Happy Thursday, Cowboys Nation.
As I thought about what to write about today, I looked at the Cowboys’ depth chart for about an hour.
In doing so, I wondered what the team saw in either Eric Scott Jr., who Dallas traded up to grab in the sixth round, or Jalen Brooks, who they used with their final selection in the 2023 draft.
I know how Scott may be used, but will Brooks even make the team? Let’s take a look.
ERIC SCOTT JR.
Let’s start with Scott, who has a better chance of making the team.
We must be honest here; Scott will either be a huge reach or a steal in the draft. When they traded for the Chiefs pick in the sixth round, I had no idea this was who they planned on drafting.
This seems more of a John Fassel pick. He played at a smaller school, Southern Miss, and has some playmaking ability.
Eric Scott Jr. doesn't have a write up in @dpbrugler's Beast. Listed in the 'best of the rest' category.
This late in the draft, I wonder if this is a DQ pick or a John Fassel pick.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) April 29, 2023
He finished 2022 with 27 tackles, seven passes defended, and two interceptions, which he returned for a touchdown. The problem I have is that he was ranked the 52nd-best corner.
Looking at his tape with his 6-foot-2 size, he seems like a special teams player, and maybe Fossel had a chance to tell the group who he wanted. Let’s hope I am wrong.
He will make the team, but by adding Stephon Gilmore, Scott may see most of his time on special teams.
JALEN BROOKS
The Cowboys used their last pick in this year’s draft on Jalen Brooks.
Brooks is 6-foot-2. He is from South Carolina; transferred there after being a Tarheal in North Carolina. Brooks had a career-best last season, producing 504 receiving yards.
boom. Jalen Brooks it is.
another guy who doesn't have a writeup in @dpbrugler's Beast. bigger guy (6'1, 201). 4.57 in the 40. finished with 504 yards on 33 catches for South Carolina last season. https://t.co/etcFKHSKYw
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) April 29, 2023
He is athletic but could be faster. He seems more like a role-type player. The situation must be perfect for him to come in for a play or two.
I have a hard time seeing the way that Brooks makes the team. They traded for Brandin Cooks, and will get an entire offseason of Michael Gallup, but who knows?
Jalen Tolbert is still a no-show, but I am not ready to give up on him.
Both players were picked higher than their projection. Brooks was suppose to go undrafted, while Scott was labeled as a day-3 pick, but went way higher than most thought.
Only time will tell for these players. If they turn out to be solid pieces that help the team win games, awesome.
If they don’t, we will wonder why the team traded up to the start of the third round to draft Scott Jr.
As we move into summer and into the offseason workouts, we will probably get a better idea of how these guys look.
I am holding the bar low, as we saw what happened with Tolbert last year.
I’ll be the first to tell you I thought he would make an Immediate impact. Clearly, that didn’t happen.
I am excited to watch them this summer to try and make a name for themselves.
