<
>

Chidobe Awuzie's impact could have biggest effect on Byron Jones

Cowboys rookie Chidobe Awuzie has shown in practice that he can be a Week 1 contributor. Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

OXNARD, Calif. -- Here is a breakdown of the Dallas Cowboys' 2017 draft class and its progress after two weeks of training camp:

Taco Charlton, DE, first round (No. 28 overall): He has had a somewhat slow start to camp, but he recorded a sack in the second preseason game and was much more active. With questions on the defensive line, Charlton will have to be a big part of the line rotation from the start.

Chidobe Awuzie, CB, second round (No. 60 overall): A minor ankle injury kept him out of the Los Angeles Rams game, but he has shown in practice that he can be a Week 1 contributor. He has played multiple spots so far and doesn’t appear overwhelmed. If he can work against tight ends, that will allow the Cowboys the chance to use safety Byron Jones as a center-field type.

Jourdan Lewis, CB, third round (No. 92 overall): He missed the first few days of camp because of a court case in Michigan and strained his hamstring in one of his first practices. He could be close to getting back on the practice field and could get the chance to show that he can contribute early.

Ryan Switzer, WR, fourth round (No. 133 overall): A hamstring injury knocked him out of multiple practices and the first two preseason games. He is healthier now and had one full practice last week. Dez Bryant believes in him. He said Switzer will have four or five returns for a touchdown and will make the Pro Bowl.

Xavier Woods, S, sixth round (No. 191 overall): He had a slow spring, but once the pads came on in training camp, he started to show up and is now with the second-team defense. He led the Cowboys with seven tackles against the Rams. He might not have a chance to start early, but he is earning trust quickly.

Marquez White, CB, sixth round (No. 217 overall): A hamstring strain has slowed him down the past week. He will be in a fight for a roster spot, but he has shown in camp that he has the size and competitive nature to have a chance.

Joey Ivie, DT, seventh round (No. 228 overall): With suspensions knocking out two defensive linemen at the start of the season and Stephen Paea bothered by a sore knee, Ivie could get in the 53-man roster mix. He plays with a good base and had a tackle for loss against Los Angeles but could be more of a practice-squad player at the start.

Noah Brown, WR, seventh round (No. 239 overall): He is in the mix if the Cowboys keep six wide receivers, battling Andy Brown. He showed what he showed at Ohio State: He can make difficult catches. He is also a solid blocker and can play on special teams. There is a lot to like about what he has done early in camp.

Jordan Carrell, DT, seventh round (No. 246 overall): He is in a similar boat as Ivie. He can play either interior line spot as well. Rod Marinelli likes how active Carrell is, but he might be more of a practice-squad player at this point.