Previewing Dallas Cowboys training camp heading into the 2024 season.
The Dallas Cowboys are getting ready to head over to Oxnard for training camp and there will be a ton of eyes on the process for “Dem Boyz” heading into the 2024 season. There’s been some significant turnover across the team. Because of that, there’s attention being paid to a few position players and rookies as we get closer to the start of camp.
Stalwarts like Tyron Smith, a fan favorite who protected both Tony Romo and Dak Prescott’s blind side is no longer on the team after not being brought back during free agency. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is also among the missing as he still floats in limbo as a free agent. Several rotational pieces left the Cowboys during free agency – and that’s just the start. However, entering training camp, there are a few players I’ll be looking closely for reports before the regular season.
Sam Williams Further Development
With Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler now in Washington with the Commanders, defensive end Sam Williams is presented with a perfect opportunity to take the reigns opposite of DeMarcus Lawrence.
Williams was largely used on special teams over the last two seasons. However, with the top-end of the roster clearing up due to departures, Williams could step into a starting role this season. He will likely compete with rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, but it will be an interesting battle to see who comes out on top. Kneeland was turning heads during OTA’s so he may have some momentum heading into training camp.
Rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe in the Spotlight
Offensive linemen Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe were selected with prime draft capital. They will look to establish themselves as franchise pieces along the Cowboys’ rebuilt offensive line. Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadiaz are gone. Guyton, selected in the first round, looks to be Smith’s successor playing offensive tackle. Beebe, who was selected in the third round, will have some competition as holdover. Meanwhile, third-year player Brock Hoffman will be competing for the starting center spot.
Guyton and Beebe will be at the top of my watch list for news this offseason. Should they develop during the offseason, the Cowboys could get real push in the run game, which was an issue of consistency last year.
The Running Back Room
While I do like Ezekiel Elliott’s return to the Cowboys, it leaves more to be desired. The way the front office addressed the position didn’t feel like it was a planned action, but instead something they fell backward into. Whatever the truth is, the Cowboys running backs have been placed under a microscope; and this is because the front office didn’t make any moves during the draft or free agency period until the final minutes.
Royce Freeman, the former Los Angeles Rams running back could be the “break in case of emergency” player should anything happen to Elliott. Rico Dowdle looks to run in tandem with Elliott, while second-year back Deuce Vaughn has been reportedly getting work out of the slot as a receiver. There seems to be some moving pieces in the Cowboys backfield. Training camp is the perfect place to see how it shakes out.
Who’s the Next After Lamb and Cooks?
Like the running back room, the wide receiver room is worth keeping an eye on. We know Ceedee Lamb is the WR1, but the Cowboys front office is currently slow-walking his contract extension. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks is signed through the 2025 season. But a quick start in 2024 would be a pleasant surprise. Cooks dealt with a knee injury early in the season last year, which doesn’t get talked about enough. That absence could be a reason why his connection with Prescott was slow at the beginning of last year. With that said, the Cowboys still need another wide receiver to fill out the room.
Is it going to be Jalen Tolbert? What about new rookie wide receiver Ryan Flournoy who has garnered some buzz during OTA’s? Whoever the third wide receiver is for the Cowboys this season will have an important role in the Cowboys’ offense. This position battle is worth paying attention to as we get closer to the season.
