A “ride or die” situation for three rookies with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024.
Dallas’ rookies will be crucial to the team’s chances
of winning the NFC East again. Thus, if these players perform well, Cowboys supporters will adore them. Nathaniel Peat, RB Tony Pollard, who led the team in running the previous season, inked a $21 million, three-year deal with the Titans in the summer. After spending a year on the New England Patriots, where he averaged 3.5 yards per rush for 642 yards and three touchdowns—all career lows—Ezekiel Elliott is back.
This year, the team signed Peat as an unrestricted free agent instead of drafting a running back. Peat is four inches shorter and thirty-two pounds lighter than Elliott at five feet eight inches and 196 pounds, but he is taller and heavier than Deuce Vaughn, the team’s sixth-round choice in 2023.
Peat did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine after averaging 5.4 yards per rush across five collegiate seasons, 1,420 yards, and nine touchdowns. At Missouri’s Pro Day, he recorded a 4.32 and a 41-inch vertical leap. Malik Davis, a running back, signed with the team as a UDFA last season after running a 4.66 at Florida’s Pro Day, though he only saw action in three games. Due to his quickness, Peat may be able to secure Davis’ roster position in 2024 as well as playing time.
LT Guyton Tyler Growing difficulties are inevitable for a player like Guyton, but that’s what makes him a “ride-or-die” player. Because of his exceptional athleticism, the 6’7, 327-pound monster played both offensive lineman and H-back for TCU in 2021. However, he has limited experience at left tackle and is prone to injuries. He started five games in 2022 and nine in 2023 as a tackle, although he only made one start on the left side. Tyron Smith, a former All-Pro left tackle, started 161 games for the Cowboys before signing a free agent contract with the Jets.
Guyton must step into large shoes. If he is unable to do so, Tyler Smith, the left guard, would probably switch to the left tackle position, upsetting the balance of the offensive line that already lacks Tyler Smith and Tyler Biadasz, the center, who inked a contract with Washington in the offseason. Guyton has the potential to become a fan favorite and lead the team to a deep postseason run if he doesn’t struggle. OG Cooper Beebe.