Cowboys expectations: 7 players who exceeded them and could be Week 1 difference-makers

For the Dallas Cowboys to exceed expectations this season, several players will likely need to excel in larger roles. With six weeks of training camp and three preseason games in the books, we decided to look back to expectations at the start of camp. Which players exceeded them? Which players could be even more impactful than we originally thought?

As we look ahead to Dallas’ season-opening matchup in Cleveland, here are some players who could be answers to both questions:

There’s no questioning Dallas’ ability to identify quality offensive linemen, especially in the first round. Guyton appears like he’s following in the footsteps of Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith. My expectation was that Guyton would have noticeable growing pains while making the transition from a standout right tackle in college to the Cowboys’ starting left tackle, replacing Tyron Smith. There haven’t been many moments when Guyton has looked like a rookie. He held his own early in training camp while going against superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons. He carried that into his preseason work. Tyron Smith is a Hall of Fame talent. Guyton still has a long way to go. But it appears that the Cowboys found an immediate quality starting left tackle with the 29th overall pick.

Tyler Guyton pic.twitter.com/bwguMFC2mU

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2024

Dorance Armstrong wasn’t re-signed in free agency. DeMarcus Lawrence is entering the final year of his contract. The Cowboys needed to identify a future starting edge rusher in this draft class. And they appear to have found one ready for a significant role in Year 1. The second-round pick will play a lot, especially after the season-ending knee injury suffered by Sam Williams. Everything Kneeland showed in training camp is that he’s ready to make an immediate impact. “He got taught pretty well coming up in college and high school,” Lawrence said. “Glad we got him. He’s a hell of a draft pick for us. I feel like he’s gonna help us out a lot this year.” Parsons added: “I think he’s a young Cam Jordan. He’s got that dog in him. He’s got unteachable characteristics.”

Marshawn Kneeland pic.twitter.com/Jv7gcA3p7h

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 8, 2024

Entering training camp, the obvious cornerbacks to watch were Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis. But No. 41 was a jersey number that was easy to notice consistently making plays at the position. With Bland (foot) expected to miss the first four to six games, Carson is the player Dallas picked to step into his starting spot. That decision isn’t made without Carson consistently showing that he belongs. The Cowboys have drafted well at the position, so it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that they appear to have found another starter in the fifth round.

Cowboys CB Caelen Carson INT pic.twitter.com/VXfGntOTR0

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 28, 2024

The expectation going into camp was that Dowdle would be in position to have a larger role with Tony Pollard leaving in free agency. Not sure how the carries would work out, but Dowdle would be somewhere in the mix with Ezekiel Elliott. Well, the fifth-year back looked to make the most of his opportunities in Oxnard, Calif. He was Dallas’ most explosive back and showcased an ability in the passing game to be a complete back. “The more you can do, the better,” he said. “When you can catch out of the backfield, run routes and also run the ball well, it’s hard to take you off the field. I want to be a three-down back.” In a room that includes Elliott and Dalvin Cook, Dowdle should be the favorite to lead the Cowboys in rushing attempts and rushing yards this season. Dowdle was asked last week about this being his best opportunity to get significant playing time. “I think so for sure, with the way things have went out there, practice and things like that,” he said. “I think I definitely should get a bigger role this year. And I’m looking forward to it.”

Rico Dowdle pic.twitter.com/181fkgLSa8

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 3, 2024

Linebacker hasn’t exactly been a strength recently in Dallas. From what was on display at camp, it appears it could be headed that way. Eric Kendricks and DeMarvion Overshown are the expected starters, but Liufau showed he can be counted on in Year 1. Like Carson, he’s been a player who has repeatedly shown up even when not looking for him. Last year’s rookie class didn’t contribute much in Year 1. This year’s rookie class looks much different. Expect several first-year players to make a positive impact this season.

No. 35, Cowboys rookie LB Marist Liufau pic.twitter.com/PdETIUmWN3

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2024

CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson are going to get their targets. It would be a surprise if those three didn’t lead the Cowboys in all receiving categories. But if you’re looking for someone who could be ready for a bigger role, it might be this second-year wide receiver. He and Dak Prescott looked to have a good rapport throughout camp, particularly on the deep ball. Someone out of the group of Jalen Tolbert, Brooks, KaVontae Turpin and Ryan Flournoy will likely be the important No. 4 pass catcher. Brooks could end up being that player.

Dak to Jalen Brooks pic.twitter.com/JHj7xdBWiD

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2024

7. Jourdan Lewis, CB

The veteran has had a good career over his previous seven years in Dallas. He’s overcome a significant foot injury and become a quality leader and playmaker. He has taken on the task of playing on the inside, performing well against a variety of receivers. Lewis had a strong camp, setting himself up for an impactful season in Mike Zimmer’s new defense. Some others who also deserve to be mentioned here are Cooper Beebe, Flournoy and defensive backs Markquese Bell and Israel Mukuamu. Beebe was drafted to be the team’s starting center, needing to make the transition from a standout college guard. And he’s done just that. He started camp as the No. 3 center and has worked his way up to where he’s expected to start Week 1. Trading the No. 24 overall pick to Detroit and landing Guyton and Beebe in the process might go down as one of Dallas’ best draft-day trades. The wide receiver room might be a little too crowded for Flournoy to make a huge impact in Year 1, but he improved throughout camp and made some really nice plays in the preseason. Bell has made the transition from linebacker back to safety look seamless, giving Zimmer excellent depth to work with at the position. Mukuamu fits in that category, too. He also provides the ability to play cornerback if needed. He appeared to have his best camp of his four years with the team.

Jourdan Lewis pic.twitter.com/mRiAGjQfqM

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 20, 2024

(Photo of Marshawn Kneeland: Ian Maule / Getty Images)