3 massive Dallas Cowboys questions we’ll finally get answers to with padded practices underway
The Dallas Cowboys have a lot to figure out with pads finally coming on at training camp, with the first padded practice scheduled for Monday.
We’re taking another step toward the return of NFL and Dallas Cowboys football. That’s because the Cowboys are throwing on pads for the first time this year in training camp at Oxnard, California.
As exciting as the first few practices were, padded practices are completely different. Which is why this is the perfect moment to dive into a few questions I hope are answered throughout the Cowboys’ padded practices.
1. Can Tyler Guyton be consistent at left tackle?
The thing about former first-round rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton is this: we’ve seen him play at a high level. His biggest problem in two seasons with the Cowboys has been consistency. That starts with staying healthy, as head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated earlier in camp.
“He’s one of the most talented athletes I have ever been around at LT; the feet, ability to move, the size,” Schottenheimer said. “But it’s a process and when you’re in and out of the lineup it’s hard to find that consistency.”
This will be Guyton’s most important year in the NFL yet. Now that work in the trenches becomes more worthwhile to monitor as pads come on, we should get answers about the most pressing question facing the offense.
2. Does Cowboys MLB DeMarvion Overshown have the physicality he needs?
DeMarvion Overshown is visibly excited about taking on middle linebacker reps.
“Most of my plays will be happening inside the box,” Overshown told reporters last week. “I’m looking at averaging like ten tackles a game by being the MIKE.”
So far, so good for Overshown. He recently received praise from Schottenheimer for quickly processing things under pressure, including a moment in which Cowboys coaches pretended communication cut out to see how he responded (he called the intended play).
But now, Overshown needs to prove he can be physical enough to play MIKE. At 235 pounds, he will be forced to take on climbing interior offensive linemen (LG Tyler Smith, C Cooper Beebe, and RG Tyler Booker average 326 pounds).
Can he deal with the mess that comes from playing MIKE? We know his fast and explosive, now he needs to prove his strong and physical enough to take on those big dudes. That’s only the first item on the to-do list. The other is, can he stay healthy with that much contact going on?
3. Do Jaydon Blue’s breakaway runs continue?
Blue is an early winner from Cowboys camp. His big-play ability has been at full display, with him breaking out for big gains, particularly in the first two days of practice. Some of these plays would probably stand even on a gameday setting. But again, with no pads it’s just so difficult to know.
We should get a much better idea soon.
If Blue’s speed translates with the pads on, the Cowboys might have found their clear-cut RB2. He would be a game changer for the offense, as the team’s efficient run game lacked explosiveness in 2025.
On the other hand, the Cowboys defense has shown very different vibes from a communication point of view early on. Does that translate to improved run defense now that the pads are on or no? It’s quite a battle to watch.
