2023 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Preview
Last season, the Dallas Cowboys retired Tom Brady. That’s arguably Dallas’ biggest accomplishment as a franchise since winning Super Bowl XXX. They’ve hit their head on the Divisional round ceiling six times in the past 15 years. What’s it going to take to get Dallas over the Divisional round hump? And what position battles and breakout candidates are going to define Dallas’ season?
Position Battles
Tight End: Open Competition
The Cowboys brought in receiving reinforcements by way of Brandin Cooks after losing Dalton Schultz, but the starting tight end job is still up for grabs. fourth-round pick in 2022 Jake Ferguson returns after a solid campaign where he had 174 yards on 19 catches with two touchdowns. Ferguson has steady hands and good athleticism but shines as a blocker. Second-round rookie Luke Schoonmaker also has an opportunity at the starting job. Schoonmaker is a solid run blocker but needs to add some weight and strength before really shining there. In the passing game, Schoonmaker is fast and athletic but must get better at aggressively going after passes instead of waiting on them. He’s got room for improvement but could secure the TE1 or TE2 spot as a rookie. The undrafted second-year man Peyton Hendershot is also in the running for the starting tight end job. He appeared sparingly in all 17 games for Dallas as a rookie, recording 11 catches for 103 yards with three total touchdowns. Sean McKeon, Seth Green, and Princeton Fant will all also be competing for the spot, but my money is on Ferguson, Schoonmaker, or Hendershot.
Back-Up Running Back: Malik Davis vs. Deuce Vaughn vs. Ronald Jones II
Tony Pollard will assume starting duties following the departure of longtime Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott, but who will he split touches with? My money is on Kansas State’s Deuce Vaughn, who is a real playmaker despite standing just 5-foot-5 and at 175 pounds. Even if he doesn’t lock up the backup spot, Vaughn could be used on special teams, as a slot receiver, and as an occasional third-down back. Also in the running is Malik Davis, who did see some action in 12 games last season. He recorded 224 yards on 44 touches with a rushing touchdown. The newly acquired Ronald Jones II is in the running as well. Jones II was a rotational back in Tampa Bay from 2018-2021 and almost reached 1,000 yards in 2020. Jones II appeared in six games for the Chiefs last season but notched just 92 total yards and one touchdown.
Linebacker: Jabril Cox vs. Devin Harper vs. DeMarvin Overshown vs. Malik Jefferson
Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark will return, but the Cowboys will have somewhat of an open competition for the remaining linebacker spot. With Micah Parsons likely lining up at edge for most snaps, Malik Jefferson, Jabril Cox, Devin Harper, and DeMarvion Overshown will battle to secure themselves as Dallas’ third linebacker. Jabril Cox is my pick to overtake the role, as he has impressed in minicamp and has steadily improved since tearing his ACL in his rookie season. Devin Harper was a sixth-round pick in 2022 and provides coverage and athletic upside. Harper mostly took special teams snaps as a rookie, but a standout training camp could lead to more playing time. DeMarvion Overshown could play more of a weak-side linebacker role but has supreme agility and speed. Finally, Malik Jefferson has had stints in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis. He spent the 2022 season on Dallas’ practice squad.
Breakout Player: Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith was one of the Cowboys’ best offensive linemen in 2022. After Tyron Smith was sidelined with a hamstring injury, Smith held down both the left tackle and left guard spots for the team interchangeably. He’s a physical, strong, and aggressive blocker that shined in the running game last season. His play even earned him All-Rookie honors last season. If Smith can clear up his issues with penalties, he’s primed to break out as one of the best guards in all of football.
Rookie to Watch: Mazi Smith
Mazi Smith addresses the biggest issue with the Cowboys’ defense from last season: the running game. Dallas ranked 22nd in rushing defense last season and Smith should immediately provide help there. He’s a tank at 6-foot-3 and 337 pounds and one of the most freakishly athletic defensive tackles I’ve ever seen. He’s super quick and moves his feet well. He likely won’t be super effective as a pass rusher, but should immediately pump up Dallas’ rushing defense.
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