The Cowboys are set to begin mandatory minicamp next week. One of the rookies that will be under the biggest microscope is defensive end Sam Williams, who was drafted in the second round to replace Randy Gregory.

Currently, it's unknown if Williams will crack the starting lineup at some point for the Cowboys in 2022. However, Williams will be in the mix as his speed and athleticism are viable traits that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn can use.

Williams, like any rookie, will lean on veterans to show him how things work at the NFL level. Last season's Defensive Rookie of the Year linebacker Micah Parsons, has already taken Williams under his wing.

Parsons challenging Williams at practice

"Micah has helped me out," said Williams. "[He told me] I just need to terrify these guys and open pass rushing lanes, things that I can do. Just start off with speed. Once they get used to your speed, then it's like a chess match. Now they have to figure out what I am doing."

Parsons was the movable chess piece on the Cowboys' defense in 2021 lining up at linebacker and defensive end and causing havoc at each position. Seeing as the upcoming season is still three months away, where Williams will do his dirty work hasn't been etched in stone.

During his days at Ole Miss, Williams not only rushed the passer from the edge but from inside, taking on guards by playing the 4-tech. According to Williams, he's been put in multiple areas to find out where he can be effective for the Cowboys in his rookie campaign.

"They have moved me to different spots," Williams said. "I just want to be used wherever to help the team. Even if it's to do kickoff and kickoff return. I'll play wherever."

The guidance for Williams hasn't just come from Parsons. Much like DeMarcus Lawrence gave Williams some pointers before the beginning of OTAs, the second-round pick is also getting advice from Cowboys' legend and Hall of Famer, Charles Haley.

Haley came to the Cowboys in 1992 and was the piece the team needed defensively to take them to the next level. He was a major part of the Cowboys winning three Super Bowls in four years during the 1990s, so he's more than qualified to show a potential impact edge rusher the nuances of getting to the quarterback.

Williams recently spoke on what it was like learning from Haley.

"It's old school," Williams said. "We did some work yesterday with my get-off and my hand work. So, it was pretty nice to work with someone like that."

The expectations for what Williams will bring to the Cowboys' defense are high. He'll need to get through the growing pains first, but once he does, Williams has a very high ceiling for where his game can go.

Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports