The Dallas Cowboys started their mandatory mini camp on Tuesday with the first of three practices to be held. Here are
Backup quarterback Kyle Orton was a no show for the first practice of mandatory mini camp.some tidbits from Tuesday's practice.
As most everyone expected backup quarterback Kyle Orton was a no show as he is contemplating retiring from the NFL. Owner/General Manager Jerry Jones talked about Orton's status in an interview at the end of Tuesday's practice. He would not say that he is disappointed in Orton not being there, saying that he is "not anything."
“We’re aware that he wasn’t going to be here,” Jones said. “We’re just handling all of our business with him, just the way the agreement’s called for. This is mandatory for him to be here and the consequences have been pre-negotiated when we did our contract. It has really given us an opportunity, which we really needed to do, and that is evaluate young quarterbacks and quarterbacks that could fit into the picture for several years to come. So I think that’s going to give us a chance to do that.”
First team offensive line was: LT Tyron Smith, LG Ronald Leary, C Travis Frederick, RG Zach Martin, RT Doug Free.
First team defensive line: DeMarcus Lawrence, Terrell McClain, Nick Hayden and Tyrone Crawford.
Linebacker Bruce Carter is looking better in pass coverage. One of the knocks on Carter last season is that he looked lost when trying to find what area to fit in during zone coverages in their nickel scheme. In today's practice he was teamed with Justin Durant during their nickel coverage and actually broke a pass up during 7-on-7 work.
Rookie cornerback Terrance Mitchell is back with the Cowboys. Mitchell was forced to miss 9 practices because of league mandated rules about having to wait until school is out before being able to rejoin your respective team for practice. Mitchell has prototype size and speed and will be battling for a spot on the roster and for playing time. Jason Garrett likes what he sees in him:
"He’s one of those guys who has a little confidence and cockiness about him. That’s what we saw on tape in college and he’s demonstrated that," said Garrett.
Click here to view video of Mitchell in college and my draft grade on him.
Tight End Gavin Escobar has bulked up looking forward to an expanded role in this year's offense. New offensive coordinator Scott Linehan appears to be making an effort to use the abilities of Escobar so far this offseason. Escobar has prototype size and speed and at 6-6 with long arms has a very big catch radius. To get ready for his expanded role Escobar hit the weights really hard this offseason to gain much needed strength.