Surgeries could throw a wrench in the Cowboys’ 2024 plans

Mazi Smith

DT Mazi Smith was the first defensive tackle taken in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys since Russell Maryland in 1991.

Smith was originally widely regarded as a second round pick until his draft stock improved because he displayed immense strength at the NFL Combine.

This prompted scouts to rate him as a fringe first-round player, and the Cowboys selected him with the 26th pick in the draft.

Reportedly, Mazi lost approximately 30-40 pounds throughout the season and was repeatedly pushed around by opposing offensive linemen.

He underwent surgery after the season was over to repair a shoulder injury.

Dallas needs him to step up in his second season but if his shoulder isn't 100% by the start of the season, the Cowboys could be in trouble at defensive tackle.

Luke Schoonmaker

Much to the dismay of Cowboys Nation, the Cowboys selected TE Luke Schoonmaker from the University of Michigan with their 58th pick in the second round.

There were other more pressing needs like running back and linebacker so the selection wasn't well received by the fanbase.

It was obvious the Cowboys wanted to run more 12-personnel (two tight end sets) but Schoonmaker didn't make much of an impact.

He finished the season with eight receptions for 65 yards and two touchdowns, a stat line that Jake Ferguson regularly hits in one game.

Unlike Mazi's surgery immediately after the season, Schoonmaker's surgery is more recent, and his recovery might bleed into the regular season.

It's not an ideal situation because the depth behind him is non-existent besides Peyton Hendershot and John Stephens, who is recovering from a torn ACL.

DeMarvion Overshown

The player from the 2023 draft class that has arguably the most potential for a 2024 impact is LB DeMarvion Overshown.

Overshown was the Cowboys' third round pick in the 2023 draft, but a torn ACL prematurely ended his season in the third preseason game in Seattle.

The depth at linebacker after losing Overshown and Leighton Vander Esch was never remedied.

Instead, Dan Quinn chose to convert safeties to linebackers and the run defense suffered immensely.

Overshown tore his ACL before the 2023 regular season even started, but we have other examples to show us just how long it could take for a player to return to form if they ever do.

Michael Gallup never fully recovered, and now he's a free agent.

Terence Steele had one of the worst seasons of his career in 2023 after suffering a torn ACL in October of the 2022 season.

The Cowboys are putting all their eggs in one basket, and I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't work out for them.