NFL insider grades Cowboys, NFC East rookies after 2023 season

With the 2023 NFL season officially wrapped this week, NFL insider Eric Edholm provided a team-by-team breakdown of rookie contributions in Year 1. The Dallas Cowboys, who drafted eight rookies in the seven rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, almost had more impactful contributions from their undrafted rookie signings this year on the way to a 12-5 finish.

Though the Cowboys won the NFC East and made it to the playoffs, little of that success can be attributed to this year’s rookie class. That’s exactly why Edholm gave Dallas a D+ grade for their 2023 rookies, while the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants received a B+ and C-. The Washington Commanders also received a D+.

Cowboys earn D+ for 2023 rookie class

Jerry Jones’ selection of rookies had the potential to excel in Year 1 but three factors severely limited them. For one, third-round selection DeMarvion Overshown tore his ACL in August. The team really could have used him if he was healthy when starting linebacker Leighton Vander Esch suffered a neck injury that knocked him out for the remainder of the season.

Secondly, second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker dealt with training camp and early-season injury that kept him from being more involved early in the year. The Cowboys offense has a great role for a star tight end but that honor went to Jake Ferguson this year while Schoonmaker slowly worked into rotation. He ended the year with eight catches on 15 targets for 65 yards and two touchdowns.

Lastly, Dallas’s rookie class would look a lot better if kicker Brandon Aubrey was included in the mix. Since the former Notre Dame soccer player joined the USFL before signing with the Cowboys, he technically doesn’t qualify as a rookie. However, for a first-year player in the NFL, Aubrey outshined everyone. Starting his career with 35 straight field goal makes, the Cowboys kicker is now second all-time in NFL history for consecutive makes.

Defensive tackle Mazi Smith, who the team snagged with the No. 26 overall pick, played in 17 games this season, racking up 13 tackles with one sack. The Cowboys’ 2023 rookie class may not have performed up to expectations in their first season but there are still wins to be had from the group in the future.

2023 Rookie Class

Round 1, Pick 26 Mazi Smith, DL | 17 games/3 starts
Round 2, Pick 58 Luke Schoonmaker, TE | 17 games/0 starts
Round 3, Pick 90 DeMarvion Overshown, LB | 0 games/starts
Round 4, Pick 129 Viliami Fehoko Jr., DL | 0 games/starts
Round 5, Pick 169 Asim Richards, OL | 8 games/0 starts
Round 6, Pick 178 Eric Scott Jr., DB | 0 games/starts
Round 6, Pick 212 Deuce Vaughn, RB | 7 games/0 starts
Round 7, Pick 244 Jalen Brooks, WR | 7 games/0 starts

Contributing Free Agent Signees
TJ Bass, OL | 17 games/2 starts
Hunter Luepke, FB | 17 games/0 starts
Tyrus Wheat, DL | 12 games/0 starts