The Cowboys draft class is coming along.
Previously we broke down both team’s offense and defense for the upcoming game between the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. Now we dive back into the position battleground, this time looking at how some of each team’s rookie class stack up against each other.
(Grades for each player are the overall offensive of defensive grade handed out by PFF.com)
Tyler Guyton
First Round
Guyton was perfectly fine last week. His first real test in the NFL was up against one of the best pass rushing defensive lines in the NFL that has one of the best pass rushers in the league, and he allowed only two pressures and one sack. This week he’s facing a less challenging threat, but he still needs to bring his A-game. Although the New Orleans Saints isn’t a team that rack up lots of sacks, there a couple of guys to concern Guyton. Let’s see what level of improvement we get after breaking through the barrier of playing his inaugural game in the pro’s.
Grade: 42.0
Marshawn Kneeland
Second Round
Kneeland was exceptional last week and created a stack full of pressures and tackles at the line of scrimmage. There was some apprehension about the defensive line for Week 1, but watching plays like Kneeland made has created a lot of optimism. Keep an eye on his designation this week in practice as he’s dealing with a calf issue.
Grade: 68.0
Cooper Beebe
Third Round
Beebe played a perfect game last week. No wayward snaps and allowed zero pressures, zero sacks and committed zero penalties. Beebe will try to keep a clean sheet going against the Saints defensive line that had zero sacks as a unit last week.
Grade: 67.8
Marist Liufau
Third Round
Liufau didn’t see much of the field last week, but based on how well the rest of the linebacker corps was playing it’s understandable why he was left out. He played a total of nine defensive snaps last week and made one tackle. Having a talented guy like Liufau learning and waiting for his moment isn’t a bad thing, especially when you take into account the volatility of the linebacker position.
Grade: 62.0
Caelen Carson
Fifth Round
Carson got his hand on the ball a bunch of times last week making two pass breakups and almost bringing in an interception. His play helped other players Like Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis have exceptional days. He helped keep Amari Cooper to less than 20 yards last week and will face the likes of Chris Olave or Rashid Shaheed. Both will test the rookie cornerback again this week and provide Cowboys fans with more clarity on how consistent Carson can be in coverage.
Grade: 61.5
Ryan Flournoy
Sixth Round
Inactive last week
Grade: N/A
Brevyn Spann-Ford
UDFA
Spann-Ford was on the field for 19 offensive snaps last week, primarily as a blocker. The run blocking side of things looked promising. He also featured on special teams which seemed the obvious reason he made the final roster. This week he could look to get more work if Jake Ferguson misses time. With Luke Schoonmaker taking the starting role and John Stephens still suffering with his hamstring issue, Ford could take the TE2 spot and will make for an interesting game to check what the rookie tight end can do.
Grade: 54.5
Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New Orleans Saints
Taliese Fuaga
First Round
There’s no denying Fuaga is a talented and physical offensive tackle. He was one of the premium tackles in this year’s draft in a class that was deemed very talented and deep. He had a solid game last week playing on 28 passing sets and allowed zero pressures or sacks. But this week will represent a much larger threat for Fuaga to deal with as he faces a defense that created an unbelievable total 41 pressures last week, and has the presence of Micah Parsons. This is huge reality check for Fuaga who had things a little easier last week.
Grade: 72.7
Kool-Aid McKinstry
Second Round
McKinstry is another talented player the Saints grabbed in the draft and was deemed a fringe first-round cornerback. Marshon Lattimore could miss this game with a hamstring injury meaning McKinstry could get thrust into a starting cornerback role. Having to defend the likes of either CeeDee Lamb or Brandin Cooks is a daunting challenge for a rookie defensive back, so no doubt the Saints coaches will pull a safety to offer help on the outside. If you see this happen early in the game then get ready for the likes of Schoonmaker or Spann-Ford to find more space in the middle and have a big day.
Grade: 63.1
Spencer Rattler
Fifth Round
Designated QB3 on the pregame inactive list.
Grade: N/A
Bub Means
Fifth Round
The Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver played six snaps last week and was targeted once. A.T. Perry was injured last week so that pushed the receiver depth upward, but Perry looks to play this week unless there’s a sudden setback. Keep an eye on that practice report.
Grade: 24.7
Jaylan Ford
Fifth Round
Inactive last week. On this week’s practice report with a hamstring injury.
Grade: N/A
Khristian Boyd
Sixth Round
He played 18 snaps last week, switching between the 3-tech and nose tackle position. He made one pressure and recorded no tackles. Veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is injured and it’s unclear whether he’ll suit up Sunday, Boyd’s snap may go up. He will have a tough time facing either Zack Martin or Tyler Smith.
Grade: 52.8
Rico Payton
UDFA
The Pittsburg State cornerback played heavily on special teams last week but did hop in on seven defensive snaps. The team may look to hold him back on the defensive snaps this week since the Cowboys receiver threat is a lot more volatile than what the Carolina Panthers represented last week.
Grade: 59.9
Mason Tipton
UDFA
Surprisingly the Yale wide receiver got to see quite a bit of the field last week and played 17 snaps on offense last week. He was targeted once and made one reception for six yards. The majority of his work was done as a blocker.
Grade: 47.5
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
