Rookie minicamp is the first real taste of life in the NFL for newly drafted players and UDFAs hoping to earn a roster spot. Players met the coaching staff, familiarized themselves with the team facility, and began adjusting to the NFL system, including learning a scaled-down playbook. For the Dallas Cowboys, it offered an early glimpse at how this year’s rookie class might fit in.
From Tyler Booker to the most anonymous minicamp invitee, there were plenty of early storylines coming out of The Star. Here are the top takeaways from the weekend.
News and Notes From Dallas Cowboys Rookie Minicamp
Top Draft Picks Making Early Impressions
It was well-reported during the draft process that the Cowboys loved Tyler Booker. They lauded his toughness, maturity, and leadership—something he takes very seriously. Speaking at rookie minicamp, Booker told reporters:
“I’m a natural-born leader, to be the leader of this [rookie class], I take a lot of pride in that.”
Booker signed his rookie deal before the start of minicamp, becoming the first first-rounder league-wide to do so. He showed up ready to work and took on a vocal role throughout the weekend. Exactly what the Cowboys were expecting from him coming out of Alabama. Early signs point to Booker being a foundational piece of the offensive line.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, arguably the steal of the draft, is another player the team expects to contribute right away. Praised for both his character and leadership, he impressed the coaching staff with his “intentionality” and coachability throughout the weekend. Jon Machota of The Athletic shared a message that Ezeiruaku had for the team and staff:
“I’m coming here to work and do whatever the coaches ask me to do,” he said. “If they ask me to stand up or play over the top of the guard on some type of passing situation, or stand up and be on the edge, I’ll do that to the best of my ability.”
Fans love to hear that, and that’s the kind of mindset that resonates in a locker room. Ezeiruaku already has the athletic tools to be disruptive across the front. Combine that with his versatility and willingness to learn, and he could become a dangerous weapon early opposite Micah Parsons.
One Other Notable From This Year’s Draft Class
While Booker and Ezeiruaku will garner most of the attention, fifth-round selection Shemar James made an early positive impression. During day two, James reportedly leveled a member of the coaching staff during a pad drill.
James has also shown not only a willingness, but a desire, to contribute in any way possible. Speaking on the possibility of playing special teams, James said:
“I played special teams all three years at Florida, so that’s something I want to do here. It’s something that I take pride in. Yeah, I hope I’m on special teams.”
Depending on how the linebacker room shakes out, special teams might be James’ biggest opportunity to make an early impact. Coaches have praised James for his energy and intensity, and fans should be excited about his potential.
Undrafted Free Agent Spotlight: Traeshon Holden
Among the undrafted free agents, wide receiver Traeshon Holden made a notable impression during rookie minicamp. The former Oregon Duck, who previously played under Cowboys wide receiver coach Junior Adams, expressed his determination to prove doubters wrong after going undrafted:
“I was hurt,” Holden admitted. “That 24-hour rule, I was hurting. But now, I’m here, and I’m ready to make it happen. I’ll do what I can to show everybody that I belong.”
He also made one thing clear when asked about his mindset for minicamp:
“Prove everybody wrong. I’m coming for heads. That’s it.”
Holden has a long way to go before proving he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster, but he made sure his name is officially on the radar.
Brian Schottenheimer’s Culture Already Taking Root
It’s early in his head coach tenure, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer is already displaying his unique approach to building chemistry.
“It’s like my daughter’s boyfriend,” Schottenheimer said. “I’ll say somebody’s name and he’ll be like, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s my guy.’ I’ll be like, ‘He’s not your guy. You don’t even know him.’ Yeah, I know these guys, but I don’t know them as well as I need to know them to lead and to be the head coach of this football team.”
Okay, that’s a little weird. But, whatever. Regardless, his approach is authentic and underscores his commitment to fostering deeper connections within the team. Schottenheimer believes that understanding his players beyond the surface level is crucial for effective leadership.
Beyond personal relationships, Schottenheimer is also making tangible changes to the team’s environment. During the first team meeting, he moved the team’s seating arrangements. He also overhauled the locker room setup, moving away from the traditional position-based assignments. Most notably, he placed Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott together—arguably the two best players—aiming to promote leadership and unity across different team groups.
His emphasis on energy and enthusiasm is resonating with the players. Rookie running back Phil Mafah noted:
“The coaches have so much energy on this staff. It allows the players to be themselves…We just feed off each other.”
Schottenheimer’s leadership style seems to be setting a new tone for the Cowboys. But hey, it’s new. Let’s see how endearing that energy is if the team starts slow. But for now, his influence is shaping a culture centered on unity, accountability, and mutual respect.
Early Returns Feel Positive
Nobody’s handing out depth chart spots after rookie minicamp, but the energy around this group is trending in the right direction. Tyler Booker looks and acts the part. Donovan Ezeiruaku brings real juice to the front seven. UDFAs like Traeshon Holden are out to prove they belong. Coach Schottenheimer? He’s putting his stamp on the culture.
Training camp will provide better answers to who is the real deal and who is just a camp body. But for now, Dallas has a few reasons to be encouraged by what it saw over the weekend.
Main Photo: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
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