Cowboys Camp Daily (8/1): Who are the early ‘busts’ and who are ‘stars’?

The Dallas Cowboys enter their second week of #CowboysCamp and look to build the depth chart for their first preseason game. Who’s standing out both good and bad?

The cream is starting to rise to the top in Cowboys Camp, and while it’s much too early to make any definitive statements, it’s becoming clear who’s ready to break out in 2017.

Here is your daily update from training camp:

Jaylon Smith!

Jaylon Smith was given the day off so nothing big report regarding his amazing comeback. But what is worth pointing out — once again — is how well the starting MIKE, Anthony Hitchens is looking. Smith at 80% is still likely a Pro Bowler but it’s no guarantee he’s going to beat out Hitch before the season starts.

Related Story: Anthony Hitchens will be hard to displace for Jaylon

Zeke Suspension

It’s likely the NFL will wait until after the Hall of Fame celebrations to announce a possible suspension on Ezekiel Elliott. Concerning that RB depth, HB/FB Rod Smith is the clear player to watch in camp.

Injuries

No major new injuries to talk about but with both Ryan Switzer and Jourdan Lewis out because of bum hamstrings, the options are getting thin in the punt return game

With Lenoir struggling, Dallas will likely try other below-fringe players in the return game shortly. Realistically it’s going to probably be Lewis and Switz during the season, with Cole Beasley and Dez Bryant serving as emergency backups.

In the preseason Dallas has no intention of using those two options for risk of injury. Look for them to find a sure-handed option for the game Thursday night. They don’t care as much about getting returns as they do about turning the ball over.

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Stephen Paea

I wanted to make Stephen Paea a camp casualty before Cowboys Camp started, but it’s become very clear that he’s a lock to make the team. He has exceptional burst and has proven to be more than just a nose tackle on the line.

Paea has the ability to play the under tackle as well, making him a more impactful player for the Cowboys this season. Also worth noting is the improved play of starting nose tackle, Cedric Thornton.

Thornton had a poor season last year but seems to be a different man this year. Let’s hope he continues this play because his contract make him uncuttable.

Biggest Bust and Biggest Star (to-date)

Brandon George polled media members on who they think is trending up and who is trending down. This cool exercise echos what many have been saying regarding Taco Charlton and Byron Jones (opposite ends of the spectrum), and offers a glimpse of perspective and weight.

I was surprised to see Nolan Carroll on the naughty list because I thought he was playing better than I expected. Admittedly, I did not think highly of him and rated him the #4 CB before camp began so it probably wasn’t hard to exceed my expectations.

All of that said, everyone agrees Byron Jones is a star.

Next: Cowboys Camp Week 1: Recap, injuries, and standouts

That’s all for now. Tomorrow we’ll ask some of the important and still unanswered questions regarding the defensive line and we’ll also offer a guide on what to look for in the first preseason game.