Rookie jersey numbers dropped this week as the Cowboys kicked off minicamp, and we as media and fans always love to overanalyze what a number means.
Does it say something about confidence? Legacy? Fit? Maybe.
But let’s pump the brakes for a second.
The seven new contracts signed with the rookie draftees?
Those are in ink and permanent.
They are …
G Tyler Booker
CB Shavon Revel
LB Shemar James
T Ajani Cornelius
RB Phil Mafa
DT Jay Toia
DT Tommy Akingbesote
That means the only unsigned draft picks as of Friday afternoon are second-round pick DE Donovan Ezeiruaku and fifth-round pick RB Jaydon Blue.
Now, what about the jersey numbers?
These numbers are temporary — at least for a few guys. Not finalized. Not etched in stone. Just something to wear while you’re proving you belong.
And they are …
52 Tyler Booker
41 Donovan Ezeiruaku
27 Shavon Revel
34 Jaydon Blue
50 Shemar James
69 Ajani Cornelius
93 Jay Toia
37 Phil Mafah
72 Tommy Akingbesote
Our fun thoughts?
Tyler Booker is in 52 — straight-up business. It’s a physical number and theres nothing sexy about it. Perfectly matching his game.
Donovan Ezeiruaku claimed 41, which feels like a tweener hybrid number that fits his edge-rushing versatility.
Shavon Revel is rolling with 27 — a corner number that already feels like it belongs on special teams coverage reps in August.
Jaydon Blue (who at one time was going to be 23) is rocking 34, which tells you he’s coming in to earn whatever role he can carve out.
Shemar James gets 50 — linebacker energy through and through. Classic. Clean.
Ajani Cornelius pulled 69, and while the number might get some laughs, he’s got a shot to be a real depth piece if he shows out.
Jay Toia gets 93 — and that’s a number you wear if you’re planning to eat blocks and blow up double teams. (He fits the description). It’s also the number he wore at UCLA so that’s a noteworthy nod as far as what the Cowboys think of him.
Phil Mafah takes 37, which is unconventional for a running back, but he’s not exactly a conventional runner.
And Tommy Akingbesote slides into 72 — for a defensive lineman? Ya, maybe not ideal but his future will be up to nobody but him. … though it did work for Too Tall Jones.
Bottom line — these numbers are temporary for most. Whether they earn a better one or get cut, the real story won’t be what’s on the front or back of the jersey… it’s what they put on film in it.
