OXNARD, Calif. — The Dallas Cowboys have held five practices since arriving in California. The last two have been the most interesting because they’ve been in full pads.
Here is what stood out most during the team’s time on the two grass fields behind the Staybridge Suites Oxnard—River Ridge.
Jaydon Blue
For the Cowboys’ offense to take another step forward from last season, Blue needs to be part of the offense. His speed, athleticism and pass-catching add another element to the group, and it’s been on display early. The screen game hasn’t been great for the Cowboys since early in Ezekiel Elliott’s career. Blue provides them with the type of back who could bring back some of that success. He didn’t make much impact as a rookie, but he’s showing signs that he’ll be a factor in Year 2 behind No. 1 back Javonte Williams.
Ryan Flournoy
Everyone knows the importance of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens to Dallas’ passing game. But Flournoy has shown that he’s ready to build on what he did after his breakout performance in Week 5 last year against the New York Jets. In 16 games last season, Flournoy had 40 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns. He’s got a chance to be closer to the 700-800 yard range this season as Dallas’ clear No. 3 wide receiver. He has the trust of Dak Prescott and the rest of the offense. The focus will be on Lamb and Pickens. Flournoy might be the reason the offense gets to another level this season.
Shavon Revel stands out at Cowboys training camp
Jon Machota
CeeDee Lamb
He’s had a few drops early in camp. That’s not to say he’s having a bad camp, but there have been some passes that have hit the ground in team drills that Lamb usually makes.
Shavon Revel
DaRon Bland and Cobie Durant were the two starting outside cornerbacks when the Cowboys held their first team drill portion of their first practice last week. Those two have looked good, but Revel stood out a little more than expected, particularly Monday, in what was probably his best practice as a Cowboy. His coverage was very sticky against Pickens and Lamb, leading to three pass breakups. Revel likes to get his hands on receivers, which could lead to pass interference penalties. If he can clean that up, he’ll contribute significantly this season.
Cobie Durant
He has been the most noticeable of the cornerbacks. He has provided consistent coverage but also displayed an ability to take the ball away, recording a nice interception off Prescott in team drills Monday. Durant came off his guy to jump in front of Lamb on what would have been a touchdown pass. Durant quickly took it the other way on a play that might have been returned for a touchdown in a game. At this point, it would be a surprise if Durant isn’t starting Week 1.
Best matchups
As expected, they are in the trenches. The battles between interior defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark and offensive guards Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker have been high quality. It’s difficult to say who is winning so far, but it’s clear that both lines should be very good on the interior.
Rashan Gary
He has been the most impactful of the edge rushers. His pass-rushing moves have caused problems for right tackle Terence Steele. But Gary’s motor has also stood out. The former Green Bay Packer has displayed impressive effort. On a screen pass to Blue on Tuesday, Gary beat left tackle Tyler Guyton to the inside to pressure Prescott. But instead of stopping after creating the pressure, Gary sprinted 25 yards down the field as part of the group that stopped Blue. It’s difficult to say for sure if the Cowboys have enough pass rush on the roster, but there’s no questioning that Gary should be one of their most important defenders.
Tyler Guyton
As expected, he’ll be Dallas’ starting left tackle as long as he’s healthy. He entered camp in competition with Nate Thomas, but Guyton has pulled ahead and been getting almost all of the first-team work at the position. He was dealing with elbow soreness Tuesday. That’s something to monitor because injury issues have contributed to what has been an underwhelming first two seasons for the 2024 first-round pick.
DeMarvion Overshown
He was dealing with leg soreness that kept him out of team drills Tuesday. Like Guyton, the injuries have been an issue during Overshown’s career. He said recently that he feels great and is ready to have his best season, but he has to find a way to stay on the field. It was easy to see how much he enjoyed flying around the field Monday as he took out fullback Hunter Luepke on a red-zone run play. The collision was the biggest of camp, leading to cheers from fans and teammates.
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Jon Machota
Donovan Ezeiruaku
He left practice early Tuesday. However, it wasn’t injury related. He was involved in a fight during team drills and was sent to the locker room.
Backup QB
Sam Howell appears to be a little ahead of Joe Milton, but there hasn’t been any definitive separation. It still seems like Milton has the higher ceiling, but Howell is probably the player they’d trust more if they needed an immediate replacement for Prescott.
Jake Ferguson
He had his best practice Tuesday, making several nice catches, including one where he had to reach back to snag a pass down the middle.
Michael Trigg
He also had his best practice Tuesday. His most notable play came on a throw over the middle from Milton that Trigg snatched in traffic. With Princeton Fant out for the season after suffering a knee injury last week, the opportunity is certainly there for Trigg, an undrafted rookie free agent, to make the roster.
Jaishawn Barham
He’s not interested in talking with reporters after practice, but he’s been very noticeable on the field. He’s one of the most talked about players early in camp by the Cowboys’ front office and coaches. The third-round pick is expected to make an immediate impact this season as an off-the-ball linebacker who can also rush the passer. It would not be a surprise if he’s starting Week 1.
