Cowboys Tyron Smith, DeMarco Murray and Dan Bailey Named To All-Rookie Team

Cowboys rookies Tyron Smith, DeMarco Murray and Dan Bailey were each named to the Pro Football Weekly / Professional Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team, PFW announced yesterday. With three selections, the Cowboys are tied with the Falcons for the most players on the 2011 All-Rookie Team. Cleveland, Denver and Washington all have two selections each.

All three Cowboys rookies are obvious choices for any rookie team.

Ninth overall pick Tyron Smith was an immediate and significant upgrade for the Cowboys at right tackle and will likely move to left tackle next year on the strength of his showing in 2011.

DeMarco Murray eclipsed an Emmitt Smith franchise rushing record with his 253 rushing yards against St. Louis. He rushed for 897 total yards and caught 26 passes for another 183 yards before his season was cut short by a fractured ankle.

Dan Bailey’s 133 points through 16 games are fifth in the NFL, tops among all rookies and the second most of any Dallas Cowboys player since Emmitt Smith scored 150 in 1995. Bailey connected on all 39 of his extra point attempts and made 32 of 37 field goals. His 26 straight successful field goal attempts obliterated the previous NFL rookie record of 14.

Congratulations to all the Cowboys rookies. Here's to many more seasons of outstanding performances.

The entire All-Rookie Team after the break:

The team was voted on by Pro Football Weekly editors and PFWA members.

Quarterback: Cam Newton (Panthers)
Running Backs: DeMarco Murray (Cowboys), Roy Helu (Redskins)
Wide Receivers: A.J. Green (Bengals), Julio Jones (Falcons)
Tight End: Kyle Rudolph (Vikings)
Center: Mike Pouncey (Dolphins)
Offensive Guards: Stefen Wisniewski (Raiders), Danny Watkins (Eagles)
Offensive Tackles: Tyron Smith (Cowboys), Nate Solder (Patriots)

Defensive Ends: J.J. Watt (Texans), Jabaal Sheard (Browns)
Defensive Tackles: Marcell Dareus (Bills), Phil Taylor (Browns)
Linebackers: Aldon Smith (49ers), Von Miller (Broncos), Ryan Kerrigan (Redskins)
Cornerbacks: Patrick Peterson (Cardinals), Richard Sherman (Seahawks)
Safeties: Chris Conte (Bears), Chris Harris (Broncos)

Kicker: Dan Bailey (Cowboys)
Punter: Matt Bosher (Falcons)
Punt Returner: Patrick Peterson (Cardinals)
Kickoff Returner: Randall Cobb (Packers)
Special-Teamer: Akeem Dent (Falcons)