The Landry Hat
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Grading the Cowboys rookies four weeks into the 2022 season

By Brandon Martinez

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Jihad Ward #55 of the New York Giants battles with Tyler Smith #73 of the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Jihad Ward #55 of the New York Giants battles with Tyler Smith #73 of the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Day Three Selections

Due to being claimed by the Washington Commanders after being cut, John Ridgeway will not be getting a grade.

LB Devin Harper (6th round, pick 193)

So far, as expected, the final pick of the draft for America’s Team hasn’t seen much of the field this season. Devin Harper has spent some time on special teams but has yet to make too big of an impact.

Grade: C

LB Damone Clark (5th round, pick 176)

Damone Clark will also not be receiving a grade, as he is still recovering from spine surgery.

Grade: N/A

CB DaRon Bland (5th round, pick 167)

At the time of this pick, many didn’t love the selection. DaRon Bland wasn’t a largely known prospect, but he fit the Dan Quinn mold — the elite defensive coordinator loves his tall, long defensive backs.

Before Week 4, Bland had been pretty quiet. He played mostly on special teams but then got 59 snaps against the Commanders. He certainly made the most of his opportunity, snagging his first career interception after he jumped a route, reading where Carson Wentz was going perfectly.

That in itself is a great way to jumpstart your career. Hopefully, the Fresno State product gets a bit more consistent action over the coming weeks.

Grade: B+

T Matt Waletzko (5th round, pick 155)

Another controversial pick, Matt Waletzko hasn’t seen much action yet this season. With a nagging shoulder issue, the 6’8″ offensive lineman played just one snap on offense against the Giants. Otherwise, he has been playing mostly special teams snaps.

Grade: C

TE Jake Ferguson (4th round, pick 129)

Wisconsin product Jake Ferguson was seen as the future successor to Dalton Schultz after the draft, assuming the team and Schultz can’t get a long-term deal done. Many compared Ferguson’s style of play to Schultz’s during the draft process, and so far it seems accurate.

Over the first four weeks of the season, Ferguson has started the two games Schultz had missed (Weeks 2 and 3). To this point, the fourth-round pick has accumulated three catches for 20 yards while also grading out as the second-best pass blocker on the team according to PFF.

Grade: B

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