Dallas Cowboys “BUST” That Can Save Their Career in 2024…

By: Zac Lee

The NFL moves fast, and if players don’t prove themselves quickly, the team will move on and find someone else to fill their spot. For several Cowboys players this year, it might just be a make-or-break season. These players have shown promise at times but still have much to prove in terms of making an impact for the Cowboys. Some are even playing for their jobs. Let’s dive in.

Sam Williams

The Cowboys invested significantly in Sam Williams, drafting him 56th overall in 2022. Williams has played in 32 career games and has tallied 8.5 sacks. It’s been an uphill battle for him, as he found himself stuck behind Dorance Armstrong for the first two years of his career. Armstrong, who recorded 16.0 sacks over the last two seasons, was a good player in Dallas. Now that Armstrong has been paid, the door is open for Williams to take over that role.

Williams has shown promise as a pass rusher, but for every step forward, it feels like there are two steps back, with penalties often hindering his performance. This year is crucial for Williams. Can Mike Zimmer help him tone down those penalties? Will Williams find his way into the rotation consistently because Zimmer trusts him? Williams has two options this year: boom or bust. He can either make a significant impact and secure his future with the Cowboys or fall out of favor with the coaching staff.

Jalen Tolbert

Drafted in the third round, Jalen Tolbert has played in 25 career games and has recorded 24 catches for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Not really what you’d hope for out of a 3rd round pick. But Tolbert has improved year over year, although slightly.

This year, Tolbert has to make an impact as the teams WR3. He’ll be competing for reps alongside guys like Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy, and Kavontae Turpin.

Now is the time for Tolbert to carve out his role. If he can’t, he’s at serious risk of being lost in the shuffle and left behind in a talented Cowboys offense.

Luke Schoonmaker

Luke Schoonmaker, drafted with the 58th overall pick, has played in 17 career games with 0 starts and has made 8 catches for 65 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2024. Schoonmaker faces incoming competition while already being the backup behind Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys found Ferguson in the fourth round and could potentially find another tight end in a similar fashion. They also have Brevyn Spain-Ford, a big-bodied blocking type, and Peyton Hendershot, who has shown upside in both the run and pass game. John Stephens, a WR converted to TE, had a great camp and preseason last year.

The Cowboys aren’t likely to cut or release Schoonmaker as a second-round pick, but he could get lost in the shuffle if he’s not careful. By 2025, it could become a question of whether the Cowboys will cut Schoonmaker after camp.

Mazi Smith

Mazi Smith, drafted 26th overall in the 2023 NFL draft, was the first defensive tackle taken by the Cowboys in the first round since Russell Maryland in 1991. Last year, Smith played in 17 games, starting 3 as a rookie, and recorded 9 solo tackles and 1 sack.

The defensive tackle position might have the biggest learning curve from college to pro, so labeling Smith a bust at this stage isn’t fair. Defensive tackles typically start to shine around the time their rookie contracts are set to expire, moving into their second contracts. Among the players discussed, Smith has the most working in his favor regarding the Cowboys’ roster building. The Cowboys don’t heavily invest in the DT position, meaning competition is light, and as a first-round pick, Smith will be given every opportunity to stay on the roster and play.

This season is pivotal for these Cowboys players as they aim to prove their worth and secure their futures with the team.