The Rookie Minicamp has come and gone. The players and coaches have met. OTA’s are right around the corner. Let’s take a look a dive into the world of the offseason upgrades via the Cowboys Rookie Roundup.
Cowboys Rookie Roundup
Two more rookies signed. Last Thursday OT Josh Ball and LB Jabril Cox both put pen to paper. Six down, 5 to go of the 11 2021 NFL Draft picks the ‘Boys have to sign. So far:
- 4th Rnd LB Jabril Cox
- 4th Rnd OT Josh Ball
- 5th Rnd WR Simi Fehoki
- 6th Rnd DT Quinton Bohanna
- 6th Rnd DB Israel Mukuamu
- 7th Rnd OL Matt Garniok
Rookie Jersey Numbers
The club announced the rookie jersey numbers. Nice to see some of the guys get to keep their college number they would have had to given up in years past.
- 11 – LB Micah Parsons
- 24 – CB Kelvin Joseph
- 38 – CB Israel Mukuamu
- 40 – CB Nashon Wright
- 48 – LB Jabril Cox
- 59 – DE Chauncey Golston
- 68 – OG Matt Farniok
- 75 – DT Osa Odighizua
- 76 – OT Josh Ball
- 81 – WR Simi Fehoko
- 98 – DT Quinton Bohanna
LB Micah Parsons
Unlike when Jerry Jones took an injured Jaylon Smith when Deion Jones was still on the board I like the Micha Parsons pick and I love his opportunities in the defense. Deion Jones was out of LSU and at 6’1″, 222 lbs he had some nice thump to go with his speed. A complete player Jones has delivered over 100 tackles each season except for his injury-shortened 2018 campaign where he delivered 53 in only 6 contests. Interceptions, pass deflections, a few sacks the All-Pro has it all.
Dan Quinn was the head coach through all of that and now he has an upgrade of the skill set. More like Jaylon Smith without the gruesome injury. This pick is a home run for the Cowboys. As a rookie, Deion Jones tabbed 108 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 TDs. Look for Micah Parsons to deliver that and more as he has a broader skill set also being able to get to the QB.
So far Micah has said all the right things and moves like the athlete he is on the field. He looks good. His versatility is key as he can be effective playing on or off the line. The other team has no idea what his job will be on any given down. If Nolan were still the coordinator I would be worried. Not the case. Quinn and Parsons are perfect for each other. This should be fun.
In order to make an impact in your rookie season several things need to come together, opportunity, talent, scheme, and desire. All of those critical compotents are present. Look for Parsons to put up meaningful stats his first season.
LB Jabril Cox
What is not to like? Seriously. The kid was a steal in the 4th round. He is a freaky athlete, has a killer work ethic, great instincts and is 6’3″, 232 lbs, and has a huge wingspan. Most importantly, however, the LSU product has a nose for the ball and the hands to gather the prize. In 2020 alone Cox tabbed 58 tackles, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, and 1 TD.
CB Nahshon Wright
The reach. The guy the ‘Boys could have had 1-2 rounds later. That is the water cooler talk and it takes me back to when the club selected Travis Frederick at the bottom of the first round. I loved the pick. Most of Cowboys Nation liked the guy but panned the pick. It came out later the Raiders were going to take him a couple of picks later. I don’t know if that is the case with Nashon Wright, but once again, I have to admit I love the pick.
The key here is fit. Dan Quinn wants his back 7 to be tall and rangy with huge wingspans. Speed is nice but not the primary requirement. Enter Nahshon Wright. He is exactly what Dr. Quinn ordered. 6’4″, 183 lbs, 32 7/8″ arms. He isn’t the quickest DB but then again, neither is/was Richard Sherman. Wright doesn’t seem overwhelmed and had a solid minicamp. I can’t wait to see how he progresses through OTA’s.
Another Left Coast Sports Post
on Twitter: Steven Van Over
