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**RoyWilliams** · 05-01-2008, 10:18 PM

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cf...8C683364BC0D91

Quote:

No Cowboys team won more regular-season games than the Cowboys' 13 last year. No team in NFL history has ever had as many Pro Bowlers from one team as the Cowboys' 13 a year ago.

And with less than a handful of players being removed from last year's team, none of which were expected to start anyway, there won't be many changes to the depth chart.

So to think the Cowboys have many spots for a rookie to make this team would seem unlikely.

But don't tell that to the 20 new faces who arrived at Valley Ranch on Thursday for the start of this weekend's mini-camp.

Just like that, the Cowboys' roster has 20 new players who all arrived in Dallas on Thursday, and by the scheduled 10 a.m. (CDT) practice on Friday they will have completed their physicals and orientation.

Among the new faces are six draft picks and 14 signed rookie free agents. The Cowboys also have invited more rookie free agents to attend the mini-camp on a tryout basis. The Cowboys need enough to players to facilitate the mini-camp practices since veterans are not allowed to attend this camp.

Only seven first-year players will participate this weekend, most of whom spent time on the Cowboys' practice squad last year.

All eyes will certainly be on first-round picks Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins. Jones, who was taken No. 22 overall, becoming the first running back drafted by the Cowboys in the first round since Emmitt Smith in 1990, said he expects to be somewhat nervous for the first practice.

"Yeah, and there's a little pressure but it's football," Jones said. "I've been playing this a long time. All I have to do is go out there and do my thing and I think I'll do real good."

Jones, who was one of several rookies to previously visit the Cowboys either through the Dallas Day workout or the national prospect visits, said he envisioned himself returning to Valley Ranch once he left just two weeks ago.

"Yeah, I told my family when I left that I wanted to get back here and this is where I wanted to play," Jones said. "Just to be back here playing for the Cowboys is an honor - it's a dream come true. I'm just trying to take it all in. I'm just ready to play now."

After taking a full day to think about what number he wanted to wear, Jones will be donning No. 28, one of the few numbers available in the 20's. He wore No. 25 in college.

"They knew I wanted to stay in the 20's and the only option I had was No. 28 or 29," Jones said "But I can deal with 28. I can put any number on my back and I'll be OK."

As for the second first-round pick who will be wearing No. 31, Jenkins said he's relieved the interview process is over. Now it's time to do what he does best.

"Finally, I'm able to get on the field with a team," Jenkins said. "That's what I've been waiting on for the last few months. I'm really excited about going out there and having my first practice in the rookie mini-camp."

While this camp will involve only the rookies and some first-year players, there are a few veterans at the facility.

Second-round pick Martellus Bennett said he ran into one who just so happens to be a player he'll get to know very well in the coming months.

"Yeah, I got to meet Jason Witten," said Bennett, who is expected to compete for a backup spot behind the Pro Bowler. "He's a real nice guy. I'm excited to learn from him."

And Bennett, who grew up in Alief, Texas, said just wearing the star on his helmet will fulfill a longtime dream.

"I grew up in Texas watching the Cowboys, so I'm still real excited about it," said Bennett, who was among the 30 prospects visiting two weeks ago. "I took my visit here and told the guys this is where I want to be and I want to come back here."

Going to be weird seeing a fast 31 out there!