The Dallas Cowboys were left looking for any positive note to take away from Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams to kick off the 2025 NFL preseason.
Dallas struggled to get going anything going on offense and was abysmal on defense, but there were some bright spots littered throughout the game.
One of those came from a very unlikely source.
Rookie offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius has been flying under the radar after being selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft, with his most notable moment of training camp coming when he was kicked out of practice for fighting.
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However, in Saturday's game, Cornelius was able to show off his skillset and was one of the few rookies to earn a perfect mark in a key category over the weekend.
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to The 33rd Team, Cornelius was one of just 12 rookie offensive linemen with at least 20 pass proection snaps who allowed zero pressures.
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Protecting the quarterback is one way to get back in the good graces of the coaches.
Rookie offensive linemen with 20+ pass protection snaps and 0 pressures allowed in Week 1 of the preseason:
Jonah Monheim, JAX - 38 pass snaps
Luke Newman, CHI - 32
Chase Lundt, BUF - 32
Jackson Slater, TEN - 27
Esa Pole, KC - 27
Benjamin Chukwuma, TB - 24
Wyatt Bowles, LAR - 24… pic.twitter.com/3hyxSQx2WI
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) August 11, 2025
The Cowboys' offensive line has been decimated by injuries throughout the first few weeks of training camp, so opportunities will be there for increased reps for Cornelius if he can keep his head on straight.
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Hopefully Saturday's performance was a sign of the rookie turning the corner.
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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