I know, I know. It’s the middle of June and it’s difficult to keep up with your Dallas Cowboys news. Especially since we’re talking about voluntary practices. So here’s your chance to catch up with the updates that really matter out of OTAs.

The Cowboys wrapped up voluntary OTAs on Thursday, and before we move on to mandatory minicamp next week, it’s time to recap the news that actually matters from the last couple of weeks. Let’s start with one open competition that will be a must watch in training camp. 

Tyler Guyton competing for the left tackle spot

The jury is still out on how legitimate this position battle truly is, but Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters early in OTAs that Tyler Guyton, a former first-round pick, would compete with offensive tackle Nate Thomas for the starting left tackle job protecting Dak Prescott’s blind side.

The question is how serious Schottenheimer is about this. It could be a motivation tactic to light a fire under Guyton, or Dallas could genuinely like what Thomas has shown enough to make this a 50-50 battle. Thomas was already seeing a little playing time last year even before injuries hit the Cowboys’ tackle room.

However, OTAs and minicamp simply won’t tell us enough about the situation because there is no live contact. For offensive linemen, these practices don’t reveal much. The real answers will come in late July when the Cowboys report to training camp in Oxnard, California.

Thomas did get some playing time in 2025, and he flashed as a run blocker. He even showed moments in pass protection. But the play was inconsistent, and unless he takes a major step forward, Thomas earning the left tackle spot would raise serious questions heading into Week 1. If this competition is genuine, it is undeniably the biggest position battle on the roster. And one you should be grabbing popcorn for. 

DeMarvion Overshown appears to be the early favorite at middle linebacker

This is, in my book, the biggest decision new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker has made since taking over. Now, it’s certainly not final, but Overshown appears to be the early favorite to man the middle linebacker position. He trained at the spot, wore the green dot, and according to Overshown, defensive coordinator Christian Parker revealed after the 2026 NFL Draft that his vision was for him to call the defense and be the voice the team hears before every snap.

That would represent a bit of a surprise. Historically, Overshown has been a weak-side linebacker, more of a run-and-hit player than a come-downhill-and-plug-the-run type in the middle of the field. The additional responsibilities will be fun to monitor, but there are legitimate questions about how much he can tap into what he does best from the MIKE position. Overshown excels at running sideline to sideline and exploding toward the ball. Playing a different spot could limit those strengths.

Nothing is set in stone. The Cowboys are training multiple players at the position, and Overshown himself is working at multiple linebacker spots. However, this does appear to be Dallas’ plan heading into training camp.

CB Shavon Revel Jr. is 100% healthy

The third storyline is a health update that could prove significant for the Cowboys defense. Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. is reportedly 100% healthy, out of the knee brace, and ready to compete. After being considered a first-round talent coming out of last year’s draft, Dallas can now tap into the value it got by using a third-round pick on him and accepting the risk of drafting an injured player.

Revel Jr. still needs to earn a starting job, likely competing against free agent signing Cobie Durant. But the fact that he can do so while fully healthy is a major development for the Cowboys secondary. The competition will be fierce because the Dallas wide receiver group is among the best in the NFL, spearheaded by CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Revel (and Durant) will face top-tier competition in practice every single day.