The Dallas Cowboys don't have as much riding on their draft class compared to previous seasons. That's what happens when you're actually active while other teams are spending to improve their rosters.
Having said that, recent draft misfires require the likes of Caleb Downs, Malachi Lawrence, Jaishawn Barham and, to a lesser extent, LT Overton and Devin Moore to contribute in Year 1.
Each player carries different expectations, and with Dallas having a walkthrough practice on Friday before Saturday's preseason clash against the Arizona Cardinals, now feels like a perfect time to check in on the Cowboys' rookie class.
Stock report on Dallas Cowboys' rookie class before preseason Week 2
Caleb Downs - DB
The No. 11 overall pick has been as advertised. Even national insiders like Adam Schefter believe Downs is going to impact the Cowboys' defense in a way that's reminiscent of some of the most memorable rookie seasons ever.
Unfortunately, Downs won't get the chance to show off his talent in the preseason. He was pulled against the Seahawks after just seven snaps. With Downs expected to start in the nickel, expect Dallas to be even more cautious with the 21-year-old DB in the final two exhibitions.
That's because Downs has shown enough in training camp.
Perhaps his most impressive rep to date occurred this week in a coverage rep against Saints star receiver Chris Olave. Downs' coverage was so tight that he practically was wearing Olave's jersey. Pretty damn impressive for a rookie facing a second-team All-Pro.
Verdict: Stock Up
Malachi Lawrence - OLB
Downs probably could have starred in the NFL as a college junior. Lawrence, on the other hand, needs a bit more seasoning. While worthy of a first-round pick, the former UCF star is working to remove a false step that didn't hinder him in college.
After three weeks of camp, Lawrence's technical progress is starting to show up on the field. He pulled off a beauty of a sack during Tuesday's joint practice with New Orleans, leaving Saints right tackle Taliese Fuaga blocking thin air after a deadly inside move.
That followed a positive preseason debut, in which Lawrence was credited with a pressure, two defensive stops, and a 12.5 percent pass rush win rate, per Pro Football Focus.
It wasn't a perfect outing, but it's one he can build on as he looks to make an impact for Christian Parker as a rotational outside linebacker.
Verdict: Stock Up
Jaishawn Barham - LB
Barham was shot out of a cannon to start camp, impressing coaches early with his power and block-shedding ability. Once the pads came on, his presence became even more pronounced.
That’s no surprise for a player with his tenacious style, but it’s still impressive considering he’s navigating two different roles as a traditional off-ball linebacker and an edge rusher.
Barham's progress was stalled by a groin injury. He missed a few practices, including the first preseason game, but he's back on the field in full pads, and the expectation is that he suits up this Saturday. Better yet? He's working with the first-team defense and making plays again.
The third-round pick may not start in Week 1, but he's absolutely in contention to start. Consider him one of the most anticipated players to watch against the Cardinals.
Verdict: Stock Up
Drew Shelton - OT
Well, we had to hit a snag at some point. Shelton has really struggled. That’s not completely surprising for a Day 3 rookie, but a fourth-rounder doesn't get the same leeway as a late-round flyer.
It’s even more alarming given that third-year pro Nate Thomas has been anything but sturdy at either tackle spot, leaving the backup swing tackle position in dire straits with the regular season just three weeks away.
The Cowboys' backup offensive linemen were poor against Seattle, and Shelton was part of the problem, allowing three pressures and two quarterback hits, per PFF. He's just not ready, which is totally fine. It's just magnified by Dallas not having a capable alternative.
Verdict: Stock Down
Devin Moore - CB
Moore is a difficult evaluation. On one hand, a groin injury sidelined him for multiple practices, including the preseason opener.
On the other hand, Moore returned to practice Monday and immediately logged first-team reps, tagging in for Caelen Carson after Carson's three-penalty showing. That’s a clear indicator of where Moore stands in the cornerback hierarchy, is it not?
Injuries are the primary reason Moore fell to Day 3, so while his coverage flashes suggest his stock is trending up, staying healthy remains the ultimate test.
Verdict: Stuck in neutral (for now)
LT Overton - DL
Not to be confused with Left Tackle Overton. Nobody? Ok.
Don't look now, but Overton may be making a push for rotational snaps up front. Veteran Otito Ogbonnia has held down his end of the bargain in Oxnard, but Overton's ability to slide inside as a pass rusher gives Christian Parker a potentially dangerous complementary piece.
Getting around Tyler Booker is no easy task, but Overton made it look effortless on Thursday. It was anything but effortless, though. The 21-year-old combined violent hands with great bend and fluid footwork to beat a player widely expected to become an elite interior anchor.
In his preseason debut, Overton finished with one pressure and a hurry in just 10 pass-rushing snaps, giving him an 11.1 percent win rate.
Verdict: Stock Up
Anthony Smith - WR
Smith may not make the 53-man roster, but that's hardly an indictment of how he's performed in his first training camp. His 4.3 speed has popped up time and time again, mostly with the ball in his hands after the catch.
The seventh-round pick out of ECU had an uneven preseason debut, catching two of five targets for 28 yards. He dropped a pass but also hauled in a contested catch.
Smith would have a serious case for a roster spot if not for undrafted rookie Camden Brown, who wouldn't be the first special talent that the NFL overlooked in the draft process.
The unfortunate reality is that Smith is WR7. That doesn't appear as a compliment, but it's a testament to how crowded this room has become. Smith has put together a legitimate NFL-caliber camp; he's just caught on the wrong side of a rookie breakout.
Verdict: Stock Up
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