The Dallas Cowboys’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams did not go as planned, but it was not all bad news. There were a few bright spots amid the Cowboys’ 31-21 loss to the Rams.
One rookie wide receiver has already captured the attention of Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer. After the Cowboys’ loss to the Rams, Schottenheimer revealed that rookie wideout Traeshon Holden is headed for an expanded role.
“Traeshon’s done that every day in practice, literally every day, there’s been one or two big plays,” Schottenheimer told reporters on August 9, 2025. ” And when you do that, you get noticed. And when you do that, you get more opportunities and I’m just proud of him.
“And, again, he’s a guy that’s going to – you’ll see him moving up the depth chart.”
Cowboys WR Traeshon Holden Is an Undrafted Free Agent Who Played College Football at Alabama & Oregon
For context, the Cowboys listed seven wide receivers on the team’s initial depth chart, and Holden was not among the wideouts. Holden is an undrafted free agent who is taking advantage of his opportunity as one of the early standouts of training camp.
The rookie posted two receptions for a team-high 42 yards against the Rams. Holden spent his first three college football seasons at Alabama before joining Oregon for the final two years.
The playmaker is coming off the best statistical season of his college football career. Holden posted 45 receptions for 718 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 13 appearances for the Ducks in 2024.
Traeshon Holden Offers the Cowboys Good Size at 6-Foot-2, 205 Pounds
Holden offers the Cowboys good size at receiver with his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame. Despite the size, questions remain about Holden’s speed as the playmaker transitions to the next level.
Holden posted a 4.57-second 40-yard dash time ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Here is how NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described Holden’s pro outlook heading into the draft.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer on WR Traeshon Holden: “He shows up every day. … Literally every day there’s been one or two big plays. And when you do that, you get noticed … you get more opportunities.
“You’ll see him moving up the depth chart.” pic.twitter.com/3WkJBjrtYu
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 10, 2025
“Inside/outside wide receiver with height, weight and length but missing ideal speed,” Zierlein noted in his pre-draft profile of the wide receiver. “Holden’s high-knee action in his take-off is unmistakable and he gets into routes with urgency. He’s a ready-made zone-beater with above-average play strength and feel for space.
“He’s capable of running a full route tree but will have issues getting off press and slipping man coverage. The tape doesn’t stand out, but his physicality and willingness as a run blocker is a differentiator that could help his cause.”
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer on QB Joe Milton: ‘What a Great Learning Experience for Joe’
It was not quite as stellar of a Cowboys debut for quarterback Joe Milton. The signal-caller completed 17-of-29 passes with one touchdown and one interception.
Milton played the majority of the game but struggled to lead the offense on scoring drives. Dallas had just six points through the first three quarters against the Rams.
“But what a great learning experience for Joe,” Schottenheimer said of Milton’s performance. “I mean, the guy hasn’t played a ton of football in real situations like this where he’s getting hit.
“And I’m not sure I loved him running the guy over on the sidelines, but I think that kind of woke him up a little bit, got him going. And I’m still learning him as well in terms of his play style.
