After saving money in free agency, the Dallas Cowboys needed to have a good draft to make up for their offseason. With various needs across the defense, the Cowboys did a decent job filling their holes with quality college prospects. In this article, I will take a look at which rookies will start in 2014. Without further ado, let's get started.
Zack Martin, Offensive Guard, Notre Dame
This one was a given considering the Cowboys bypassed on defense to upgrade their offensive line. Zack Martin is perhaps the only offensive linemen in this draft who could play every position on the offensive line. Although he played left tackle in college, Martin will most likely play right guard for the first few years of his career. Doug Free may not be in Dallas much longer. That being said, Martin will be the Cowboys' right tackle down the road.
Demarcus Lawrence, Defensive End, Boise State
Despite trading their second- and third-round draft pick for him, Demarcus Lawrence could very well be a rotational player to start his NFL career. George Selvie played decent last season and Anthony Spencer will be returning from his knee injury. The problem is that Spencer will likely start the season on the PUP list and that will leave a starting defensive end spot open for Lawrence to take.
Anthony Hitchens, SAM Linebacker, Iowa
The biggest reach for Dallas in this year's draft was Anthony Hitchens. Many draft experts had him as a seventh-round pick, but the Cowboys truly believe they got a special player here. After the Cowboys drafted him, there was a ton of enjoyment in their war room, expressing their interest in Hitchens. Justin Durant is getting paid a lot of money and the Cowboys will most likely cut him, considering Hitchens is already better than him.
Cody Mandell, Punter, Alabama
Although the Cowboys didn't draft him, Cody Mandell has the potential to beat out Chris Jones for the punter position next season. Mandelll is coming from Alabama and he averaged 47.1 yards per kick in 2013. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Mandall as the starting punter next season.
Note
Devin Street, Ben Gardner, and Ken Bishop will all have significant playing time in 2014. Street will most likely be the no. 3 receiver behind Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams. Gardner will be a nice rotational pass rusher in Rod Marinelli's scheme. Bishop will also be a rotational player, as he shows the ability to play the 1-technique or the 3-technique position. The Cowboys are getting younger and this draft class has the potential to help out right away.