Cowboys Rookies Rise: Can Vaughn & Overshown Climb Depth Chart vs. Jaguars?
The Dallas Cowboys are about to lift the veil on the preseason as they host quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars at 4 p.m. CT from AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Though a handful of Dallas’ most notables are expected to garner some attention during this upcoming matchup, here are three players that might raise an eyebrow when the Cowboys take the field against the Jaguars.
Cooper Rush
Making five starts in place of injured starter Dak Prescott, Rush became the toast of Dallas for a brief period during 2022. The Central Michigan product led the Cowboys to a 4-1 record, completing 58 percent of his passes (94 of 162,) for 1,051 yards and five touchdowns. In fact, Rush had the fifth-highest quarterback rating (QBR) in the NFL at 66.9 though his first four starts. In short, Rush is one of the NFL’s most competent and reliable backups. As such, he was rewarded by Dallas with a two-year contract in the offseason.
Rush should get enough reps against starting-caliber talent to quell any lingering concerns Dallas fans may have about their depth at the position.
Deuce Vaughn
At 5-5, 175-pounds, Vaughn’s size may have deterred many a suitor during the 2023 NFL Draft. However, his dual-threat skill set made him worth the investment for the Cowboys, who selected the Kansas State product at No. 212 overall in the sixth-round.
Vaughn uses his size to his advantage, needing simply a small crease to find a lane for significant yardage. However, his most significant contributions to Mike McCarthy’s offense could come as a receiver out of the backfield. Should he be matched with more sizable second-level defenders, Vaughn has the field savvy to snag upper hand when it comes to foot speed and the ability to change direction.
As he attempts to settle into a spot within Dallas’ running back depth chart, keep an eye out for Vaughn to get to handle the situational swing pass or wheel route against the Jacksonville defense.
DeMarvion Overshown
Currently locked in a three-way battle for positioning with fellow linebackers Damone Clark and Jabril Cox, Overshown is expected to see a notable number of snaps on Saturday. The Cowboys third-rounder (No. 90 overall) in April’s draft has impressed Dallas’ defensive brass during training camp — including star defender Micah Parsons — by showcasing a pro-ready prowess as a strong-side linebacker. As senior for the Texans Longhorns in 2022, he appeared in 12 games (11 starts), posting career-highs with 96 tackles (10 for loss), 4 sacks and five pass breakups. However, Overshown has been equally impressive on special teams work, demonstrating his physicality on return team drills.
No matter where he aligns against the Jaguars, Overshown is likely to enhance his reputation, as well as his chances of being a significant contributor to Dallas’ defense this season.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.
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