Dallas Cowboys OTAs Wishlist: 3 things I hope we hear before voluntary practices are over
The Dallas Cowboys’ OTAs are already underway but most of the work has been getting down behind the scenes. Here’s what I hope we hear before mandatory minicamp.
Dallas Cowboys OTAs are underway since Monday, but most of the work has occurred behind the scenes. Here are three things I hope we hear before practices are over ahead of mandatory minicamp on June 16.
1. Jaydon Blue rises into RB2 role
For second-year running back Jaydon Blue, this year’s workouts mean more. The talented player was a healthy scratch most of the year as Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer continuously cited “consistency” as his biggest problem.
ESPN’s Todd archer reported “maturity and trust issues” were part of the problem. Did Blue learn a lesson? If he’s not in the mix for RB2 snaps early on, it could say a lot. Otherwise, if he rises into the competition for the spot behind starter Javonte Williams, maybe we can chalk it up to a rough rookie year.
If things go well for Blue, the Cowboys run game could have a dangerous 1-2 punch.
2. Tyler Smith takes no reps at left tackle
The Cowboys have yet to shut the door on the possibility of Tyler Smith playing left tackle. It clearly isn’t Plan A. Smith is an All-Pro guard and Dallas wants Tyler Guyton to take the next step.
But do they prepare for the worst? I believe Smith is much better off at guard regardless of the situation. I wish they put to bed the possibility of moving him to tackle by simply not even getting him reps outside.
3. Caleb Downs is moving all around the defense
Upon drafting Downs, head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed the initial plan was to play the rookie defensive back at nickel while he unlocked the rest of the defense. But Downs has blown away everyone with his football IQ.
If he’s moving around on OTAs, who is to say he will stick to one role in Week 1? I’d love to hear about Downs moving all around, one of the best aspects of his skillset. Adapting to the NFL is already a hard task. But Downs may just pick up the defense immediately.