OTA’s and Mini Camp are officially in the books for the Dallas Cowboys. Here are some noteworthy observations from this off-season based on practices that were open to the media and scouts’ notes.
Does Dez Get A Long Term Deal? The Cowboys slapped the franchise tag on their star receiver and have until July 15th to work out a long-term deal. Not much progress has been made in contract talks this offseason and Bryant even said he may sit Game 1 if he doesn’t get a long term deal. He did not participate in OTA’s or Mini Camp but made a few appearances at Valley Ranch. ESPN’s Todd Archer and Josina Anderson reported last week that Bryant’s agent met with the team last week for the first time in 4 months. Progress? Time will tell.
Healthy Off-Season for Tony Romo: For the first time in a few years, Tony Romo went through a normal offseason. When asked about Romo’s offseason Jerry Jones responded that it “was maybe the biggest positive” of the off-season that Romo was healthy and participated in all activities. Romo is coming off one of his most efficient seasons as a QB.
Williams Leaves Mini Camp: WR Terrence Williams left the final practice of Mini Camp after a collision during 7 on 7 work. X-rays were taken and according to reports Williams suffered just a bruise.
Sean Lee Returns: LB Sean Lee increased his workload coming back from injury throughout OTA’s and ended up participating in most Mini Camp activities.
Darren McFadden Impresses: Despite missing some time with a hamstring injury, Darren McFadden showed impressive speed, burst, and vision during OTA’s and Mini Camp. A lot has been made of the Cowboys running back situation with the departure of DeMarco Murray and no draft picks being used on the position. Questions surround McFadden’s durability and whether Joseph Randle is ready to assume the lead back role. The Cowboys seem content for now.
La’el Collins Gets 1st team Work: A lot has been mentioned about the possible steal of the offseason getting undrafted OL La’el Collins. The Cowboys moved him around between Guard and Tackle, and Collins did split 1st team snaps with G Ronald Leary during Mini Camp.
Mincey Moving Inside? With the addition of Greg Hardy (how long?) and draft choice Randy Gregory, the DE position is a bit crowded. Jeremy Mincey got some work at both Tackle and Defensive End. The team feels he can use his strong bull rush technique from that Tackle spot.
Lucky Enough To Make The Team? The Cowboys signed several undrafted WR this off-season in hopes of finding a replacement for Dwayne Harris. The most impressive seemed to be Lucky Whitehead, and he looks to have the best shot at making the roster as a WR and KR along with George Farmer.
Chaz Green On Hold: OT Jeremy Parnell signed with Jacksonville this off-season. Parnell filled the backup “Swing-tackle” position. Chaz Green was drafted to hopefully fill that role, however he has undergone surgery for a hip injury. He may start the season on the PUP list. Look for Darrion Weems to fill that “swing-tackle” role, and based on early reports he should be just as strong as Parnell. No downgrade is expected at that position.
28 days to the opening of Cowboys Training Camp.