Position battles intensify at The Star as Joe Milton fights to retain his backup role while rookie Tyler Guyton faces a high-stakes challenge for the starting blindside.
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys are ready for their second OTA session this week here inside The Star and we're ready to poke our heads into practice for updates on 10 keys areas of competition.
During these three practice sessions, here's what we'll be looking and listening for ...
1 - Joe Milton vs. Sam Howell for the No. 2 QB job - We like to suggest that backup QB in many ways is "the 12th starter'' on offense because of just how critical it would be if a player like Dak Prescott is unavailable.
Last week, it was Milton who took the second-team snaps. Was that because it was "his turn'' as the incumbent? Or is it because he's outperforming newcomer Sam Howell?
This week will help us find answers there.
2 - How (and when) Jalen Thompson fits into the secondary - Last week, Thompson - the Cowboys' version of a high-priced free-agent signing due to his three-year, $33 million contract - was working with the rehab group alongside Donovan Ezeiruaku and DaRon Bland.
We're excited to see Thompson, the former Cardinal who has the ability to be a difference-maker here, integrate into a secondary with Malik Hooker as his running mate ... and with rookie Caleb Downs also able to be a do-it-all guy.
Yes, Thompson is a do-it-all guy, too ... So let's see him do some of that this week!
3 - Is Cobie Durant a starting cornerback? - Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. says he feels "100-percent healthy,'' so that's a start. But Bland is sidelined, likely until training camp in Oxnard. So there is an opening here.
The ex-Ram Durant (who can also play slot corner/Nickel) could be jousting with Caelen Carson (off to a good start this offseason) for snaps at corner ... and for a chance to assert themselves on the depth chart and more as the summer progresses.
4 - Is running back Jaydon Blue ready to be the No. 2? - We're seeing some outsiders claim that - and we quote - "Malik Davis has widely been considered the favorite for the top backup job behind Javonte Williams.''The outsiders are wrong.
The Cowboys want Blue to win this job ... though Davis and Phil Mafah might both be in the mix as well.The best-case scenario? Jaydon Blue matures into being a truly dangerous - and consistently dangerous - contributor.
5 - How does Tyler Guyton respond to the challenge? Left tackle Guyton found himself in the headlines last week when coach Brian Schottenheimer formally announced that he's engaged in a fight for his job with Nate Thomas.
Guyton's verbal response has been terrific, including his smart words about being tutored by the iconic Tyron Smith.Let's see if his physical response matches that.
6 - Congratulations, DeMarvion Overshown! - "Agent Zero'' just got married, which is why he was given an excused absence last week.So ... is he honeymooning this week?
In the first OTAs, the guy who filled his spot as a starter next to Dee Winters was Shemar James.
And looking back, we never even noticed how much work was given third-round rookie Jaishawn Barham.We promise to notice this week.
7 - Who's Who among the receivers? - And no, we're not talking about George Pickens, who is expected to be absent from The Star until mandatory workouts begin on June 16.
Last week, the second wideout was Ryan Flournoy, and the next man up was new veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Did he leapfrog over guys like Jonathan Mingo and Treashon Holden that quickly?
8 - Do the Cowboys need another pass-rusher? - We think Dallas should circle back and make another trade bid on the Raiders' Maxx Crosby.
But short of that ...
Let's hope Rashan Gary ("grown-expletive man!'') continues to stand out and while Donovan Ezeiruaku rehabs that hip, let's hope Malachi Lawrence starts to show up.
He's a first-round pick, like Caleb Downs. That doesn't mean he needs to match Downs' level of impact - that's asking too much - but why can't a first-round pass-rusher be a major player here?
The Cowboys obviously hope he can.
9 - Which UDFA is most worth watching? - The whole of Cowboys Nation would pick the freakishly athletic Michael Trigg, the Baylor product who is trying to mature his way onto the 53-man roster at tight end.
10 - The Caleb and Christian Combo - A rookie coach in defensive coordinator Parker. A rookie leader in DB Downs.
There'a a lot of learning curve to be navigated here ... let's see how much progress can be stuffed into this three-day session here inside The Star.
