There are several ways to look at the 2023 draft class in 2024.
The first is that the one-season sample size is too small for a full-scale audit of the draft, so the exercise can be conducted and consumed somewhat half-heartedly. The second is to treat the review as a time capsule, providing a future frame of reference for how the class has matured.
The choice here is option 2.
This is a one-year progress report and is not a final gradebook. This is a statement about the way things are, not where they will lie forever. We know that future years, not the first year, will determine his class of 2023, but what is the impact of the group so far?
In one word: Wow.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2023 draft has the opportunity to become a symbol of why no one should rush to evaluate a young NFL player, much less an entire draft class. That's because anyone today tasked with making a rating based on early production levels can only characterize this group as a crushing disappointment.
Dallas selected eight players last April. Lack of preparation for the NFL, bad injury luck, and/or injury luck with veterans ahead of them on the depth chart plus fewer opportunities all weighed on them.
Two of the eight draft picks played in the most important game of the season. In the Jan. 14 playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, nose tackle Maji Smith and tight end Luke Schoonmaker combined for 23 snaps.
drafted player
| round | player | position | choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maji Smith | DT | twenty four |
| 2 | luke schoonmaker | T.E. | 58 |
| 3 | Demarvion's Overshow | lb | 90 |
| Four | Viliami Fehoko | D.E. | 129 |
| Five | Asim Richards | O.T. | 169 |
| 6 | Eric Scott | C.B. | 178 |
| 6 | deuce vaughn | R.B. | 212 |
| 7 | jalen brooks | W.R. | 244 |
hit songs
The fact that the best selection to be called a “hit” has yet to go down outside of the preseason speaks to how little the above class contributed.
Overshawn tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during the second exhibition game against the Seattle Seahawks in August. Before that, he built a real buzz within the team for his athleticism and flashes of playmaking in training camp. He seemed very busy on both defensive and special teams.
His future is full of excitement.
He will be a full participant in camp and projects as Will's starting linebacker.
mistake
It hasn't been smooth sailing for everyone.
The Cowboys were not happy with Smith's weight loss during the season. He then injured his shoulder and required surgery in the offseason. Schoonmaker did little last spring as a foot injury sustained in college lingered into training camp. He suffered a mental breakdown during the regular season and ultimately required shoulder surgery in the offseason.
Both are expected to be ready in time for camp. However, the operating table is a poor starting point for a second year jump.
Fehoko and Scott never played in the regular season as rookies. Scott was unprepared and could not solve the case with special teams. Fehoko's path to the field has been thwarted largely due to the health of the veterans on the defensive line.
Richards appeared on the offensive line in five games. All 39 snaps were taken in garbage time in the fourth quarter of games the Cowboys won by at least 20 points. But he did a great job defending field goals.
Vaughn's elusiveness in the preseason didn't translate into the regular season. He gained his 40 yards on his 23 carries, averaging 1.7 yards per attempt. His eye was delayed in pass protection on a fourth-down sack against the New England Patriots in Week 4.
Brooks was a healthy scratch for most of the season, but had a solid introduction to the league. He caught all six passes thrown his way for 64 yards.
conclusion
Two undrafted free agent signings, guard TJ Bass and fullback Hunter Luepke, were arguably the Cowboys' brightest lights during the regular season than any other draft pick. As excited as the team is about Overshawn, undrafted tight end Jon Stevens also made a lot of noise before tearing his left ACL in Seattle.
The jury is still out on the Cowboys' 2023 class.
It's too early for that. Deliberations have not even begun.
Jurors are sitting in boxes in the courtroom, waiting to consider a mountain of evidence that has yet to be presented after uninspiring opening statements.
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