Rank’Em: Pollard Leads Top 10 Rookies of Camp 

Ricky Walker – A week ago, he was probably the one player that had been mentioned the least here at camp. But once the lights came on Saturday night, Walker emerged as a rookie who was active in the game, disrupting the pocket and making plays in the backfield. He still has a long way to go get in the mix to make this team but Saturday was a good start.

Mike Jackson Jr. – The fifth-round pick from Miami probably dropped a couple of spots after the game. He had some moments that didn't go his way Saturday night, but overall, Jackson has been pretty good in practices. He uses his l

Donovan Wilson – Our writers had varying opinions of Wilson, some ranking him as high as fourth and fifth among the rookies. Interceptions make a difference in perception, therefore Wilson didn't hurt himself by getting that pick in the game. He also caused a turnover in the Blue-White scrimmage.

Trysten Hill – This probably isn't where you want your second-round pick to be, but defensive tackles are going to be limited in their chances to shine in practice. As for game, Hill was active, but just didn't get home to make significant plays. Jason Garrett said he liked Hill's spirit and toughness to him and wants him to continue to make strides.

Daniel Wise – Overall, the rookie from Kansas has been steady to good from the moment he got here to camp. The deck is stacked against him because there are a lot of defensive linemen ahead of him. But Wise plays with confidence, he has power to push the pocket and more importantly, he can play both end and tackle. That flexibility has not gone unnoticed.

Joe Jackson – When the owner of the team calls you out by name – twice – that's typically a good thing. Jackson has caught Jerry Jones' eye with his play during the scrimmage and the games. He's physical off the edge and plays with a relentless attitude. So far, he's been hard to block but Jackson has gotten better and better each day of practice and it looks like he's ready to take another step in the right direction.

Jon'vea Johnson – One game isn't going to drop him too far down the list. He didn't have a great game Saturday night, with a key drop over the middle, but the rookie receiver from Toledo has been near the top of the class since we arrived in Oxnard. He's got blazing speed and runs routes better than your average rookie. He just needs more opportunities and prove he can shine in the games.

Jalen Jelks – His stock keeps rising every time he gets a chance. In the game Saturday, Jelks got a sack early in the second half. Jelks was also credited with a tackle for loss. In practices, he has been winning more and more in the 1-on-1 drills. He plays with strength despite his lean build, using those long arms for leverage. This seventh-round pick will make it very hard for the Cowboys to part ways with him at any point.

Luke Gifford – Sure, he got hurt in the game that will likely keep him out the rest of the preseason. But up to that point, the rookie from Nebraska has already done enough to secure himself a spot somewhere on this team – either roster or practice squad. At this point, he will probably stay on the roster until the cut-down day and could land on IR. Either way, the instinctive linebacker who had an interception in the game, has provably already carved out a spot for himself.

Tony Pollard – This is exactly the person the Cowboys would want to be their best rookie three weeks into camp – especially with Ezekiel Elliott holding out. But Pollard has been everything and more that the team hoped for, proving he can run by defenders in space, showing he can run in between the tackles Saturday in the game. And he's got more toughness and elusiveness to his game than many first thought. Pollard will probably be the change-of-pace back if and when Zeke returns, but he's showing right now that he can handle the load.