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

In just four weeks, the Dallas Cowboys will begin their training camp in Oxnard, California, we look at the defense…

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.

If you have missed my earlier breakdown on the Dallas Cowboys offensive position battles, you can debate my ideas by clicking on the link below. Thank you for reading and commenting.

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

Today, we do a thorough analysis on the defensive position battles to watch during the Dallas Cowboys training camp.

1. Dallas Cowboys Defensive Line

This is the deepest position group on the Dallas Cowboys. Competition is going to be fierce and Dallas will have to make some tough decisions to make.

The top 10 spots belong to DE/LB Micah Parsons, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, DE Sam Williams, DE Dorance Armstrong Jr., DE Dante Fowler Jr., DT Mazi Smith, DT Osa Odighizuwa, DT Johnathan Hankins, DL Viliami Fehoko Jr. and DL Chauncey Golston.

Neither Dorance Armstrong Jr nor Dante Fowler Jr are assured roster spots. Both of their contracts are team-friendly, but they are playing on one-year deals.

Sam Williams is coming. His potential displayed in 2022 warrants more playing time in 2023. Expectations are high for Williams this season.

Viliami Fehoko Jr’s playing style is marked by a relentless and hot motor, which keeps him attacking offensive linemen non-stop. He approaches both run defense and pass defense with an undaunted and tenacious mindset. I have a strong feeling that Dallas has hit the jackpot with this 4th round pick.

I value the way he plays with strength and physicality at the point of attack in the run game. His physical strength enables him to anchor, stack, and shed blocks on the edges.

It’s possible that I’m wrong. This has happened before. It’s unlikely for Dallas to surpass 10, however, DE Tyrus Wheat and DE Durrell Johnson’s performance could make the cut day a tough call for the Cowboys.

Tyrus Wheat is a hybrid defender with versatile skills. He can do multiple things like setting the edge, rushing the passer, dropping in coverage, and spying quarterbacks.

Despite weighing 260 pounds, Wheat moves exceptionally well and has a hot motor, as well as excellent length. He has proven that he can adapt to the linebacker position, which Dallas highly values in players with position flexibility.

Durrell Johnson caused chaos on the edge in college for various reasons. Violent active hands,  lateral quickness, and tenacity. He has an outstanding motor and exhibits the ability to endure late in games. Display a highly competitive spirit.

2. Dallas Cowboys Linebackers

Last week, I delved deeper into the Dallas Cowboys Linebackers. You can click here to disagree with me.  Here is a brief summary

"There will be questions about the Dallas Cowboys’ linebackers health and ability to reach their full potential on the football field. If they do, there are endless possibilities and no limits to what can be achieved. Opportunities will present themselves. The No. 2 linebacker of the Dallas Cowboys during the past year was Anthony Barr. He’s not part of the team anymore. The Dallas Cowboys linebackers will have a familiar face in charge, namely Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch has proven himself as a talented football player, however, he will require support from others in his group. With Vander Esch included, this group of linebackers is youthful and has many athletic and versatile players. The speed is what stands out for me. We are looking at a young group that can cover, ran. and blitz."

If everything goes as planned, Leighton Vander Esch and Damone Clark are expected to be the starting linebackers for the team. To ensure reliability, it is crucial to have at least two additional high-quality backups.

The coaching staff plans to give Jabril Cox and DeMarvion Overshown a fair chance to showcase their abilities and vie for the backup roles.

There is no doubt that Leighton Vander Esch is the leader of the linebacker group, and his leadership is unquestionable. Not only has he proven his importance to the linebackers, but he has also shown just how vital he is to the entire defense.

If Dallas opts for five linebackers. The competition for the last spot is between Devin Harper and Isaiah Land. Harper may have the edge in experience, but it is Isaiah’s exceptional ability to rush the passer that truly sets him apart.

3. Dallas Cowboys Secondary

Trevon Diggs, Stephon Gilmore, DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis, Kelvin Joseph, Myles Brooks, Eric Scott, Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson, Israel Mukumamu, Markquese Bell, Tyler Cole

Dink Kearney, my fellow wordsmith, dissects the ball-hawking skills of this talented group and elaborates on why they have the potential to lead the league in takeaways for the third year in a row.

Here are the Dallas Cowboys’ top three cornerbacks.

The team’s boundary cornerbacks are Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore. DaRon Bland’s versatility on the field is demonstrated by his ability to perform effectively both in the slot and outside positions.

Jourdan Lewis brings valuable veteran depth/insurance to the team. With his skills and adaptability, Israel Mukumamu offers versatility to the team, as he can play in the slot as a big corner/safety depending on the game’s demands.

There has never been any doubt regarding the athletic prowess of Joseph and the Cowboys are currently attempting to harness these abilities during the summer.

A positional shift seems to have contributed to the improvement during this offseason. At OTA practices, Joseph was seen taking reps as the defense’s nickel cornerback.

"“I think this is the best stretch for Kelvin that he’s had since he’s been here,” – Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy"

Despite being an undrafted free agent, Myles Brooks is completely prepared for the NFL. Eric Scott may be inexperienced and raw, but he has incredible traits.

The King Ghidorah of the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary is back in action. Jayron Kearse, Donovan Wilson, and Malik Hooker are set to resume their roles as starting safeties.

The big nickel package is highly valued by Dallas. Considering Jabril Cox and DeMarvion Overshown can play the role a hybrid role, should Dallas still go 4 deep in safety?

The unit comprising of Jayron Kearse as the head of Monster X, along with Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, is complete. Wilson plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the group, while Hooker is responsible for leading the defense as the quarterback.

Donovan Wilson is regarded by The Football Scout as the best strong safety in the NFL and here’s why. Click here and check out his film breakdown on Wilson.

Hooker’s INTs this season could reach a career high with Stephon Gilmore joining to pair with Trevon Diggs, allowing Hooker to play more freely in his safety position. Reid Hanson, the main man, thinks so.

"*natural (not sure what “nature hands” would entail but probably something very different). – Reid Hanson"

Markquese Bell is a highly athletic, versatile safety with tons of upside. The game doesn’t seem too big for him and he has flashed when given the opportunity to play. Right now, I believe Bell can handle playing free safety.

Markquese Bell is a highly athletic, versatile safety with tons of upside. The game doesn’t seem too big for him and he has flashed when given the opportunity to play. Right now, I believe Bell can handle playing free safety.

Tyler Cole is entering his third year. Another young safety with potential upside. Hooker and Kearse are both in the final year of their contracts. Waiting in the wings as potential replacements are Bell and Cole.

Dallas may not want to risk exposing them to the waiver wire. It would be gut-wrenching to observe someone else profit from the Cowboys’ work in developing them both.

4. Dallas Cowboys Special Teams

How many core special teamers does the Dallas Cowboys have? Playing special teams is often the key for most rookies to secure a spot on the final roster before the regular season begins.

If you’re not starting on offense or defense, you must be a starter on special teams, or else there’s no room for you. Dorance Armstrong is a good example of this. His role as a core special teams player for years led to him becoming part of the defensive line rotation.

It’s up to Eric Scott, Isaiah Land, Devin Harper, Malik Davis, Hunter Luepke, Myles Brooks, DeMarvion Overshown to impress and make the Cowboys consider difficult roster choices.

The chances of KaVonte Turpin (Returner), C.J. Goodwin (Gunner), Bryan Anger (Punter), Trent Sieg (Long Snapper) securing spots on the roster are very high, as they are viewed as locks.

Turpin isn’t a sure thing, in my opinion. David Durden offers the added benefit of being a returner and a promising wide receiver. It’s a typical Saturday for David Durden as he continues to showcase his returner ability.

Jalen Moreno-Cropper’s skill set allows him to serve as a returner and have greater potential as a gadget guy. Even at this stage, his skill set as a wide receiver exceeds Turpin’s.

Even after reading Cowboy’s tweets about his speed, I can’t shake the image of Turpin colliding with a kicker.

Currently, Tristan Vizcaino is the only kicker on the Cowboys’ roster. I’m expecting Dallas to add some competition during training camp.

The countdown beings.