Dallas Cowboys rookies quickly find their way to the field
The Dallas Morning News
Nov. 9--IRVING -- Loquacious Martellus Bennett had no problem summing up his thoughts on the Cowboys' rookie class halfway through the season.
"We're the best rookie class in the NFL," said Bennett, who was capable of saying just about anything during his days at Texas A&M.
"The guys we have contributed more. You bring any rookie class around here, and we'll play them one-on-one. We can even race. We've got the fastest guys. We're going to win."
Other Cowboys rookies may not be as outspoken as Bennett, but they share his unabashed confidence. All five rookies play integral roles, and they'll gladly tell you all about it.
"You've got to have self-confidence," Orlando Scandrick said. "If you don't believe in yourself, no one will believe in you."
Other teams have individual rookies performing better. Quarterback Matt Ryan is getting more comfortable with Atlanta. Running back Chris Johnson is a big reason Tennessee is undefeated. Denver's Eddie Royal is among the NFL's top 10 in receptions.
Royal, tackle Ryan Clady and fullback Peyton Hillis start for the Broncos. Four other draftees are on Denver's two-deep chart. But there aren't many other teams playing their entire draft class like the Cowboys.
"It's a pretty strong group," coach Wade Phillips said. "All of them have done some good things and shown they can play in the league, and maybe even be pretty good players."
Had this been a normal year, the Cowboys wouldn't have leaned on their rookies as much as they have.
First-round choice Felix Jones, an explosive playmaker at Arkansas, was expected to make an impact. A hamstring injury has sidelined him the last three games. He is expected to practice Monday and play against Washington on Nov. 16.
Cornerbacks Scandrick and Mike Jenkins were expected to watch and learn behind Terence Newman, Adam Jones and Anthony Henry. But Newman has missed six games with groin problems, Jones was suspended by the NFL on Oct. 14 after an incident at a Dallas hotel and Henry has struggled in coverage and battled a deep thigh bruise.
Scandrick has played far above expectations for a fifth-round pick. He took over at nickel corner when Newman went down. Scandrick has made 20 tackles and earned rave reviews for his hustle.
Jenkins, a first-rounder, has started the last three games, but it's been an adventure. He was beaten by St. Louis' Donnie Avery for an apparent touchdown that was negated by a penalty. Jenkins also got lost running with Avery down the field.
Last week against the Giants, Jenkins picked off Eli Manning and returned the interception for a touchdown. But Jenkins also appeared to give up on a play, allowing Derrick Ward to run right past him for a fourth-quarter score.
Bennett was supposed to learn the ropes playing behind Jason Witten. He's developed into a solid run blocker, but has made some mental mistakes.
Bennett dropped an easy touchdown catch against Arizona and had a false-start penalty in a short-yardage situation against St. Louis.
Fourth-round pick Tashard Choice has become a fixture on special teams. Playing behind Marion Barber and Jones, Choice hasn't had many chances at running back. But he's averaged 5.5 yards on his 12 carries and kept a sunny outlook.
"I'm trying to continue to work hard on special teams," Choice said. "The more opportunities I get, the more I'm showing what I can do. You know how it is. You've just got to wait your turn and keep showing you can compete."
RANKING THE COWBOYS' ROOKIES
1. Orlando Scandrick
CB, FIFTH ROUND, 143RD OVERALL
The brash cornerback from Boise State acts like he isn't afraid of anything. He's solidified himself as the slot cornerback in nickel situations.
2. Felix Jones
RB, FIRST ROUND, 22ND OVERALL
Jones' 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 2 was breathtaking. Then he scored on a 60-yard sprint against Green Bay. If not for a hamstring injury, he'd be No. 1 on this list.
3. Martellus Bennett
TE, SECOND ROUND, 61ST OVERALL
We learned through Hard Knocks that Bennett must hold the ball "high and tight." He's come into his own and surpassed Tony Curtis as the run-blocking tight end. Bennett has 11 catches.
4. Mike Jenkins
CB, FIRST ROUND, 25TH OVERALL
A cornerback is useless without confidence. Jenkins has been beaten badly in recent games, and letting Derrick Ward run by him was embarrassing. His interception return for a touchdown against the Giants could help.
5. Tashard Choice
RB, FOURTH ROUND, 122ND OVERALL
Choice provides a third option at running back, but while Jones has been injured the Cowboys have instead given Marion Barber more work. Choice must make his mark on special teams.
Nov. 9--IRVING -- Loquacious Martellus Bennett had no problem summing up his thoughts on the Cowboys' rookie class halfway through the season.
"We're the best rookie class in the NFL," said Bennett, who was capable of saying just about anything during his days at Texas A&M.
"The guys we have contributed more. You bring any rookie class around here, and we'll play them one-on-one. We can even race. We've got the fastest guys. We're going to win."
Other Cowboys rookies may not be as outspoken as Bennett, but they share his unabashed confidence. All five rookies play integral roles, and they'll gladly tell you all about it.
"You've got to have self-confidence," Orlando Scandrick said. "If you don't believe in yourself, no one will believe in you."
Other teams have individual rookies performing better. Quarterback Matt Ryan is getting more comfortable with Atlanta. Running back Chris Johnson is a big reason Tennessee is undefeated. Denver's Eddie Royal is among the NFL's top 10 in receptions.
Royal, tackle Ryan Clady and fullback Peyton Hillis start for the Broncos. Four other draftees are on Denver's two-deep chart. But there aren't many other teams playing their entire draft class like the Cowboys.
"It's a pretty strong group," coach Wade Phillips said. "All of them have done some good things and shown they can play in the league, and maybe even be pretty good players."
Had this been a normal year, the Cowboys wouldn't have leaned on their rookies as much as they have.
First-round choice Felix Jones, an explosive playmaker at Arkansas, was expected to make an impact. A hamstring injury has sidelined him the last three games. He is expected to practice Monday and play against Washington on Nov. 16.
Cornerbacks Scandrick and Mike Jenkins were expected to watch and learn behind Terence Newman, Adam Jones and Anthony Henry. But Newman has missed six games with groin problems, Jones was suspended by the NFL on Oct. 14 after an incident at a Dallas hotel and Henry has struggled in coverage and battled a deep thigh bruise.
Scandrick has played far above expectations for a fifth-round pick. He took over at nickel corner when Newman went down. Scandrick has made 20 tackles and earned rave reviews for his hustle.
Jenkins, a first-rounder, has started the last three games, but it's been an adventure. He was beaten by St. Louis' Donnie Avery for an apparent touchdown that was negated by a penalty. Jenkins also got lost running with Avery down the field.
Last week against the Giants, Jenkins picked off Eli Manning and returned the interception for a touchdown. But Jenkins also appeared to give up on a play, allowing Derrick Ward to run right past him for a fourth-quarter score.
Bennett was supposed to learn the ropes playing behind Jason Witten. He's developed into a solid run blocker, but has made some mental mistakes.
Bennett dropped an easy touchdown catch against Arizona and had a false-start penalty in a short-yardage situation against St. Louis.
Fourth-round pick Tashard Choice has become a fixture on special teams. Playing behind Marion Barber and Jones, Choice hasn't had many chances at running back. But he's averaged 5.5 yards on his 12 carries and kept a sunny outlook.
"I'm trying to continue to work hard on special teams," Choice said. "The more opportunities I get, the more I'm showing what I can do. You know how it is. You've just got to wait your turn and keep showing you can compete."
RANKING THE COWBOYS' ROOKIES
1. Orlando Scandrick
CB, FIFTH ROUND, 143RD OVERALL
The brash cornerback from Boise State acts like he isn't afraid of anything. He's solidified himself as the slot cornerback in nickel situations.
2. Felix Jones
RB, FIRST ROUND, 22ND OVERALL
Jones' 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 2 was breathtaking. Then he scored on a 60-yard sprint against Green Bay. If not for a hamstring injury, he'd be No. 1 on this list.
3. Martellus Bennett
TE, SECOND ROUND, 61ST OVERALL
We learned through Hard Knocks that Bennett must hold the ball "high and tight." He's come into his own and surpassed Tony Curtis as the run-blocking tight end. Bennett has 11 catches.
4. Mike Jenkins
CB, FIRST ROUND, 25TH OVERALL
A cornerback is useless without confidence. Jenkins has been beaten badly in recent games, and letting Derrick Ward run by him was embarrassing. His interception return for a touchdown against the Giants could help.
5. Tashard Choice
RB, FOURTH ROUND, 122ND OVERALL
Choice provides a third option at running back, but while Jones has been injured the Cowboys have instead given Marion Barber more work. Choice must make his mark on special teams.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:02 AM
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