Bubble boy stock report: Offensive risers and fallers from the Cowboys first preseason game

We finally got to see our beloved Dallas Cowboys in action this weekend. The starters didn’t play very much, but there were several young guys seeing plenty of action. As we look towards the regular season, there are still several position battles up for grabs and how these guys perform over the next few weeks will go a long way in determining their place on the roster. Before the game, we identified 32 bubble boys to keep an eye on, so now it’s time to check in with each position group and see which players helped their case and gave themselves a better shot to make the team.

Today, we’ll focus on the offense.

QUARTERBACK

Stock up: Cooper Rush

The third-year undrafted free agent showed a lot of poise in the pocket. He had six possessions, and half of them ended with scoring opportunities; however, they only produced six points. He had good protection and his throws were on target. Rush entered the game as the team’s no. 2 quarterback and nothing’s changed.

Stock down: Mike White

The second-year quarterback from Western Kentucky had a rough night. He was under a lot of pressure early on and had trouble hanging on to the football. He did look better in his final two possessions, but he’s going to need a better showing if he’s to make this team.

RUNNING BACK

Both Darius Jackson and Mike Weber played okay. They didn’t have a lot of running lanes to work with, but each of them made a nice cut to change directions and pull off a nice run.

Stock down: Jordan Chunn

Not that anyone thought Chunn had a shot to make the team anyways, but he did himself no favors on Saturday. He failed to get out of bounds that killed precious seconds on a late first-half drive. He also got an unsportsmanlike penalty for throwing the ball at an opponent. Chunn was on the practice squad last year, and he may be on it again this year, but he’s in jeopardy of being pushed off with a performance like this.

WIDE RECEIVER

Stock up: Cedrick Wilson and Devin Smith

Despite having a solid camp, there hasn’t been a lot of big noise made for the second-year receiver from Boise State, Cedrick Wilson. After a good outing against the 49ers, it’s easier to see why the coaching staff loves him so much.

Wilson wasn’t the only receiver that played well. Devin Smith had some nice plays and was actually the team’s leading receiver with 54 yards. He had back-to-back 20-yard gains on the Cowboys last drive, but he also had a nice grab after a defender had jumped in front of him at the last second. Smith showed good concentration and hauled down the pass. He also beat his man on a double-move that could have gone for a touchdown if White was on target with his pass.

Wilson further improves his chances to make the team, but Smith still has his work cut out for him. Consistency will be key as we move forward.

Stock down: Jon’Vea Johnson and Jalen Guyton

Both Johnson and Guyton are known for their speed, but there deficiencies were on display in this game. JVJ continues to struggle with drops, which is something that’s plagued him throughout camp. Guyton’s issues are at the line of scrimmage, where he gets out muscled off the snap. He dropped a slant route due to having a defender draped all over him and he also got called for an illegal motion penalty when he got happy feet right before the snap.

It’s early, but these guys are showing why they’re undrafted free agents as they have a lot of work to do still. It’s looking more like the practice squad for them.

TIGHT END

Blake Jarwin played very well as a receiver, but still got pushed around as a blocker. Dalton Schultz was so-so in both categories. These guys are roster locks.

Stock up: Cody McElroy had a nice game, hauling down two passes for 24 yards. He’s not likely to crack the roster, but he’s officially on the radar and can still work his way onto another NFL team.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Stock up: Jake Campos

Campos isn’t a name we’ve heard much about this year, but the second-year undrafted free agent played well on Saturday. Not only did he keep the pressure off his quarterback, but he sealed the edge that allowed Darius Jackson to have two nice runs to the right. Campos spent last year on the practice squad and he’s showing a lot of improvement. Depending on how many offensive linemen the Cowboys keep, he might have an outside shot to make this roster.

Stock down: Mitch Hyatt

It was a horrendous game for the undrafted free agent from Clemson. Touted as the team’s top UDFA signing, Hyatt looked incredibly raw at the NFL level. He was getting beat on a regular basis. Entering this game, some thought he might be able to steal the last offensive line spot on the 53-man roster, but he looks nowhere close to being ready. He could be a perfect practice squad candidate if he keeps playing like this as the young tackle still has plenty of upside.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Campos and Hyatt switch sides next game.