It would be great to see some improvement from Cowboys rookies this week.
Previously we broke down both team’s offense and defense for the upcoming game between the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons. 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 or defensive grade handed out by PFF.com)
Tyler Guyton
First Round
Guyton looked improved overall last week and moving much more comfortably. This week he faces a much easier task against a Falcons defensive line that’s producing very little pressure and ranks last in sacks. On top of that, the majority of the Falcons pass rush comes from the inside as apposed to around the edge. Let’s see if Guyton can stack some positive games and help grow his confidence.
Grade: 54.8
Marshawn Kneeland
Second Round
On injured reserve
Grade: 54.7
Cooper Beebe
Third Round
Beebe is playing with good technique and he’s slowly emerging as one of the better offensive linemen for Dallas this year. He has some work to do this week, however, as the Falcons pressure (although minimal) comes through the A and B gaps. Given Beebe’s form in the past few weeks he should handle what’s thrown at him.
Grade: 60.4
Marist Liufau
Third Round
It wasn’t his worse game last week against San Francisco, but Liufau did have some issues in coverage which has been his bread-and-butter for the Cowboys defense. With the threat of Kyle Pitts at the tight end position having a quick and intelligent coverage linebacker would help dramatically. Let’s hope Liufau can find that form this week.
Grade: 51.5
Caelen Carson
Fifth Round
Inactive/Did not play
Grade: 57.9
Ryan Flournoy
Sixth Round
Flournoy has taken four offensive snaps in the last two games, but he’s been a key player on special teams. Expect this trend to continue for now.
Grade: 76.4 (ST Grade)
Brevyn Spann-Ford
UDFA
Two vital misconnections last week will have Spann-Ford frustrated but he wasn’t the only one who missed some plays in San Francisco. His role is mostly used an extra blocker in the run game, and with the lack of use of the run game because of being behind, he’s not getting to show his full skills.
Grade: 52.7
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr.
First Round
This is still one of the most mind-boggling draft moments. So far this year, Penix has played seven snaps. This may end up being a smart pick if we squint really hard, perhaps. But you have to wonder what this team could have done with this draft pick at the position they were in, after acquiring Kirk Cousins in the offseason.
Grade: 73.0
Ruke Orhorhoro
Second Round
The Clemson defensive linemen was a sneaky talent in this year’s draft and some had him peaking into the first round. He didn’t take the field until Week 5 for Atlanta and has yet to register a sack. He has two total pressures and five tackles this season and used in rotation on the Falcons odd-front. Injury may impact his availability this week.
Grade: 53.4
Bralen Trice
Third Round
On injured reserve
Grade: N/A
Brandon Dorlus
Fourth Round
Inactive/Has not played
Grade: N/A
JD Bertrand
Fifth Round
The young Fighting Irish linebacker got an opportunity in Week 5 and had trouble making tackles and missed a few during the game. Since then he’s been used in rotation and has made three tackles the last two weeks. If the Falcons linebacker corps keeps taking injuries they may be looking to play Bertrand a little more, but he also has an injury issue this week.
Grade: 51.3
Jase McClellan
Sixth Round
McClellan has taken five handoffs this year which all came in Week 7 and averaged 3.4 yards per carry. Last week against Tampa Bay he was made inactive and unless anything changes, it’s more than likely this is the future for him this season.
Grade: 64.4
Casey Washington
Sixth Round
Washington is used on special teams on coverage duties. He’s made one reception this year, and with the the Falcons offense sticking to its triple-header of pass catchers, as well as Robinson sprinkled in, it looks tough this year for the zippy Illinois receiver to make much of mark on offense.
Grade: 58.0 (ST Grade)
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
