Cowboys rookie already soaring up the depth chart (and it's not who you'd expect)

Following a quiet free agency, a lot will be expected of the Dallas Cowboys' 2024 draft class. While first-round pick Tyler Guyton and third-round pick Cooper Beebe are expected to start from day one, defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and linebacker Marist Liufau could have big roles as rookies for Mike Zimmer.

Even wide receiver Ryan Flournoy has the makings of a sixth-round steal after he shined in minicamp and OTAs. If the Cowboys can produce five impactful rookies to pair with their star-studded core , they'll have a great chance to exorcise their playoff demons.

While those five rookies will have fans' full attention during training camp, it's probably time for them to get familiar with another day three pick: cornerback Caelen Carson.

Cowboys rookie Caelen Carson already climbing cornerback depth chart

In a recent mailbag article for Cowboys dot com, team reporters Nick Harris and Mickey Spagnola discussed what role 2021 fifth-round pick Israel Mukuamu could have this season. Per Harris, Mukuamu worked almost exclusively with the second-team defense in OTAs and minicamp.

Cowboys fans would like Mukuamu to get more run as a nickel cornerback after he locked down Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin in the playoffs two years ago. At 6-4 and 205 pounds with the strength and explosiveness of a safety, Mukuamu could seemingly line up against wide receivers and tight ends.

According to Harris, though, Juanyeh Thomas, Markquese Bell and Carson (!) all saw snaps with the first-team defense in spring practices.

Carson's inclusion on the first-team is notable for multiple reasons. It's unclear what other cornerbacks practiced with the starters but it sounds like the Wake Forest product is no worse than fourth or fifth on the depth chart. That's an impressive start for a rookie, let alone a day three pick.

Carson was widely viewed as a top-100 overall prospect in the 2024 class. The Cowboys selected him with the 174th overall pick in round five, which speaks to the value of the pick. With ideal length to disrupt passes, a high football IQ and great tackling instincts, Carson is the perfect development CB for defensive backs coach Al Harris.

Whether that translates to Carson playing a ton in year one remains to be seen, but he could push for a significant role with a strong training camp and preseason. There's nobody proven on the depth chart behind starters Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis, and he's clearly leapfrogged Mukuamu in the pecking order.

From where we're standing, Carson is on a level playing field with 2023 fifth-round pick Eric Scott Jr. and 2021 third-round pick Nahshon Wright. He might even have a leg up on his new teammates.

The latest Cowboys news