Re-grading the Cowboys’ 2024 NFL Draft Class: Midseason Review
As we hit the midway point of the 2024 NFL season, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate the Dallas Cowboys’ draft class. The team entered the draft with a solid foundation, looking to further solidify their roster for both the short and long term. But as is often the case, early returns are often a mixture of surprises, disappointments, and uncertainty. So, how have the Cowboys’ rookies fared thus far? And is it time to adjust the grade on their 2024 draft class?
Tyler Guyton: The Untapped Potential
When the Cowboys selected Tyler Guyton, an offensive tackle from TCU, in the second round, there were high expectations surrounding the physical specimen. Standing at 6-foot-7, 330 pounds, Guyton possesses the type of size and athleticism that NFL teams drool over. The hope was that he would develop into a starting-caliber tackle to complement an already formidable offensive line.
But halfway through the season, Guyton has struggled to find consistent playing time. He’s been mainly a rotational piece, and while his raw talent has shown flashes, he has yet to dominate as expected. The main issue for Guyton seems to be adjusting to the speed of the NFL and refining his technique. He’s still a bit too raw in pass protection, and his decision-making has led to penalties at critical moments. While it’s important to remember that offensive linemen take time to adjust, it’s hard to ignore that the Cowboys might have expected more from their second-round pick in Year 1.
Grade: C+
Guyton’s future remains bright, but as of now, he hasn’t been able to make the impact the Cowboys had hoped for.
DeMarvion Overshown: A Bright Spot on Defense
Perhaps one of the most impressive rookies this season has been linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. The Cowboys took the Texas product in the third round, and while his playmaking ability and athleticism were clear coming out of college, it was unclear how quickly he would adapt to the speed of the NFL. At midseason, Overshown has looked like a revelation, especially in coverage.
Overshown’s ability to stay with fast and skilled receiving backs and tight ends has been invaluable to the Cowboys defense. He’s shown he can step into multiple roles, often being asked to fill in during injuries and shuffling linebacker corps. What stands out most about Overshown is his sideline-to-sideline speed and ball instincts. He’s racked up a healthy amount of tackles, but more importantly, his intelligence and ability to read the game have been clear.
Grade: A-
A late-round steal who looks like he could be a starter sooner rather than later.
Jalen Catalon: A Tough, Promising Rookie Safety
Jalen Catalon, drafted in the sixth round out of Arkansas, had many predicting a possible gem pick by the Cowboys. Known for his ability to make aggressive plays from the safety position, Catalon seemed like an excellent fit for the Cowboys’ defensive backfield, which already features a strong group of veterans.
However, Catalon has faced a tough road adjusting to the pro level. He’s spent more time on special teams than in defensive snaps, and his transition from a college star to a backup role has been challenging. His struggles have mainly been in pass coverage, where he’s been caught out of position at times. However, Catalon’s effort on special teams and his occasional flashes on defense still show that he has the potential to be a solid contributor down the road.
Grade: C
Catalon’s growth is promising, but he’s been a bit underwhelming at this stage. Still, it’s too early to write him off entirely.
The Rest of the Class: Development Over Production
Outside of Guyton, Overshown, and Catalon, the Cowboys’ other picks have seen limited action, with many being depth pieces or rotational players. The team’s later-round selections—such as running back Evan Hull (drafted in the fourth round) and defensive end Isaiah Land (seventh round)—have yet to make an impact worthy of their draft position. Hull has seen minimal snaps, and Land, while quick off the edge, has been buried in the depth chart.
However, the Cowboys do have time on their side. Many of these players are still developing, and as the season progresses, it’s likely we’ll see more contributions, especially with the team’s depth taking hits due to injuries.
Overall Draft Class Grade: B-
The 2024 draft class for the Dallas Cowboys has not been without its growing pains. While DeMarvion Overshown has exceeded expectations, the likes of Tyler Guyton and Jalen Catalon have yet to make significant waves. The jury is still out on the full impact of this draft class, but with a strong front office and a development-oriented coaching staff, it’s possible that a few of these rookies will find their rhythm as the season goes on.
Still, for a team with championship aspirations, the Cowboys may have hoped for more immediate contributions, especially from players like Guyton who were drafted to make a difference this season. The promise is there, but the results at the midway point are mixed, and it will be interesting to see how this class evolves in the second half of the year.
