Previewing the Training Camp Battles of the Dallas Cowboys (Offense)

In a mere four weeks, the Dallas Cowboys will begin their training camp in Oxnard, California.

On July 24th, they are projected to arrive in Southern California. The Dallas Cowboys won’t start practicing in full pads for a few more days at the earliest. Our focus will be on analyzing and breaking down some of the most intriguing potential position battles until that time arrives.

Those of you who read my work know that I have little regard for organized team activities or mini-camps. Only after the pads are put on, does the actual work begin.

Throughout the summer, I have been contemplating various topics related to the Dallas Cowboys and have written down my musings in a few different areas of interest.

Feel free to click on any of the links below and share your thoughts in the comments below. If you’d like, you could send me a tweet. Friendly engagement is appreciated and encouraged. Emphasizing the word friendly.

UDFA CB Myles Brooks is the real deal – Linebackers: 2023 Position Overview– FB/RB Hunter Luepke a potential X-factor for the Dallas Cowboys running game – EDGE Sam Williams as a defensive X-Factor – Left Guard Position – the Dirty Dozen

It’s the time of year known as the dog days of summer. Even though there’s not much going on now, everyone wants more Dallas Cowboys football-related content.

Join me as we take a closer look at some intriguing offensive position battles to watch during Dallas Cowboys training camp.

1. Dallas Cowboys Quarterbacks

Dak Prescott holds the role of starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. We are not entertaining any argument on this matter, as it has been deemed conclusive.

Cooper Rush will serve as Dak’s backup. The Dallas team has knowledge of Cooper Rush’s strengths and weaknesses and are aware of his capabilities.

If given the opportunity to play with the first team, Will Grier could benefit. Such thinking is unrealistic with the installation of a new offensive scheme.

There’s no QB camp rivalry to be found here. Nonetheless, I felt it was necessary to bring this up. Let us continue moving forward, shall we?

2. Dallas Cowboys Running Backs

Tony Pollard is the unquestionable lead running back. One thing that can’t be ignored is the number of carries left after Dallas parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott.

Last season, Elliott had 231 carries. Pollard had 193 carries. If my calculations are correct, Pollard’s carries will increase to 240, equivalent to 15 carries in each of the 16 games. Pollard may see a slight increase of three additional carries per game, or perhaps those carries will be in the form of touches in the passing game.

There are still 188 carries that are not taken into consideration. Who will receive most of the carries behind Tony Pollard?

Ronald Jones’ experience surpasses others, with 61 career games played and 25 starts over five seasons with the Chiefs and Buccaneers.

Jones, who is just 25, provides more speed to the backfield than anyone other than Tony Pollard did last season. The Cowboys have confidence in his ability to contribute behind Pollard.

"“He’s an NFL quality back. His run style fits what we do. He’s young enough to continue to grow and add something to us. And, again, we’re adding an experienced back that knows what it’s like in the NFL, that fits the system well, and he’s got some upside to be able to be a three-down back and some of those things.” – Cowboys’ vice president of player personnel Will McClay on Brandon Jones"

Jones was with Tampa Bay for four years before spending last year with KC. In 2020, he achieved his best year with 192 carries, 978 yards, and 7 TDs with a 5.1 yard per carry average. He appeared in just six games for the Chiefs last year.

Last season, Malik Davis was the third running back for the Dallas Cowboys and had the most touches, with 38 carries for 161 yards and one touchdown. With a year of experience, Davis is fully aware of what is required of him this season.

Along with the aforementioned players, Deuce Vaughn, Rico Dowdle, and undrafted rookie fullback Hunter Luepke will also be joining in the mix.

Deuce is a great fit for the skat back role. His time at Kansas State was marked by his electrifying play, constantly throwing defenders and defensive game plans off balance.

If Deuce can transfer that productivity to the NFL. DEUCE will be screamed by Cowboys Nation on Sundays, I can imagine.

I have already written about Hunter Luepke as a potential X-factor for the Dallas Cowboys running game. Here is a brief recap summary.

"Strengths: A powerful runner, ideal for gaining yards in short distances, and expected to play fullback on Sundays. When running, displays quickness, excellent balance, and footwork. He possesses great power and is quite nimble, making it difficult for defenders to bring him down with a single tackle. He breaks through the hole, gaining a lot of yardage and pushing the pile forward."

If none of the young prospects emerges during training camp and the preseason. The Cowboys may look to add a veteran running back. Whether that is via trade or free agency.

Leonard Fournette believe he still has some gas left in his tank. Former Buccaneers Star Rob Gronkowski can’t stop showering his former teammate with love.

"“Lenny is an absolute tank who’s versatile to be a three-down back and make a big play when you need it the most. His unique skill set in the pass game at the size he is makes him a mismatch at all times.” – Rob Gronkowski told The Score’s Jordan Schultz"

Among veteran free agents, Leonard Fournette stands out as the top power running back. Adding a veteran with Super Bowl experience could be beneficial for Dallas. There’s no need for them to do it right away.

If you’re wondering how this will be sorted out, the answer lies in the training camp practices and preseason games.

3. Dallas Cowboys Wide Receivers

The three spots in the game’s starting lineup have already been filled by CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup. Jalen Tolbert and Simi Fehoko are up next to fight for wide receiver spots.

Jalen Tolbert’s youth and talent make it unwise for Dallas to abandon him after a shaky rookie season. Like Tolbert, Simi Fehoko’s youth and talent make him an intriguing case. Unlike Jalen Tolbert, the Cowboys didn’t use a third-round pick on him.

Fehoko, who stands at 6-3 and weighs 220lbs, is a physically imposing wide receiver who possesses 4.3 speed. A lot of people were expecting improvement in the second year, but it never came.

In week 4, Fehoko suffered a shoulder injury and was out for the season. Will Fehoko finally prove himself as more than a practice player this year? It wasn’t until his third season that Miles Austin made a contribution.

It will be interesting to see who claims the 4th wide receiver position. Even though it’s not a high volume spot, who will rise to the occasion and make plays when needed?

The Dallas Cowboys have a decision to make regarding the number of wide receivers they will keep on their 53-man roster, with the big question being whether they will opt for five or six.

Even though KaVontae Turpin is not expected to be among the team’s top productive pass catchers, he’s projected to fill the role of kick/punt returner. The team will face competition from two undrafted free agent players who have potential and are looking to prove themselves.

Jalen Moreno-Cropper and David Durden, two undrafted rookies, are worth watching. Past evidence shows that wide receivers often come to light during preseason and camp practices.

Cropper moves smoothly in and out of breaks. Boasts a complete route tree, outstanding ball tracking, and exceptional agility and speed.

He has the ability to play as a returner and a versatile receiver who can play in any position across the line. Moreno-Cropper plays bigger than his listed size despite his smaller frame.

David Durden game tape really impresses me, even though there’s a huge gap between West Florida and the NFL.

He has a solid build, quick feet, and NFL-level speed. He poses a threat after the catch and keeps up his speed after breaking free, while also fighting for contested balls.

Possesses versatility in special teams as both a returner and gunner. A competitive wide receiver with an alpha mentality.

David Durden’s game tape is loved by more than just me. The Athletic named him “the most overlooked player in the draft.”

"“We’ve had a lot of love for this guy. We’ve been on David for a long time.” – Cowboys director of college scouting Mitch LaPoint"

Had Durden played for a more prominent college sports program. I believe he had the potential to be among the top 100 prospects.

The Cowboys have a remarkable track record with undrafted free agents. Players such as Drew Pearson, Miles Austin, and Cole Beasley.

4. Dallas Cowboys Tight Ends

The top tight end position, previously held by Dalton Schultz for three years, is now open. Who is likely to take on this role?

The most interesting tight end to watch closely at the start of camp is Luke Schoonmaker, who had a foot problem that limited his involvement in OTAs and minicamp.

Provided that injuries don’t hinder his progress, the Cowboys anticipate that Schoonmaker will have a smooth transition from college to professional football.

Despite contributing full-time for two seasons at Michigan, Schoonmaker has only had moderate production, with only one season standing out. One of Schoonmaker’s notable attributes is his elite athleticism.

He possesses natural hands and is an impressive athlete, making him a versatile receiver who can win in both in-line and space.

Having been selected in the fourth round last year, Jake Ferguson now has a year of experience that has helped him develop. Ferguson’s performance last season left a lasting impression on me. As a receiver and blocker, he displayed remarkable physicality throughout the entire season.

Additionally, Peyton Hendershot, who was an undrafted rookie last year, will also have the chance to take on a more significant role. Although he needs to improve as a blocker, he demonstrated great effort. I believe he has the potential to develop as a player this year. Dallas unearths gems in both players.

Along with the other candidates, it is our opinion that Sean McKeon should also be considered for the mix. His availability for the past couple of years has been limited as a result of the injuries he has sustained.

Princeton Fant, an undrafted TE, has a lot of potential and may end up on the practice squad. John Stephens Jr., a former college wide receiver, possesses the build and speed of a pass-catching tight end.

5. Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line

I have already written about the uncertainty at the left guard spot. Click here and dive in.

One of the primary concerns that I have is regarding the backup center and swing tackle positions. I am fully confident that Terrence Steele will be ready to play in week one.

In order for the Cowboys to succeed in the present and future, it is imperative that Tyler Smith and Terrence Steele are selected as the starting tackles. Through their performances, both of them have shown that they are the best options for the tackle positions.

A team’s overall success is often linked to the health of its offensive line, according to Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. He was deprived of that advantage during his previous three seasons in Dallas.

A team’s overall success is often linked to the health of its offensive line, according to Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. He was deprived of that advantage during his previous three seasons in Dallas.

This position group is secure if the best five players are healthy. It’s doubtful if Tyron Smith is one of your best five. It’s important for Dallas to determine their strongest six. The hope is that the development of Matt Waletzko will lead to a resolution of the concerns at the swing tackle position.

Dallas has signed Chuma Edoga in free agency, and they’ll be counting on him, along with Matt Farniok, Josh Ball, and fifth-round pick Asim Richards, to provide essential depth.

Matt Farniok’s versatility to play both guard and center positions makes him the leading candidate for the backup center position. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line is highly valued by the Cowboys, particularly his flexibility to play on the interior.

Despite not being drafted, T.J. Bass, who is an undrafted free agent, is considered a sleeper and has the potential to surprise many. Bass has proven himself to be a versatile offensive lineman during his time with the Ducks, having played various positions on the field. As a three-year starter, he primarily played at left tackle, but he did have some experience at left guard as well.

If two or three backup offensive linemen could distinguish themselves, it would be highly advantageous for the team in addition to the proven starters.

Tomorrow, we’ll be examining the defensive position battles to keep an eye on during the Dallas Cowboys training camp.