The Cowboys have a long list of receivers, and Schottenheimer has revealed a non-negotiable for them if they want to make the team
The Dallas Cowboys have a truly open competition, as Brian Schottenheimer called it, for most positions on the roster.
With running back, corner, and others being a key focus as mandatory minicamp comes into view, the receiver group is also a fascinating study.
The top of the depth chart is set with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Ryan Flournoy, the top three (yes, in that order for me), but behind them, there are a host of players fighting for their NFL lives.
Jonathan Mingo, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Anthony Smith, Traeshon Holden, Tyler Johnson, Jordan Hudson, Romello Brinson, Camden Brown, and Jaden Smith are all vying for a spot on the Cowboys' offense.
With the top three spots filled, who will be the fourth and fifth, maybe sixth, receiver that the Cowboys have entering the 2026 season?
That is up for debate, with training camp being the true test of whether or not the group of players listed above has what it takes.
For head coach Brian Schottenheimer, for players aiming to make the team as receivers, he's revealed one non-negotiable for them if they have any hope.
“Special teams,” Schottenheimer said. “When you get through those first three guys, four and five have to have special teams value. Ryan Flournoy, I really think, is taking the next step. I think he's got a chance to be a terrific receiver in this league, but he's shown up for us on special teams in a big way.
"MVS [Valdes-Scantling], doing an awesome job. He has to play special teams. He knows that. He hasn't done that a whole lot. He's got the speed to be a gunner. When you get through that first low 40 number, those last 10, nine, eight roster spots, it's going to come down to special teams. I think that's a big part of it.”
So, there you have it, receivers.
If you want any shot of making Schottenheimer's offense, one, you have to show you are a good enough receiver, and two, you have to be a contributor on special teams.
You can't be a one-trick pony in Dallas.
Even someone like Valdes-Scantling, who is a two-time Super Bowl champ, you've got to play special teams; it's a non-negotiable.
With the Cowboys wanting their roster to be versatile, it is clear that special teams plays a big role in the makeup of their roster, and for receivers hoping to make the team, either as part of the 53 or practice squad, you have to play more than one position.
Time to see who can.
