Disrespected Cowboys Rookie Promises Roster Impact

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated May 5, 2025 2:14 AM ET

The Dallas Cowboys have conducted and now concluded their rookie minicamp with this year's draft class getting some time inside The Star with head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the rest of the staff.

This is the time when rookies look to make their coaches take notice, and this is even more imperative for undrafted rookies, like receiver Traeshon Holden.

One of nine Dallas brought into camp, Holden, who had a career-best year with Oregon (718 yards, five touchdowns), comes in with a mountain to climb if he is to progress the way he wants.

But being undrafted, does that mean he has a chip on his shoulder?

"Definitely, every day," Holden said. "I always been the kind to just work hard in general but I feel disrespected, so now it's time to make it happen."

Using the fact that he wasn't drafted and every NFL team overlooked him, Holden is in a position where it might be tough to make the roster.

However, that isn't front of mind right now, and as Schottenheimer said, he doesn't want rookies focusing on where they are on the depth chart; he wants them to focus on improving every day.

But what kind of person are the Cowboys getting in Holden?

"Just somebody that's going to take advantage of every opportunity," he added. "That's just that's me. That's how I operate, and that's how I plan to be while I'm here.”

Holden will use rookie minicamp and then the rest of the offseason work to show the coaching staff that he is worthy of being on the roster, whether that is part of the 53 or practice squad.

With the draft disrespect fueling him to make the most of this Cowboys opportunity.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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