What’s your opinion on this year’s rookie class for Dallas?
Previously we broke down both team’s offense and defense for the upcoming game between the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers. 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)
Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Guyton
First Round
Guyton didn’t play last week with an ankle sprain. He may actually play in this week’s game as he has practiced in full this week, but some comments coming from the organization hint that the chance of him playing this week is remote. Keep a close eye on the inactive list on game day.
Grade: 49.2
Marshawn Kneeland
Second Round
Kneeland was back on the field last week in a limited role. He played 23 snaps and made two tackles. Look for him to continue a rotational role at the moment.
Grade: 55.1
Cooper Beebe
Third Round
Beebe missed the second half last week and was having a good game up until then. He has already been ruled out this week as he tries to clear concussion protocol.
Grade: 64.4
Marist Liufau
Third Round
Watching Liufau develop these past few weeks is exciting. Using his speed and burst to come in and create extra pressure on passing downs is fun to watch, and leading the team last week in sacks is a positive stepping stone to him creating a unique role for himself among the Dallas linebackers. He has a tough ask this week though as the Panthers offensive line have allowed the fourth-fewest sacks.
Grade: 46.5
Caelen Carson
Fifth Round
Moved to Injured Reserve
Grade: 39.7
Ryan Flournoy
Sixth Round
Flournoy showcased his straight line speed last week as a gunner on special teams. He was great at getting downfield quickly and shutting down return options. Expect much the same from him for now.
Grade: 59.4
Brevyn Spann-Ford
UDFA
Ford saw his snap count go down last week with the return of Jake Ferguson. He’s proven to be a good run blocker and as the TE3 that will really be his key role on offense. Other than that his other role on special teams will keep him busy.
Grade: 56.7
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
Carolina Panthers
Xavier Legette
First Round
It’s been a tough start for the standout South Carolina receiver. He’s only managed 39 receptions for 432 yards this year, but he’s hampered by a generally poor roster. Having Bryce Young back at quarterback raised his stock a little, but he’s yet to score a touchdown now in five weeks.
Grade: 59.5
Jonathon Brooks
Second Round
Moved to Injured Reserve
Grade: 51.5
Trevin Wallace
Third Round
The young Kentucky linebacker was pushed into a starting role this year due to injury. Now he will miss this week’s game due to a shoulder injury and that creates a huge headache for the Panthers coaching staff as the linebacker position is already thin.
Grade: 56.0
Ja’Tavion Sanders
Fourth Round
This Longhorns tight end was never a huge blocker in college but he’s a fast and reliable receiver. This year he has 302 receiving yards and one touchdown, which isn’t bad considering the offense he has to work with. The most receptions he has in a game this season came against Washington where he had six catches.
Grade: 55.0
Chau Smith-Wade
Fifth Round
Another player that moved into a starting role due to injury. You’ll find Wade defending the slot primarily on the Panthers defense. He allows a 70% completion rate and is third on defense in penalties. Facing Lamb in the slot will be interesting to watch, especially given the fact that this Panthers defense has given the second-most receiving touchdowns this year.
Grade: 53.4
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
