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Which RB stands out as Cowboys close OTAs today?
Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys close out their organized team activities today at Valley Ranch, with next week's mandatory minicamp being the only on-field activity left in the offseason.
Two weeks ago, Ryan Williams had a solid showing in front of the media and Joseph Randle had the most memorable off-the-field moment with his "meat on the bone," quote. Williams didn't practice last week with a sore knee but another runner was the on-field star: Dunbar was the OTA star.
Here's who and what we will be watching:
Darren McFadden
He did not take part in team drills last week because of a sore hamstring. Will he be healthy enough to do all of the team snaps today? I understand that raises flags with a lot of people, but it's June and there is no reason to rush him back. The coaches have talked about how well he has looked in workouts. It would be nice to see that in team drills, but it's not necessary.
Sean Lee
Lee has gone through individual work the first two weeks of OTAs but he has not done 7-on-7 or team drills. He hinted last week he might be able to do more this week and into next week's minicamp. He has been 100 percent cleared by the medical staff from his torn anterior cruciate ligament but the coaches and staff have wanted to work him back slowly. Like McFadden, it's June but if Lee has been cleared and has no issues with the knee, taking a few turns in more drills wouldn't hurt. Would it?
Brandon Weeden
The Cowboys had some interest in Shaun Hill and Matt Schaub but did not want to pay the kind of money necessary to keep them, which was good for Weeden. Last year in the offseason, he took all of the first-team reps with Tony Romo coming off back surgery. This year, Weeden is running the No. 2 offense while Dustin Vaughan is getting the work with the threes. Weeden will be the leader in the backup race, but he needs to have a good summer to hold the job. He's had a solid spring.
Tyler Patmon
I've been a little surprised he has been the third corner when the Cowboys have gone to their nickel defense in the two practices open to the media so far. I thought it would have been first-round pick Byron Jones. But Patmon has done a solid job. He looks to have added bulk to his frame in the offseason as well.
Jasper Brinkley
With Rolando McClain rehabbing from knee surgery, Brinkley has been the starter at middle linebacker. When he signed, he was considered a two-down linebacker but he has actually moved better than anticipated. Is it enough to win a starting job this summer? Probably not if McClain is healthy, but given McClain's health issues last year it's a smart move to have a veteran ready to go if McClain can't.
Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys close out their organized team activities today at Valley Ranch, with next week's mandatory minicamp being the only on-field activity left in the offseason.
Two weeks ago, Ryan Williams had a solid showing in front of the media and Joseph Randle had the most memorable off-the-field moment with his "meat on the bone," quote. Williams didn't practice last week with a sore knee but another runner was the on-field star: Dunbar was the OTA star.
Here's who and what we will be watching:
Darren McFadden
He did not take part in team drills last week because of a sore hamstring. Will he be healthy enough to do all of the team snaps today? I understand that raises flags with a lot of people, but it's June and there is no reason to rush him back. The coaches have talked about how well he has looked in workouts. It would be nice to see that in team drills, but it's not necessary.
Sean Lee
Lee has gone through individual work the first two weeks of OTAs but he has not done 7-on-7 or team drills. He hinted last week he might be able to do more this week and into next week's minicamp. He has been 100 percent cleared by the medical staff from his torn anterior cruciate ligament but the coaches and staff have wanted to work him back slowly. Like McFadden, it's June but if Lee has been cleared and has no issues with the knee, taking a few turns in more drills wouldn't hurt. Would it?
Brandon Weeden
The Cowboys had some interest in Shaun Hill and Matt Schaub but did not want to pay the kind of money necessary to keep them, which was good for Weeden. Last year in the offseason, he took all of the first-team reps with Tony Romo coming off back surgery. This year, Weeden is running the No. 2 offense while Dustin Vaughan is getting the work with the threes. Weeden will be the leader in the backup race, but he needs to have a good summer to hold the job. He's had a solid spring.
Tyler Patmon
I've been a little surprised he has been the third corner when the Cowboys have gone to their nickel defense in the two practices open to the media so far. I thought it would have been first-round pick Byron Jones. But Patmon has done a solid job. He looks to have added bulk to his frame in the offseason as well.
Jasper Brinkley
With Rolando McClain rehabbing from knee surgery, Brinkley has been the starter at middle linebacker. When he signed, he was considered a two-down linebacker but he has actually moved better than anticipated. Is it enough to win a starting job this summer? Probably not if McClain is healthy, but given McClain's health issues last year it's a smart move to have a veteran ready to go if McClain can't.
