FRISCO, Texas – For the third time in about five weeks, Taco Charlton arrived at The Star.
The first time was part of 30 draft hopefuls that were simply visiting the team before the draft.
The second time was with his family just after he was selected as the first-round pick.
But Thursday, Charlton showed up with the rest of the rookie class to take part in this weekend's minicamp with all of the new guys and first-year players.
"It's a great feeling to be back here and actually get a chance to work this time," he said. "All the rookies are here and excited and ready to work. We're excited. Once we get on the field with the veterans, we'll take their lead and continue to build off them."
While that schedule is rather routine for the high draft picks, Charlton did something in his first official day with the club that hasn't been seen around here.
Charlton is expected to sign his rookie contract, something that used to be an event closer to training camp but has since been more of a formality in recent years because of the NFLPA's slotting system with rookies.
But still, having him sign on his contract before his first practice is something that hasn't been seen around here. But Charlton said he's just happy he can get that aspect off his plate.
"I think everything is going good," Charlton said. "Basically I can just get that out of the way so I can get ready to play football and make something special happen."
Even without pads and going up against fellow rookies, Charlton said he believes special things can start happening as early as this weekend.
There won't be sacks or tackles when Charlton takes the field Friday, but he's looking to show the coaching staff and attending media members plenty of other aspects of his game.
"Change of direction, speed and agility," Charlton said. "And getting a chance to learn the playbook and get the plays down. Once I get that down, I can play faster and just play my game."
The 28th overall pick in last month's NFL Draft, Charlton said the last couple of weeks has been "crazy" when it comes to the sudden attention he's received. But that won't stop him from his ultimate focus.
"It's always great to be a Dallas Cowboy," Charlton said. "Everyone is going to be excited. I'm excited myself. I'm enjoying the process but I'm ready to work."
And for Charlton and the rest of his rookie teammates, the work officially begins on Friday.
