preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 29: Bobo Wilson #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against Donovan Wilson #37 of the Dallas Cowboys and Tyvis Powell #45 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter during a NFL preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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With much roster shuffling expected under the new Dallas Cowboys coaching staff, don’t sleep on these three 2019 rookies.

The 2019 Dallas Cowboys draft class was headlined by top pick Trysten Hill. While the defensive tackle drew top billing, fourth-round running back Tony Pollard made the biggest impact in his maiden season.

Both players will likely have an expanded role in their second season. However, there are three fellow 2019 rookies that could work into important 2020 roles as well.

CONNOR MCGOVERN

Position: Offensive Guard

Dimensions: 6-5, 308

2019 Draft Position: 3rd round (90th pick)

College highlights: Started 34 of 38 possible games at Penn St.

Connor McGovern was widely regarded as more physically developed and prepared to start as a Cowboys rookie than fellow Cowboys lineman Connor Williams was a year prior. A torn pectoral muscle wiped out his entire season.

McGovern is healthy and will now have the benefit of a full pro strength and conditioning program under his belt before facing NFL competition. With a new coaching staff, it’s possible McGovern could pry away the starting left guard spot.

DONOVAN WILSON

Position: Safety

Dimensions: 6-0, 204

2019 Draft position: 6th round (213th pick)

College career: 199 tackles, 21.5 for loss, 5 sacks, 8 interceptions, 7 deflections

Donovan Wilson was having a standout preseason under the lights when an injury setback stunted his momentum. He was able to return in week three and play in 11 regular season games logging mostly special teams work.

With a depleted safety position, Wilson will surely get an opportunity to crack the top three. His size and physicality provides a chance to win the starting strong safety role if he can make a hefty jump and build off last year’s preseason.

LUKE GIFFORD

Position: Linebacker

Dimensions: 6-3, 243

2019 Draft position: Undrafted

College career: 109 tackles, 18 for loss, 7 sacks, 1 interception, 3 deflections

If veteran Sean Lee does not return, it’s my opinion Luke Gifford will be the odds on favorite to win the starting SAM linebacker spot. Dallas is sticking with the 4-3 and Gifford’s size and physicality fits the role well.

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Like Wilson, Gifford’s impressive preseason was cut short by injury. He returned in week six and played special teams during the season. Of the three players listed, Gifford is my pick to really turn heads in August and be the hardest to keep sidelined.

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