The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday at AT&T Stadium. From all accounts it was a very productive camp that gave the coaches and players a look at what they can expect when they get to training camp on July 22.
To view my news and notes from Day 2 of minicamp click here.
To view my news and notes from Day 1 of minicamp click here.
Here is a position by position break down of what went on during this three day minicamp.
Wide Receivers
- Dez Bryant is maybe in the best shape of his career and working very hard at getting better.
Bryan appears poised to have a great season.
- Terrance Williams made strides during this camp, should be the #2 receiver and have a great year.
- Cole Beasley has been working hard at expanding his repertoire by running deeper routes and lining up outside some.
- Rookie Devin Street did some good things at camp, needs to continue to improve, but should make the team.
Offensive Line
- Starters included: LT Tyron Smith, LG will be a battle between Mackenzy Bernadeau and Ronald Leary, C Travis Frederick, RG Zack Martin, RT Doug Free.
Tight Ends
- Gavin Escobar will have an expanded role with Linehan and has gotten bigger and stronger during the offseason.
- The Cowboys have 4 good TEs on the roster as of right now.
Quarterback
- Tony Romo is looking great and could play today if he had to.
Romo has said he is healthy enough to play now if the Cowboys had a game.
- Brandon Wheeden showed some good things, but also struggled with his accuracy at times.
- The Kyle Orton saga is still going on and will keep going on for the time being.
Fullback
- Not much news from this position. It is hard to see what they can do without pads.
Running Back
- Reportedly Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan wants to use Lance Dunbar like Reggie Bush gets used in Detroit.
- Cowboys signed Ryan Williams, but it is hard to tell what he can do until the pads come on.
Defensive Ends
- Tyrone Crawford and Jeremy Mincey have been working with 1st team. They both have prototype size and speed and a definite upgrade from last year.
- Rookie DeMarcus Lawrence has impressed coaches with his strength. They are also impressed with his big strong hands, which are vital for defensive linemen.
Defensive Tackle
- Terrell McClain has opened eyes with his play. Coaches think he could play the 3 tech and the 1 tech.
- Henry Melton is still out nursing his injury.
- Davon Coleman made a big play on the last play of camp leading to an interception.
Linebackers
- It appears that Justin Durant and Anthony Hitchens will battle for the middle spot.
- Bruce Carter has shown that his understanding of pass coverage has gotten a lot better.
- Devonte Holloman and Kyle Wilbur will battle for the strong side linebacker spot.
Cornerbacks
- Morris Claiborne is finally starting to show that he can play. He appears to be better at man coverage than zone.
- Rookie Terrance Mitchell has been the surprise at this position by far. He will battle B. W. Webb for a roster spot.
- Tyler Patmon has also made some good plays and opened some eyes during camp.
Safety
- Barry Church will probably be the starter at strong safety. Free safety is wide open.
- Rookie Ahmad Dixon is a very good box safety, but showed some improvement in pass coverage.
- Jakar Hamilton appears to be the best cover safety and could battle for a starting spot.
The Cowboys have players with prototype size and speed at every position. The Cowboys are a better team on paper than they were last year for sure. Barring any more major injuries they appear to be rolling along towards a successful season with the playoffs in their sights.