With the Dallas Cowboys minicamp now done, training camp looms. In just five weeks, the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff and fans alike will get to witness rookies earn their star. In just five weeks, fans, the coaching staff, and management will get to see just how bad the players want to make the 53-man roster. Three rookies have stood out and made a positive first impression during mini-camp. Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, and rookie receiver Ryan Switzer.
Chidobe Awuzie Performance According To The Dallas Cowboys
Chidobe Awuzie was drafted not only to help a depleted secondary but because of the skills, he possesses in playing his position. J.J. Wilcox, Barry Church, Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne were some players who showed flashes of brilliance but didn’t really pan out overall. Awuzie, according to NFL.com, was said to have the size and speed to succeed at the NFL level. Additionally, Awuzie was also said to have instincts to go along with the other characteristics to make him an asset.
According to DallasCowboys.com, Awuzie brought those characteristics and more to mini-camp. Dallas scout Bryan Broaddus reports that Awuzie played outside, inside, and even some dime linebacker without a struggle. Playing against names such as Cole Beasley, Dez Bryant, and Terrance Williams might be less than impressive to some. Then again, it gives this young player experience against players with various skill sets.
My Thoughts On Chidobe Awuzie
As a person who always thought that NFL experience was more valuable than youth, this has been an eye-opening experience. Everything that scouting reports said, Awuzie actually brought to the table. To know that everything reported was completely accurate could make even the casual fan wonder what he can’t do. Furthermore, knowing that he and the other rookie cornerbacks could leave Nolan Carroll in the Number 3 spot at the very least, feels very exciting.
Jourdan Lewis Performance According To The Dallas Cowboys
Lewis is yet another player who is expected to push Nolan Carroll down the depth chart. Both the NFL draft profile and former Dallas Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus say Jourdan Lewis has quick feet. Lewis also had the athleticism to handle himself as a slot corner. According to NFL.com’S draft profile, Lewis plays very well in press coverage, and he proved this to be true during mini-camp.
My Thoughts On Jourdan Lewis
Once again, there is one question that comes to mind when it comes to rookies. How is it possible to think that Jourdan Lewis is ready to start over Nolan Carroll? Mini-camp is definitely an important time for young players like this. These players will have the chance to go up against the best players on the team. However, the real experience comes during the preseason. While I wouldn’t put Lewis as a starter just yet, the reports of his performance thus far makes it easy to be excited about training camp. It may be safe to say that if fans can believe the hype, the secondary could be much improved this year.
Ryan Switzer According To The Dallas Cowboys
Bryan Broaddus, a former scout, and current analyst was impressed with what he saw from the young Switzer. “Though most of these drills are against air, it is clear that Ryan Switzer has a feel for how to execute a route,” wrote Broaddus. “His quickness off the snap, once he gets moving, is impressive. His burst is noticeable. I also came away impressed with how easily he catches the ball. For a guy that doesn’t have much length, his ability to adjust back to the ball made me think of a much taller player.” His NFL draft profile compares him to the likes of Wes Welker and Julian Edelman.
My Thoughts On Ryan Switzer
The buzz around Ryan Switzer seems like it is well worth the hype. Being compared to Wes Welker, and Edelman because of size and speed means he could be very dangerous as well. With his size and speed, he could very well be another Cole Beasley type player. While size is important, it doesn’t necessarily make or break a player. Additionally, his ability to catch almost anything shows yet another reason to believe the hype. Underrated and undersized = perfect opportunity to surprise everyone.