The Cowboys finished their Oxnard stretch on Thursday with Brian Schottenheimer putting a spotlight on the players who have stood out most in camp, and the head coach wound up naming 10 instead of the five he was asked for.
The list was topped by first-round pick Caleb Downs, a name that fits with everything that’s been said about him all offseason. Schottenheimer also singled out Rashan Gary, Otito Ogbonnia, Shavon Revel Jr., Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown, Tyler Guyton, Javonte Williams, Ryan Flournoy and Bryan Anger, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Schottenheimer expanded on the group when asked about it, praising Downs as a “special young player” and saying Gary’s leadership has “jumped out” at him. He had strong words for Ogbonnia too, describing him as much more than a simple run-stopper.
“Caleb Downs, special young player. Rashan Gary’s leadership has jumped out at me.
And as a player, you guys know that," Schotty explained. "(Otito Ogbonnia), I mean, you talk about a guy that we thought we were getting maybe a run stopper.
This guy’s a good football player, damn good football player, massive, really strong with his hands.
“Very proud of (Shavon Revel). I’m just going to keep ripping names.
… Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown, Tyler Guyton, Javonte Williams, Ryan Flournoy, Bryan Anger, however old he is. He just hit a couple 75 yard punts."
The praise matters in a few different places. Downs landing on the list is no surprise given the buzz around him throughout camp.
Mingo and Ogbonnia, meanwhile, have been quieter names, but Schottenheimer’s comments suggest neither should be overlooked. That matters especially for Mingo, who wasn’t a lock entering camp and has Brown breathing down his neck after Brown also earned a mention from the coach.
Revel’s inclusion lines up with the growing belief that he’s trending up, something defensive coordinator Christian Parker has also pointed to recently. If DaRon Bland rebounds and Cobie Durant keeps stacking strong days in camp, Dallas could end up in a good spot at corner.
Flournoy and Gary are easier to read. Both have carried positive momentum through the offseason, and Gary has repeatedly drawn attention for his leadership.
Guyton’s place on the list also stands out because of the year ahead of him. The former first-round pick was expected to battle for his job this summer, but he never really looked in danger and now sits as the starter for Week 1.
With Oxnard behind them, the Cowboys now move on to their second preseason game on Saturday night, then another week of practices before the preseason finale next Friday.
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