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Grading the Cowboys’ rookies midway through the 2022 season

By Brandon Martinez

Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) celebrates making a sack and a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (54) celebrates making a sack and a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Cowboys have a history of drafting well. The way the 2022 season is going so far, they may have done a great job yet again. While most of their picks weren’t very popular with the fans and media at first, so far, their help has led to a 6-2 record.

Going into the bye, the Cowboys have five rookies with at least 100 snaps played, three on offense and two on defense. Aside from them, there are several other first-year players who have played a handful of snaps on either side but mostly made their impact on special teams.

The way I will be grading these rookies will be based on not only their performances but also their draft position and expectations. Starting with the undrafted free agents and working our way up to the first-round pick, here are the grades midway through the 2022 season.

Grading the Cowboys’ rookies halfway through the 2022 season

Cowboys, Peyton Hendershot
Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Peyton Hendershot (89) celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

UDFA’s

TE Peyton Hendershot

This might be the best of the undrafted free agents for the Cowboys this season. Peyton Hendershot has been quite the surprise so far, as he has shown some big flashes as a receiver in 2022.

Through eight games, starting one, Hendershot has caught nine passes on 12 targets for 85 receiving yards. He also reeled in his first career touchdown against the Detroit Lions. Coming into the season, he had little to no expectations, being the third or fourth tight end on the depth chart. Although his stats don’t look huge, for a UDFA, he is certainly showing some great things.

Grade: A-

WR/KR/PR KaVontae Turpin

One of the most exciting players on special teams (Brett Maher has been quite exciting himself), KaVontae Turpin will be lumped in with this group as well due to not having any prior NFL experience. Since he wasn’t necessarily part of this draft, I feel that should be explained.

He has yet to really make an impact on offense, however, Turpin has immediately been one of the best kick and punt returners in the league. While he is doing a fair job at returning kicks, averaging over 24 yards per return, he has made his mark as a punt returner, averaging 14.7 yards per return, good for third in the NFL. He has yet to take one to the house, but it is only a matter of time.

Grade: B+

UDFA’s not receiving grades: Markquese Bell, Malik Davis

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