Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) is tackled short of the goal line by Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
When the Dallas Cowboys announced their draft selections for 2023, they were not well-received. A large number of the team was injured or benched during their rookie campaign. It raises the question of whether these players will avoid the sophomore slump, though, given that the Cowboys released a number of other excellent players.
Here are the things that the remaining 2023 draft picks must accomplish in order to surpass expectations.
Anticipations regarding the Dallas Cowboys 2023 Draft Selections
Mazi Smith, DT: Hold Your Own
Mazi Smith’s incapacity to hold his own is his greatest obstacle. For Smith to be genuinely remarkable, it will be crucial to embrace his inner dog. He needs to take on a more physically demanding role than he was able to last year.
In contrast to Osa Odighizuwa, he was simply less successful. His little stature had a part in that, but he also did not go up to the plate, as many inexperienced players do. He should play much better now that he has completed another year.
Luke Schoonmaker, TE: Take advantage of the Reps
Last season, Schoonmaker caught almost half of his targets. He was eight times caught out of fifteen targets. Moreover, he only had 27 yards in total after the reception. Thus, he wants to make plays longer.
He is comparable in size to TE1, Jake Ferguson. Schoonmaker will need to make the most of his size in order to smash through opponents and earn more yardage. He will probably get more reps this season, so he needs to take advantage of them to have a significant impact.
LB DeMarvion Overexposed; Continue to Be Well
Before his rookie season even started last year, Overshown had an ACL injury. If he wants to be on the squad next season, he will need to continue to be healthy and prove himself.
Throughout training camp and the preseason, he was sporadic. His time in Dallas may come to an end if he is unable to maintain his health for the duration of this season.
Making plays on the field will be Overshown’s main objective as well. He needs to be the dynamic player the Cowboys were hoping for in order to have an impact, even if he does manage to remain healthy for the entire season.
RB Deuce Vaughn: Continue to Be Shifty
Among the league’s shortest running backs is Vaughn. Taking advantage of that shiftiness will be his aim.
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Vaughn is special because of his ability to locate the hole and elude a tackle. His diminutive stature may pose a drawback. However, the Cowboys have been lacking in quality when it comes to bigger backs. His ability to stay out of the tackle will determine how good of a season he has.
Jalen Brooks, Wide Receiver: Make Plays
Jalen Brooks was one of the more intriguing draft selections. A squad that has been making every effort to use CeeDee Lamb has to add Brooks to the lineup.
Diversifying the Cowboys’ targets will be sufficient. Should the team consistently anticipate going to Lamb, he will become a target for double and triple coverage. For Brooks to overcome a sophomore slump, he must be able to deflect focus from Lamb by becoming a superb player in his own right.
Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks for 2023: A Lot of Work Ahead
The Cowboys are still capable of being an exciting team. However, making the most of their current 2024 draft selections as well as their previous selections is crucial to that. The Cowboys may be well on their way to maintaining their importance in the league by developing a young team.
