(Editor's Note: Who doesn't love lists? Throughout training camp, 'High 5' will provide a top five list for many of the critical topics surrounding the Dallas Cowboys 2024 preseason.)
Training camp serves as a potential launchpad for so many members of a football team. None with bigger questions or opportunity than the incoming rookie class, who remain unknown to the football world until they find their role for the Fall.
The Dallas Cowboys have multiple draft picks that are being placed in crucial situations like the offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, and secondary. Needing them to step up in a big way if the goals set for this season are to have any hope. Here are the top five rookies of Cowboys camp so far:
5. Cooper Beebe - There has been plenty of criticism for Beebe's shotgun snaps as he makes the tough transition from guard to center. He has certainly struggled to piece together the different fundamentals for a position he's never played. However, when he's not taking extra snaps at center, he's been fantastic as a blocker at guard. When Zack Martin isn't available, Beebe has taken snaps with the first team at right guard, looking comfortable and pro-ready at the position he has played most. A confidence builder that he's still having a good camp, despite facing the challenges of a position change.
4. Marist Liufau - Rushing the passer, dropping back in coverage, or stepping up to make a stop, Liufau has brought another element for Mike Zimmer's defense in multiple ways. He really caught the attention of Cowboys fans when knocking down Tyler Smith on a delayed blitz during Saturday's practice. A moment that showed Liufau's power, despite being tabbed as an undersized linebacker in the draft process. All this adds to the week he put together by showing versatility and football IQ throughout team drills in Oxnard.
3. Tyler Guyton - Anyone who has followed training camp coverage to this point has probably heard of Tyler Guyton's potential and his snaps against Micah Parsons. His reps against one of the best pass rushers in football is enough to excite Cowboys fans. There are still elements of his game that could bring more consistency, such as footwork and hand placement against a multitude of pass rush moves. He should see plenty more work with the first team as camp continues to ramp up.
2. Caelen Carson - Carson has handled the pressure of being both a rookie and carrying the weight of a position that needs depth to step up in a big way. The fifth-round pick has consistently put together solid practices, earning his way to some first-team rotations on the boundary. If he can continue to find the ball on a practice-by-practice rate, he could be on his way to more of a rotation and more trust from the defensive coaching staff.
1. Marshawn Kneeland - Kneeland has stepped up in a big way both on and off the practice field. Multiple members of the coaching staff have praised his work ethic and mindset this week. That has translated to the field so far, ending in plenty of reps alongside the starting defensive line and against the starting offensive front. He'll be challenged more this week as the offense continues to add to their playbook. But expect to see more of Kneeland, especially without Sam Williams available for those edge rusher snaps.
