Blogging The Boys
Each week we dive into each team’s rookie class and compare how they stack up against each other. (Grades for each player are the overall offensive or defensive grade handed out by PFF.com)
First Round
Back in the lineup against Washington, Booker moved like a man who left the training room weeks ago. He played with quick feet and zero limp on his ankle. He reset the line of scrimmage on early downs, snapped off clean pass-offs on twists, and gave Dak Prescott plenty of runway to climb.
Booker’s best trait is how he wins on first contact and then keeps the win with low pads, locked inside hand, and hips under him. In the run game he’s a menace with great power and aggression with good mobility to get into the second level. In protection he’s trending the right way with calmer sets, fewer grabby saves, and better recovery.
Grade: 60.3
Second Round
Against Washington, Ezeiruaku played with an unstoppable motor, hitting the same revs in the fourth quarter as the first which resulted in the big payoff, his first NFL sack. He set it up the way veterans do and threatened the offensive linemen with speed then snapping back under when the tackle panicked. He finished through the play and shut the escape hatch with good strength.
The best news is what comes next. Now that he’s cashed the first sack, Ezeiruaku moves from promising rookie to weekly problem.
Grade: 70.8
Third Round
Currently on Non-Football injury list (NFI).
His 21-day window to return has officially started this week.
Fifth Round
The snap count was limited last week, but Blue still flashed the stuff that will get him a second helping. He pressed the front side with patience and went north/south when he got the chance. He handled the unglamorous chores like keeping the pocket clean, and finished his carries much better than he did against the Carolina Panthers.
Going forward, Blue needs to keep being the change-up that punishes fatigue. he need to earn more reps by stacking boring victories with sturdy pass protection, no negative plays, and be ready to be an extra receiver when Brian Schottenheimer wants open the playbook. Do that, and the big-play looks he created against Washington won’t just be near-misses, they’ll be drive highlights that earns him extra snaps.
Grade: 61.7
Fifth Round
Dropped into a chippy division game, James played fast, loud, and impossible to ignore. He flew sideline-to-sideline, handled the run well, and kept checkdowns from turning into headaches. The speed shows up in how quickly he transitions to the mesh point then finish the play with good tackling technique. That tempo stabilized the second level and kept Washington’s stay ahead of the sticks plan from ever feeling comfortable.
He’ll occasionally overrun plays or take a flat angle on pursuits. But if he tightens up...
