Blogging The Boys
Here are our grades for the Cowboys UDFA rookies
The Dallas Cowboys really did nail this year’s NFL draft and their rookie class looks extremely promising with a number of high character players that all had productive collegiate careers. While everyone gets hyped for the nine draft picks they made during the seven rounds, they also quietly put together an interesting ensemble of free agents during the undrafted free agency period. Let’s grade the players they’ve taken and what their outlook is predicted to be at Dallas.
Kelly had a pretty productive 2024 season, recording 89 receptions for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns, leading the FBS with 32 third-down receptions. His ability to gain yards after the catch is easy to notice and his 605 yards-after-catch and 26 forced missed tackles highlights his playmaking skills with the ball in his hands. He’s an intelligent route runner with reliable hands, capable of playing both outside and in the slot.
Given the Cowboys’ current depth at wide receiver, Kelly faces a challenging path to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. However, his versatility and special teams experience could make him a valuable asset for the practice squad with potential to be called up during the season. His college production and skill set suggest he could develop into a contributor for Dallas if given the opportunity.
The Cowboys added a second wide receiver in their UDFA class with Traeshon Holden from Oregon. Holden, who began his collegiate career at Alabama, showcased improvement throughout his time in college. In his final year at Oregon, he recorded 45 receptions for 718 yards and five touchdowns. Notably, he had a standout performance against Ohio State with seven catches, 116-yards and two touchdowns. He certainly has reliable hands with an impressive 83.3% catch rate in 2024, and does well to make contested catches, even against some good cornerbacks. His problem is speed and explosiveness, where he really lacks both. He ran a 4.57s in the 49-yard dash and only hopped a 32” vertical.
Holden’s size, hands, and willingness as a run blocker make him an intriguing addition, but his path to make the practice squad is a real test.
Fairweather has a little more intrigue here as the Cowboys spent time with him during a private workout before the draft after watching him at the Shrine Bowl. He began his collegiate career at Florida International University (FIU) then transferred to Auburn in 2023. During his college career, he amassed 116 receptions for 1,499 yards and 13 touchdowns. He demonstrates the ability to be a reliable target, most certainly on short routes. He lacks any speed at any area of the field, but his strength and catch radius projects more as redzone player. Add his ability to be a good run blocker only reinforces his redzone capabilities.
Fairweather’s combination of size, reliable...
