Training camp in Oxnard always has its share of roster fights, but the most revealing snaps often come when a Cowboy lines up across from a Cowboy. Those are the reps that can expose a weakness, hint at a breakout, or show whether a young player is ready to handle a bigger load.
Dallas has enough established talent and enough unproven pieces to make these matchups worth tracking all summer. None of them will hand out jobs by themselves, but each one should tell the Cowboys something useful about where they stand before the season starts.
The most fun one may be the top of the list: George Pickens against Shavon Revel Jr. Pickens brings the kind of physical, catch-point style that can stress any corner, and that makes him a clean test for Revel’s technique, confidence and ball skills. Revel is another year removed from his ACL injury, so this matchup should also offer a clear look at how much he has progressed.
Right behind that is CeeDee Lamb versus Caleb Downs, a pairing that could be a crash course for the rookie. Working from the slot against Lamb means Downs will have to deal with sharp releases, polished route running and a receiver who understands leverage as well as anyone. Those reps could speed up Downs’ development and get him ready for a major role in the secondary.
Terence Steele versus Donovan Ezeiruaku is another battle with real value on both sides. Steele remains one of the bigger questions on the offensive line, and Ezeiruaku is trying to make that second-year leap. The pass rusher’s speed and bend will test Steele’s footwork, while Steele’s strength should answer an important question about whether Ezeiruaku can hold up when the work gets physical and the snaps keep coming.
Ryan Flournoy and DaRon Bland bring a different kind of pressure. Flournoy is trying to keep hold of his spot as the third receiver after making strides last season, and Bland’s instincts as a ballhawk will make every route matter.
For Flournoy, it’s about separation and precision. For Bland, it’s also a chance to show he’s healthy and ready to take back his place as Dallas’ top cornerback.
Jaydon Blue versus Jaishawn Barham should be one of the quickest, most athletic duels in camp. Blue’s speed will force Barham to stay disciplined with his pursuit angles and tackling in space, while Barham can make life difficult for the running back when he’s asked to blitz and handle pass protection.
Brevyn Spann-Ford also has a chance to make noise, and Jalen Thompson is the kind of defender who can make that path difficult. Spann-Ford is trying to push past Luke Schoonmaker and claim the Cowboys’ second tight end job, using his size to win at the catch point. Thompson’s experience, instincts and physical style should make that a tough assignment in coverage and in the run game.
On the line, Drew Shelton and L.T. Overton give Dallas another rookie-on-rookie look worth watching once the pads come on. Shelton’s athleticism will challenge Overton’s ability to get around the edge, while Overton’s power and versatility should put Shelton’s technique and anchor under an early spotlight.
And then there’s Anthony Smith versus Devin Moore, another rookie matchup that could matter for two unsettled position groups. Smith’s size and vertical speed will test Moore’s ability to turn and run, while Moore’s length should make Smith earn everything against press coverage and in contested-catch situations.
That’s the kind of camp Dallas should have: established names, young players with something to prove, and enough direct competition to make every rep worth watching.
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Howell brings more experience and a financial commitment that could help him stick on the active roster, while Milton is still trying to show he can be more accurate and consistent. His preseason work last year left room for doubt, and if that does not change quickly, the Cowboys may have to decide whether he is better suited for the practice squad than for the role they hoped he could fill. [Read more 🡒]