Dallas Cowboys: 3 Rookies that could start in Week 1

The Dallas Cowboys draft class ended up bringing in some talented players, including these three who could start as rookies in Week 1

The Dallas Cowboys lost a few starters this offseason when they traded Amari Cooper and released La’el Collins. They also saw Keanu Neal, Damontae Kazee, and Randy Gregory exit in free agency.

Even with the departures, they remained relatively quiet in free agency as they seem prepared to allow their current depth and the incoming class of rookies to fill the voids.

Here, we look at three rookies from their 2022 class who could find themselves starting for Dallas in Week 1 of the season.

Dallas Cowboys possible rookie starter No. 3: Tyler Smith, OL

This one feels like the easiest of the bunch. Dallas used their first pick on Tulsa offensive tackle Tyler Smith, who is set to be a starter for them in 2022.

The only real question is where will he play?

Right now, it appears he’s going to be a left guard and, that’s where Our Lads has him projected ahead of camp. Such a move would make sense with Connor Williams leaving in free agency.

However, there’s also a potential spot for him at right tackle, which is where Terence Steele is projected to start. It appears the long-term plan for Smith will be to replace Tyron Smith at left tackle, so perhaps it would be best to let the rookie take over at right tackle – the same way Tyron Smith did in 2011 before converting to the blindside.

Of course, it also depends on how they feel about Connor McGovern. Smith might be an upgrade over Steele but the coaches trust Steele on the right side. They might not trust McGovern, who didn’t wow them in the three games he started in 2021.

Having said all that, it feels like it might be a lot to ask the rookie to learn guard in the NFL only to kick him outside in a year or two. Maybe it’s best to have him start at the right side, but again, it all depends on how they feel about McGovern.