The Dallas Cowboys will start mandatory minicamp on Tuesday following the conclusion of OTAs last week. 

While live contact is still not allowed until training camp, there are things to watch out for. Below are five things to be in the lookout for during Brian Schottenheimer's first mandatory minicamp. 

Let's dive in. 

1. Micah Parsons' attendance and involvement

Brian Schottenheimer said he expects Micah Parsons in attendance for mandatory minicamp. The star defender said he'd be there on social media and even posted a video of a phone call between him and the Cowboys head coach where they say they'd see each other on Monday.

Everything points toward Parsons being in attendance and there's no reason to expect otherwise but we won't be sure until it actually happens. So naturally, he leads off the list. 

2. Starting linebacker battle

DeMarvion Overshown is expected to return ahead of the Cowboys' Week 13 Thanksgiving matchup versus the Kansas City Chiefs. In the meantime, who is starting at linebacker? Second-year player Marist Liufau appears to be a lock thanks to his strong rookie play in 2024. But who else? 

Jack Sanborn knows Matt Eberflus' scheme. Kenneth Murray has the most upside as a former first rounder. Damone Clark is said to be developing an "incredible" bond with LB coach Dave Borgonzi. 

Training camp will define most of this battle but I look forward to learning who's the early leader of the race. 

3. Joe Milton's progress at QB2

I listed Milton as one of the biggest winners from Cowboys OTAs because he took the majority of second-team reps and appears in line to be Dak Prescott's backup over veteran Will Grier. While that isn't the highest of achievements, it's significant. 

Even after trading a fourth rounder for Trey Lance, the Cowboys asked the young quarterback to earn it. He didn't. Milton having the upper leg on Grier could change at any moment, so he'll have to keep progressing to fend off the 30-year old quarterback.

His progress in mandatory minicamp is one to watch. 

4. Who's taking the most snaps at WR3?

Jalen Tolbert is the favorite to share the field with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens during the 2025 NFL season but he faces fierce competition from Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, among others.

Though Tolbert at WR2 was a concern for the offense, him having a No. 3 role could be the key to change how the fanbase perceives him. After all, he did put together a 610-yard season with seven touchdowns despite backup quarterback play last year. 

5. Are Cowboys shaking up the offensive line? 

According to Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys played Cooper Beebe at guard during OTAs. The question is if they're seriously considering returning their second-year player to the position he played in college or if they're just experimenting. 

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If they're still doing it in mandatory minicamp, it could be a sign that they're genuinely evaluating a scenario where Beebe plays at guard, which in turn could likely mean Tyler Smith is kicked out to left tackle. Stay tuned.