Rookie impressions after 1 game

[dbair1967]

Zach Martin looked like he will be a solid addition...didn't seem out of place at all. There was one play on a stunt where the Chargers rusher got free, but I don't know if that was on Martin or someone else. Otherwise he looked really strong.

Demarcus Lawrence- DNP

Anthony Hitchens- thought he looked decent enough vs the run, but he was exposed in pass coverage a couple times. Doesn't look like he has a lot of speed but could be a decent special teamer and backup/short yardage run defense LB

Devin Street- a lot of talk in camp about how smooth he is, and it showed up in the game...had 4 catches, nice debut

Ahmad Dixon- nice debut...hits hard, sure tackler...looks like he has some range

Ben Gardner & Will Smith- DNP

Ken Bishop- didn't get in the backfield any that I saw, appeared weak vs the run...had the one really nice hustle play 20 yds or so yds down field, but I was disappointed

Terrance Mitchell- gave up a couple catches and had a penalty or two, but overall I thought he looked ok...definitely better than BW Webb at this point IMO...got knocked down draft boards because of a slow 40 time at the combine, but he didn't look slow on the field and from most reports at camp hasn't looked slow there either

UDFA's- Davon Coleman got a lot of time (I think he actually started) but I didn't see much that stood out...like Dustin Vaughan's debut, looks like a decent developmental guy. Broaddus said he liked what he saw from Dartwan Bush, I saw him get free once I think on a pass rush...I think JC Copeland got some snaps but didn't see anything that stood out.

And I know its just the punter, but Cody Mandell had a nice game. Averaged almost 44 yds (much higher than Jones in game) and all 3 ended up inside the 20. I think he also kicked off both times and one was a touchback

 

[Midswat]

Thanks for posting. I didn't watch the game but was wondering how some of the young guys looked.

Love how Martin has been getting nothing but good reviews.

Outside of him, Vaughn seems to be the rook with the most buzz around him.

 

[marionbarberthe4th]

Street too. He might just be a productive olgetree type guy right away

 

[Doomsday]

There was a guy playing defensive end wearing #95 that I was impressed with. He's 6-7, 270 and moves like a cat. Reminded me just a little bit of Ed Jones. Then I looked him up and found out he's a 2nd year guy, Caesar Rayford. Practice squad player who was activated and saw only a little bit of playing time last year. Played five years of CFL and arena ball. Was signed by Detroit then Indianapolis, with Dallas picking him up right before the 2013 season started.

Looks like a good developmental prospect who has some tools and bears watching this year.

 

[Midswat]

If he's already 27 or 28 odds are he's not a developmental player. He's likely peaked physically already.

 

[Doomsday]

If he's already 27 or 28 odds are he's not a developmental player. He's likely peaked physically already.

Needs work on the mental part of the game. Technique and such. Ware is old and past his physical prime too, but makes up for it with technique.

 

[jnday]

Martin will be a solid guard, but I have doubts about the rest if the rookies being anything more than average players. I can't believe that they drafted another LB with no coverage skills. It seems like the scouting department is incapable if finding LBs with coverage ability, but it is a problem every year and it shows up on the field. I have questions about Lawrence's pass rushing ability and I think that they will have to spend another high draft pick at the DE position to get a pass rush. I know it was only the first game , but it did expose the total lack of depth on the defense. The starters that was not playing are not top talent to start with and there is nothing to back them up. I don't care if the plan is to use several different players to create a pass rush. It is not going to work if none of them have any pass rushing ability. It is going to be a long year for Cowboy fans.

 

[dbair1967]

Guess Mandell performed his job too good, so they cut him today

 

[bvhawkeye]

They cut Mandell? Figures, Jones must kiss Jerry's ass better

 

[dbair1967]

They are going to replace Mandell with a kicker, so they don't overuse Bailey or expose him during preseason games. OK, that's good.

But you knew you weren't going to have Bailey over extend himself all offseason, so why wait till after the first preseason game?

Bailey is arguably one of the best players on the team, and with so many close games his importance is amplified. Having him kick off an run down field or have his leg run into on Goodell stupid extra long PAT in preseason games is absolutely MORONIC