Cowboys rookies making sudden impact

When the Dallas Cowboys opened training camp, cornerback Byron Jones, defensive end Randy Gregory and undrafted free-agent guard La’el Collins dominated talk about the team’s incoming rookies.

All were considered first-round talents and expected to make a huge impact as rookies. Jones was picked 27th overall, Gregory dropped to the second round because of a failed drug test, and Collins wasn’t drafted because of concerns that he was linked, though not a suspect, in the death of a former girlfriend.

Count fourth-round pick Damien Wilson, who is running first team at strong side linebacker, and wide receiver Lucky Whitehead as two of the biggest surprises.

Owner Jerry Jones said he is excited about the number of rookies who could make the 53-man roster and the number who could make contributions during the season.

“I can right now draw up game situations where I can put over a handful of rookies in those game situations and maybe be a part of our best personnel,” Jones said.

Here a closer look at the eight draft picks and top free-agent rookies:

▪ Round 1/27 overall — Byron Smith, CB, 6-1, 199, Connecticut: He will miss the San Francisco 49ers game Sunday because of a shoulder injury. But he will be back in practice next week. Smith was getting a ton of work at cornerback, safety and in the dime package. He could eventually compete for the starting job at free safety.

▪ Round 2/60 — Randy Gregory, DE, 6-5, 235, Nebraska: Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said Gregory has been everything they thought he would be and more. He still needs to add weight. He has a role as a primary rusher on passing downs. He looks good wearing DeMarcus Ware’s old No. 94.

▪ Round 3/91 — Chaz Green, T, 6-5, 314, Florida: This is the one major disappointment, because there was hope he could compete for the third tackle role. He has yet to practice because of off-season hip surgery. Running is not even part of his rehab yet. He could sit the entire season.

▪ Round 4/127 — Damien Wilson, LB, 6-0, 245, Minnesota: Wilson has been the biggest surprise. He has gone from Sean Lee’s primary backup at weakside linebacker to the possible starter on the strong side. The Cowboys like Wilson’s speed and playmaking ability. He could be better than Anthony Hitchens was a year ago.

▪ Round 5/163 — Ryan Russell, DE, 6-4, 269, Purdue: Nobody gets screamed at more in practice than Russell. But, according to defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, that has a lot to do with the high hopes the team has for him. They love Russell’s ability as a pass rusher. They just want him to play tougher and with more consistency.

▪ Round 7/236 — Mark Nzeocha, LB, 6-2, 232, Wyoming: He remains on the nonfootball injury list because of a torn ACL he sustained at Wyoming. The Cowboys didn’t think the rehab would take this long or they wouldn’t have drafted him. They like his size and how he fits in the defense. He was always a development project.

▪ Round 7/243 — Laurence Gibson, T, 6-6, 305, Virginia Tech: Gibson is an athletic big body who remains a work in progress. He has improved throughout training camp. He has a good shot to make the practice squad.

▪ Round 7/246 — Geoff Swaim, TE, 6-4, 250, Texas: Swaim is the reason the Cowboys plan to keep four tight ends on the roster and go short at another position. They drafted him because of his ability as an in-line blocker. They have been pleasantly surprised about the promise he has shown as a receiver, a skill he didn’t get to use much as Texas because of the poor quarterback play.

Undrafted free agents

▪ La’el Collins, G, 6-4, 315, LSU: Collins is what the Cowboys thought he was — a talented and physical offensive lineman with a mean streak. He likes to finish off plays by putting the defender on his back side. He has yet to unseat Ron Leary for the starting spot at left guard because Leary is having an excellent camp. But Collins is getting starter’s reps and improving because of injuries to Leary and Zack Martin.

▪ Lucky Whitehead, WR, 5-9, 180, Florida Atlantic: The tiny speedster has consistently made plays throughout training camp. He plays behind Cole Beasley as the slot receiver and has a similar knack for making plays over the middle. He is also competing with Beasley for the role as the team’s primary kick returner.

This story was originally published August 21, 2015 at 8:27 PM with the headline "Cowboys rookies making sudden impact."