Dallas Cowboys: Top 5 Training Camp Position Battles

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Oct 11, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Connecticut Huskies cornerback Byron Jones (16) looks for a signal against the Tulane Green Wave in the third quarter at Yulman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive End: Ben Gardner vs. DeMarcus Lawrence

On the other side it will be a race between Ben Gardner and second-year man DeMarcus Lawrence. Gardner is a 7th round pick who fits the profile of a left end but has no game experience while Lawrence actually drew high marks as a run defender but lacks some needed body mass for the position. Given the responsibilities of the left end in a 4-3 defense, that is an important note. With the upside Lawrence has as a pass rusher, it will take a heck of a camp from Gardner to keep that job from him.

Cornerback: Brandon Carr vs. Byron Jones

For the longest time the job status of Brandon Carr has been up for debate. The Dallas Cowboys signed him with the intent he become their franchise corner but by and large he hasn’t lived up to that monster deal. The problem is they really haven’t had anybody on the roster capable of replacing him. It’s likely the hope is 1st round pick Byron Jones will become that guy. He’s got all the tools from size to athleticism and character. Whether he can take advantage of the opportunity will tell with time.

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