Top Five Cowboys Training Camp Battles to Watch
By Reid Hanson
Oct 18, 2014; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls wide receiver Lucky Whitehead (1) runs with the ball past Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Prince Charles Iworah (30) in the first quarter at FAU Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys’ Kick/Punt Returner
Primary Competitors: Lucky Whitehead, Lance Dunbar, Cole Beasley, Antwan Goodley, Deontay Greenberry, A.J. Jenkins, etc…
Early Favorite: Lucky Whitehead
This could prove to be the most entertaining of all battles to watch this training camp. Dwayne Harris left to New York this offseason, opening the door for a return man, kick coverage gunner, and a developmental receiver to make the team.
The Dallas Cowboys reloaded in a big way this offseason, bringing in rookies Antwan Goodley, George farmer, Deontay Greenberry, Nick Harwell, and Lucky Whitehead to fight for the opening. Antwan Goodley and George Farmer come with the most pedigree but it’s unknown how much they’ll contribute on special teams.
Special Teams will be the deciding factor in this race since the typical #5 WR is only an actual “receiving target” a handful of times during the course of the season. Returning kicks and punts as well as tackling in kick/punt coverage will be key.
Lucky Whitehead has the lead in this race but he will have to prove to be a clean catcher in the return game (no questionable or bobbled returns) as well as a serviceable gunner and receiver. The Cowboys typically opt for special teams over offensive potential anyone hoping to make the team will need to show versatility.
At the end of the day, Cole Beasley and Lance Dunbar could be asked to serve in some capacity since they have both proven to be dynamic return men. Morris Claiborne was a game-breaking kick returner at LSU, it would be interesting to see if he could return kicks again, especially if he loses the #3 CB spot to Byron Jones.
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