Dallas Cowboys News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Cowboys’ rookie class being led by this standout defender

Originally posted on Inside The Star
By Richard Paolinelli | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 10:41 AM ET

Shemar James, the Dallas Cowboys second pick in the fifth round of April’s draft, is quickly making his case for the Cowboys’ rookie of the year.

Inactive for the first three games, James made his debut in Week 4 against Green Bay. Limited to just 26 snaps on defense (31%) and 15 more on special teams (45.5%) James recorded five tackles.

Against the Jets the following week, he saw 60 defensive snaps (89.6%) and 14 on special teams (46.6%).

He rewarded the coaches’ faith in him with 15 tackles.

In Sunday’s loss to Carolina, the rookie linebacker earned his first NFL start. He played another 60 defensive snaps (89.6%) and six on special teams (21.4%).

He finished the day with a team-high 11 tackles, six of them solo, and also set a team-high in that category.

So far, the Cowboys are seeing this fifth-round pick paying early dividends.

Quiet Day For The Rest Of The Class

Offensive guard Tyler Booker missed Sunday’s loss as he continues to work his way back from a high ankle sprain. The first round pick might be able to play on Sunday against the Commanders.

Defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku, taken in the second round, had one tackle for a loss.

He added two QB hits and forced a fumble on 38 defensive snaps (57%) and eight more on special teams (29%).

The Cowboys other five-round pick, running back Jaydon Blue, had three carries for a total of zero yards on five snaps. He had a two-yard carry for his longest run of the game.

Offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius, a sixth-rounder, was inactive on Sunday.

So far, Cornelius has appeared in just one game, against the Jets in Week 5.

Seventh rounder, Jay Toia, was active for the game and saw 18 defensive snaps (27%) and six more on special teams. Toia had a single tackle in the contest.

He was in the game while 2023 first round defensive tackle Mazi Smith was inactive in Sunday’s loss.

Undrafted free agent Alijah Clark recorded two tackles on Sunday, following up his one tackle showing the week before against the Jets.

In his two games in uniform, Clark has seen 28 snaps. All of them coming on special teams.

Stuck On The Injury Report

Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., who the Cowboys reached for in the third round, remains on injured reserve. There is no clear timetable for his return to action this season.

It is possible, as he recovers from a season-ending injury in his senior year in college, that he will not see the field until 2026.

Seventh round running back Phil Mafah remains on injured reserve as of this writing. However, with Miles Sanders done for the year and Blue’s ineffectiveness, Mafah might be on his way to the active roster soon.

Still Waiting Their Turn

These three undrafted free agents remain on the Cowboys practice squad:

Traeshon Holden (WR) – Practice Squad
Rivaldo Fairweather (TE) – Practice squad
Justin Barron (LB) – Practice squad

Gone But Not Forgotten

Undrafted free agent cornerback Zion Childress was signed off the practice squad by the Houston Texans a few weeks ago but has not seen action for the Texans yet.

Childress was active for two games for Dallas, against the Giants and the Bears. He recorded one tackle, during the overtime win over New York, before heading south to Houston.

Defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote, the Cowboys final pick in the draft, was cut prior to the season opener.

He has not signed on with another NFL team.

This article first appeared on Inside The Star and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: