Training Camp Is Here: Top 5 Camp Battles for the Dallas Cowboys

After the free agency and draft acquisitions this year, Dallas stacked many of their positions groups with better depth.

While this is a good thing in terms of depth, it also means that there will be a war-zone at each group for spots on the team.

Rookies began on July 21st, quarterbacks/injured players arrived on July 23rd, and all other players will be back on July 28th.

Fans are ready to see what Mike McCarthy and his new staff bring to the table after the departure of Jason Garrett. All the different coaches bring a variety of schemes, skills, and way of teaching in general. Being without Mini camp, OTAs, etc… has made this a tougher task as there is now less time to implement their ideas.

Regardless of how much time they’ll have, fans want to see the Dallas Cowboys back in action as soon as possible. Players are also itching to get back on the field and earn their stars on their helmet. The younger players are going to have a rough road to earning their star, but that isn’t to say that its impossible.

Lets go through the best battles to look forward to this season.

Interior Offensive Line

Whilst Dallas is known for their strong offensive line, they took a hit after the retirement of former All Pro Center, Travis Fredrick. Added on to this, is the lack of consistency from their left guard position. This year there is a 4 man battle for 2 positions that should definitely draw your eye to it.

Connor Williams (Photo: Rich Graes/Getty Images)

The winner of these positions will likely be between Connor Williams, Connor McGovern, Joe Looney, and rookie Tyler Biadasz.

Being veterans Williams and Looney stand the best shots at getting the jobs. However, Williams has struggled with his health throughout his career. Looney on the other hand was part of the 2018 season when the Cowboys lead the league in rushing while Fredrick missed his first season. This gives him a leg up, but Looney hasn’t shown to be a special player by any means.

McGovern played has experience at both center and guard from his days in college. He was expected to compete last year for the left guard duties, but an injury derailed his rookie season. After a year in the league, its possible that he could be ready to take over the mantle.

Biadasz comes from Wisconsin much like The Great Travis Fredrick, but this doesn’t mean they’re the same player. Tyler may need a year to get acclimated to the league, or he could shock the world by dominating players like Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe during camp.

Wide Receivers 4-6

Drafting Ceedee Lamb in the draft instantly replaces Randall Cobb and elevates their receiving group. Having already Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup could very well make this the best trio of receivers. However, the roster isn’t put together with just three guys. The battle will lie in the depth from receivers number four through six.

Who has the best shot?

Cedrick Wilson, and Devin Smith could be numbers 4 and 5 for this team as they’ve been around here for awhile. Not only that, but they showed potential last year in their limited amount of snaps. Look for them to inch out the competition and grab a spot or 2 from whats left.

Then there are guys that could sneak past them to make some noise. Ventell Bryant & Jon’Vea Johnson had strong camps last year too. It also helps their stock that they play special teams, which is what you expect from receivers 4-6. Ideally your depth receivers would be guys that could play anywhere. Both in the slot and on the outside in case of emergency. These two guys are both entering their second year, but will be in another fight if they want to make the final roster.

Someone to keep an eye on is undrafted rookie receiver Kendrick Rogers from Texas A&M who has the potential to be a great redzone target. His injuries hurt him at A&M, but his flashes are that of a potential starter in the NFL. Being 6’4 is also something that could help him get him by defenders… or above them.

Edge Rushers

Out the gate you can count in Demarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, and Aldon Smith. After these guys the final three spots can go in many directions.

Randy Gregory has yet to be reinstated, but if he returns one spot could almost immediately be credited to him. The bigger battle will be between a couple of other young guys.

Aldon Smith Dallas Cowboys — Aldon Smith (*Photo: NBC Sports*)

Dorance Armstrong enters year 3 in what could be a big year for his career. Having been in the league for two years already, helps Armstrong in being able to adapt quicker than the younger players. Joe Jackson and Jalen Jelks both come into their second season with the Cowboys. Jackson has more experience on the field, but Jelks has talent that wasn’t showcased due to some injuries early on. Maybe this off-season Jelks can stay healthy enough to show that he can be effective for this team. Finally there are the rookies Bradley Anae and Ron’Dell Carter. Anae was known as a sack artist in college, while Carter is known more for disrupting the run. Anae has a better show given that he was drafted this season, but Carter could be the guy to shine during camp.

Each player has different talents that could fit in Jim Tomsula‘s scheme, and the fight for the last few spots won’t be easily won.

Interior Defensive Line

Dallas really plugged this position up during the free agency by adding two strong veterans in Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe. On top of that, they drafted Neville Gallimore who has an enormous ceiling.

This battle really is going to be with former second round pick Trysten Hill, and Antwaun Woods.

Woods has been a solid nose tackle over the past couple of years with his tough run play. On the other side, Hill has only had one season to show what he’s made of. If Tomsula can mold him into the player Dallas selected him to be, than he can push for that fourth spot.

This battle is more interesting given the fact that Hill was such a high pick for Dallas just a season ago, and now could be on his way out. Hill has a chip on his shoulder to prove that he’s not a bust, and that could be what helps him win that final spot inside.

Cornerbacks

Locked in at corner are Anthony Brown, Jourdan Lewis, Chidobe Awuzie, and rookie Trevon Diggs. Between just these guys, the starters look to be in good shape.

Dallas could potentially keep 6 corners this year, which would make the final two spots worth watching. The Cowboys also have Maurice Canady, Daryl Worley, and CJ Goodwin as potential veterans to keep on the team.

Canady impressed last year, after having most of his career high-jacked by injuries. Then there’s Worley who proved to be a solid #2 option with the Raiders. The wild card for the vets is Goodwin who has displayed great ability in special teams.

The two fliers this team could take at corners are rookie Reggie Robinson II, or second year man Chris Westry.

Reggie showed improvements year in year out in college and could play a huge factor if the team doesn’t resign Awuzie or Lewis after the season. Westry didn’t show that he was an NFL worthy corner last year, but he has the tools to work with. Being 6’4 with sub 4.45 speed could be an incredible weapon to have.