Dallas Cowboys: 5 Training Camp Battles to Watch
By Erik Lambert
The Dallas Cowboys watched their best-laid plans fall to pieces in 2017, and now it looks like their Super Bowl hopes continue to drift away.
This was a team that finished 13-3 in 2016. They were dominant all year long and seemed like a champion in waiting despite their unfortunate playoff exit against Green Bay. Then things shortcircuited from the start last season and they weren’t quite able to recover. Not only that, but they had to watch their hated rival Philadelphia Eagles seize control of the NFC and win their first Super Bowl championship.
Now it looks like the climb to the mountaintop is even steeper for Dallas. That’s why this upcoming training camp could be the most crucial in a long time. They need to settle several positions in the next month, which means lots of heated roster battles. Which areas deserve the most attention. Here are the five to watch as camp gets ramped up.
Scat back: Tavon Austin vs. Rod Smith
After a long failed attempt at wide receiver, the Cowboys brought in Tavon Austin with the goal of turning him into a specialist running back. One who could be a threat in the passing game on screens, outs, and swings. A hopeful compliment to the power style they like to run with Elliott. Rod Smith filled that role somewhat last season and flashed some potential. He’s hoping to take another step this year but Austin’s arrival will make him work for it.
Wide receiver: Michael Gallup vs. Deonte Thompson vs. Terence Williams
The exit of Dez Bryant has created a vacuum at wide receiver. A competition has popped wide open where every job save for slot receiver is up for grabs. Free agent Allen Hurns is expected to hold one spot, which means the other will be a fierce struggle. Terence Williams is the in-house veteran with established chemistry with Dak Prescott. Deonte Thompson is a journeyman who had a strong resurgence in Buffalo. Michael Gallup was a scout favorite coming out of Colorado State, known for his sharp route running and good hands.
Left guard: Connor Williams vs. La’el Collins
The signing of Cameron Fleming in free agency would indicate they want him manning the right tackle spot. This means La’el Collins should be expected to move back to his old spot at left guard. The problem is it won’t just be handed to him this time around. Dallas drafted Texas left tackle Connor Williams in the 2nd round, and projections have him being a quality guard in the NFL thanks to his athleticism and nasty disposition. Collins could quickly find himself on the bench if he doesn’t take this training camp seriously.
Defensive end: Taco Charlton vs. Tyrone Crawford
Taco Charlton is a former 1st round pick. So he has big expectations going into his second year. The Cowboys no doubt hope that he’s ready to take his rightful place opposite Demarcus Lawrence on the defensive line. He’ll have to get by Tyrone Crawford first though. The veteran edged Charlton in sack last year at four to three and seems to be trusted more by the coaches at this point. However, the advantage in talent goes to Charlton. All he has to do is put in the work and the job should be his for the taking. If he doesn’t? That’s not a good sign.
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Nickel cornerback: Anthony Brown vs. Jourdan Lewis
The situation at cornerback continues to be fluid for the Cowboys. They have some talented youngsters in place but as yet it hasn’t quite come together. Anthony Brown emerged as a playmaker last year though he was far from polished. Jourdan Lewis flashed his considerable talent but needs to stay out of trouble. These two are set for a collision course at slot corner with Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie on the boundaries. Both players have the skill, so either way, the Cowboys seem to have considerable depth at the position.