The Cowboys didn’t get what they wanted from their top two draft picks last year. They are hoping for better results this time with nose tackle Mazi Smith and tight end Luke Schoonmaker.
However, both players had shoulder surgery during the offseason, according to coach Mike McCarthy on Tuesday.
Smith, their first-round pick in 2023, had surgery right after the season ended. He’s expected to recover in 4–6 months, in time for training camp.
Schoonmaker, the team’s second-round pick last year, had his surgery more recently, but the team believes he’ll be ready for camp.
Smith played limited snaps in 17 games last season, making 13 tackles and one sack. Schoonmaker also saw limited action, catching eight passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns.