Cowboys’ 2025 Rookie Class Already Making an Impact in Training Camp
The Cowboys have hit the field in 2025 with a rookie class that is already turning heads in Oxnard. Dallas fans know this story well. The franchise has a long track record of getting major contributions from first-year players, and early signs suggest this group could follow in those footsteps.
Rookies Ready to Make a Difference
First-rounder Tyler Booker has been thrown right into the mix. With veteran Rob Jones sidelined by a neck injury, Booker has logged plenty of snaps in padded drills. The pace and physicality have been a steep learning curve, but he is adjusting quickly and looking sharper every day.
Running back Jaydon Blue wasted no time showing off his vision and quick cuts before an ankle tweak on August 8 slowed him down. If he is back to full speed soon, he could pair with veteran Miles Sanders and fellow rookie Phil Mafah to give the offense a versatile backfield. Mafah, built at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, brings a bruising style but has surprised coaches with his footwork in space. He has been lowering his pads, pushing through contact, and shining in short-yardage work, something this offense has been missing.
On defense, edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku has been one of the most active newcomers, using a quick first step to blow up plays in the backfield. In the secondary, undrafted defensive back Zion Childress has made the most of his opportunities, stepping into first-team reps and coming away with some well-timed plays.
A History of Rookie Success in Dallas
Rookie success is nothing new for this franchise. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott lit up the league in 2016. Zack Martin was an All-Pro in 2014. Leighton Vander Esch piled up 140 tackles in 2018. Micah Parsons took it even further in 2021, collecting 13 sacks in his first 13 games, setting a franchise rookie record, and winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. Next Gen Stats had Parsons finishing that year with a 23 percent pass rush win rate, the third-best in the league among qualified defenders. CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard also made their mark early in their careers.
Schottenheimer Sets the Tone With High-Energy Camp
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants this team to bring energy every time they step on the field. “We want our guys to play with juice,” he said during camp. “This is a game. A kid’s game. If we are not having good energy then I am not doing my job. We are going to have fun, and we are going to work. You can do both.” That approach has been the tone-setter for every practice session.
The 2025 rookies have bought in. If they carry this level of effort and execution into the season, they could be a big reason Dallas stays in the playoff hunt.