OTAs/Mini-camps Thread...

NoDak

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Friday, May 11, 2018 5:12 PM CDT

By Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout

@BryanBroaddus


FRISCO, Texas – As has been noted, these aren’t full-fledged, padded practices we’re watching – so we’re a bit limited in what we can gather from this year’s rookie minicamp.

Still, there’s something you can learn from watching players work on the field. Whether it was new coaching procedures or positive reps or just some random observations, there was plenty to learn on Friday afternoon.

Here’s a few things that stood out to me from taking in the first day of rookie minicamp: Read

I thought Leighton Vander Esch would help this defense in pass coverage with his length and range. In their perimeter drill, he had a nice interception off a zone drop. Vander Esch was moving to his left as the ball was thrown behind him. He stopped and dove back to his right to pull the ball in before it hit the ground.

Connor Williams did line up at left guard during both practices. Much like the workout that I witnessed in Austin for his Pro Day, the ease of movement was impressive. Marc Colombo put the offensive linemen through several drills where flexibility was stressed and Williams didn’t bat an eye. What was also impressive was his ability to quickly get to the second level on blocks. There were snaps where he was beating the linebacker to the spot on the cut off blocks. I am looking forward to seeing him and Tyron Smith work together with their athletic ability.

I noticed that Bo Scarbrough was lined up at right wing on the punt team. The quicker he can feel comfortable playing those spots and having some success, the better chance he has of making the squad. I believe he’s going to need to play on special teams to have a chance.

Other than Rod Marinelli, the happiest person to see Kris Richard has to be Marquez White. Richard has a history of developing tall, rangy cornerbacks. White fits that bill to a tee. White spent the entire season on the practice squad improving his game, but don’t be surprised if you hear more about him during these OTAs and into training camp. White has been somewhat of a forgotten man in all the young secondary discussions.

Of the undrafted rookie free agents, Tyree Robinson appears to be the one guy that’s a true free safety. If there was something that stood out about him today was his ball skills. There were a couple of different snaps where he did a nice job of reading the quarterback and putting himself in position to make interceptions.

Mike White didn’t have to make that many throws during the practice, but he did do a nice job of putting the ball on the mark as the running back was working away from him. They were pretty routes but throws that could have not been accurate when dealing with nerves.

Just as I thought would happen. Kyle Queiro is lining up at linebacker instead of safety. I didn’t feel like that Queiro really had the range to play safety in the NFL, but that might be a different story at linebacker. Putting him near the line of scrimmage gives him a better shot to play to his strengths, which is attacking the ball.

Chris Covington played all over the field while at Indiana. It appears that the staff is going to work him as a weak side linebacker and let him run to the ball, which is a smart plan. Something that did surprise me about Covington is that he has some pop in his hands. Going through the sled drill you did hear a thump when he hit it.

I think Scott Linehan was impressed with the way Dalton Schultz caught the ball in drills during the afternoon practice. I noticed after a well-executed crossing route, Linehan nodding his head in approval as Schultz hauled the pass in and headed up the field.

I have never seen this drill, but Sanjay Lal had his receivers running at half speed, stopping and then balancing on one foot. The player then holds that pose for a second before continuing down the field two more steps and then balancing on the other foot before finishing the route with an over the shoulder catch. Once the players got the hang of it, their balance improved. Before that guys were falling to the side or having to put their hand on the ground to keep upright.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Does Broaddus ever do anything besides pumping sunshine?
It's a glorified walkthrough. Probably not much can be gleaned from these practices. But still nice to read something about the new guys.
 

p1_

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Does Broaddus ever do anything besides pumping sunshine?
you have to run it through your anti-bullshit filter, then it reads a bit more objectively.
 

p1_

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It's a glorified walkthrough. Probably not much can be gleaned from these practices. But still nice to read something about the new guys.
right, lots of these guys we know nothing about. It helps to get familiar.
 

p1_

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I would gladly re-embrace the Doomsday Defense. Surprised I can even recall the Cowboys having a 'name' defense.
 

BipolarFuk

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Chocolate Lab

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Are there any athletes that don't constantly post corny motivational cliches on their twitter?
 

lostxn

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5 things to watch for during Cowboys OTAs: From Jaylon Smith to a question that has lingered all offseason

5 things to watch for during Cowboys OTAs: From Jaylon Smith to a question that has lingered all offseason

By Brandon George , Staff Writer Contact Brandon Georgeon Twitter:mad:DMN_George

FRISCO — This has been an offseason of change for the Cowboys, headlined by the departures of tight end Jason Witten and receiver Dez Bryant.

But Dallas doesn't have any time to reminisce. The Cowboys are only two months away from training camp.

They'll begin to put the pieces back together beginning Tuesday with the start of organized team activity practices. The Cowboys have three consecutive weeks of OTAs before ending their offseason work with a minicamp June 12-14.

Here are five things to watch during OTA practices:

1. How are the Cowboys using Tavon Austin?
One of the intriguing additions for the Cowboys this offseason is receiver (or is he a running back?) Tavon Austin.

The Cowboys traded a sixth-round pick during the draft last month to the Rams for Austin.

Owner Jerry Jones said he envisions Austin taking over the Lance Dunbar role from a few years ago, when the running back often caught passes out of the backfield on third down.

But offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Austin's strength is at receiver and the Cowboys view him as a receiver first. He can play outside or inside at receiver.

But the Cowboys will look for different ways to get him the football, trying to take advantage of his speed in space. That should start to materialize in OTAs.

2. Who is getting first-team TE reps?
The Cowboys no longer have the luxury of depending on Jason Witten at tight end. The veteran retired last month to take a job as a Monday Night Football analyst for ESPN.

The Cowboys must now figure out who will start at tight end for the first time in 15 years.

They certainly don't have another Witten waiting in the wings. Instead, they'll see who stands out in practices among Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin, Rico Gathers, fourth-round pick Dalton Schultz and undrafted rookie David Wells.

Swaim is the only tight end on the roster who has an NFL catch. He has nine catches for 94 yards in three seasons.

3. How is Jaylon Smith looking?
The Cowboys have remained optimistic that linebacker Jaylon Smith would eventually return to his Notre Dame form after missing his rookie season recovering from a major knee injury.

Smith was solid in his first NFL season a year ago but didn't play with the same quickness or explosion he often flashed in college.

Smith has continued to progress this offseason, even practicing without the ankle-foot orthosis he used for his drop foot condition. He recently said he's hopeful he can play this season without the brace.

Smith has competition at middle linebacker with the addition of first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch.

4. Who will step up at WR with Dez gone?
The Cowboys parted with their No. 1 receiver last month. Now they plan a receiver-by-committee approach to replace Dez Bryant's production.

The Cowboys don't have a clear No. 1 target on their roster, so that opens the door for someone to emerge in OTAs.

Free-agent addition Allen Hurns will likely start after the Cowboys signed him to a two-year, $12 million deal. No. 2 receiver Terrance Williams returns but won't practice this offseason because of a fractured foot and finds himself on shaky ground after his arrest last weekend for alleged public intoxication.

How quickly third-round pick Michael Gallup develops will be something to keep an eye on throughout offseason practices and training camp.

5. Are we finally shown a Dak-friendly offense?
All offseason, Cowboys executives have used the phrase "Dak-friendly" to describe how they want their offense to look for quarterback Dak Prescott.

We could finally see that take shape during OTA practices.

The Cowboys could begin to show new wrinkles in their offense as they tailor it more for Prescott's skill set.

That doesn't necessarily mean we'll see Prescott running more. Could the Cowboys throw the ball more to running back Ezekiel Elliott out of the backfield? A fresh wave of tight ends should add a twist for Prescott. And new addition Austin will certainly allow the Cowboys to mix it up some.
 

deadrise

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By Brandon George , Staff Writer Contact Brandon Georgeon Twitter:mad:DMN_George

FRISCO — This has been an offseason of change for the Cowboys, headlined by the departures of tight end Jason Witten and receiver Dez Bryant.

But Dallas doesn't have any time to reminisce. The Cowboys are only two months away from training camp.

They'll begin to put the pieces back together beginning Tuesday with the start of organized team activity practices. The Cowboys have three consecutive weeks of OTAs before ending their offseason work with a minicamp June 12-14.

Here are five things to watch during OTA practices:

1. How are the Cowboys using Tavon Austin?
One of the intriguing additions for the Cowboys this offseason is receiver (or is he a running back?) Tavon Austin.

The Cowboys traded a sixth-round pick during the draft last month to the Rams for Austin.

Owner Jerry Jones said he envisions Austin taking over the Lance Dunbar role from a few years ago, when the running back often caught passes out of the backfield on third down.

But offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Austin's strength is at receiver and the Cowboys view him as a receiver first. He can play outside or inside at receiver.

But the Cowboys will look for different ways to get him the football, trying to take advantage of his speed in space. That should start to materialize in OTAs.

2. Who is getting first-team TE reps?
The Cowboys no longer have the luxury of depending on Jason Witten at tight end. The veteran retired last month to take a job as a Monday Night Football analyst for ESPN.

The Cowboys must now figure out who will start at tight end for the first time in 15 years.

They certainly don't have another Witten waiting in the wings. Instead, they'll see who stands out in practices among Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin, Rico Gathers, fourth-round pick Dalton Schultz and undrafted rookie David Wells.

Swaim is the only tight end on the roster who has an NFL catch. He has nine catches for 94 yards in three seasons.

3. How is Jaylon Smith looking?
The Cowboys have remained optimistic that linebacker Jaylon Smith would eventually return to his Notre Dame form after missing his rookie season recovering from a major knee injury.

Smith was solid in his first NFL season a year ago but didn't play with the same quickness or explosion he often flashed in college.

Smith has continued to progress this offseason, even practicing without the ankle-foot orthosis he used for his drop foot condition. He recently said he's hopeful he can play this season without the brace.

Smith has competition at middle linebacker with the addition of first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch.

4. Who will step up at WR with Dez gone?
The Cowboys parted with their No. 1 receiver last month. Now they plan a receiver-by-committee approach to replace Dez Bryant's production.

The Cowboys don't have a clear No. 1 target on their roster, so that opens the door for someone to emerge in OTAs.

Free-agent addition Allen Hurns will likely start after the Cowboys signed him to a two-year, $12 million deal. No. 2 receiver Terrance Williams returns but won't practice this offseason because of a fractured foot and finds himself on shaky ground after his arrest last weekend for alleged public intoxication.

How quickly third-round pick Michael Gallup develops will be something to keep an eye on throughout offseason practices and training camp.

5. Are we finally shown a Dak-friendly offense?
All offseason, Cowboys executives have used the phrase "Dak-friendly" to describe how they want their offense to look for quarterback Dak Prescott.

We could finally see that take shape during OTA practices.

The Cowboys could begin to show new wrinkles in their offense as they tailor it more for Prescott's skill set.

That doesn't necessarily mean we'll see Prescott running more. Could the Cowboys throw the ball more to running back Ezekiel Elliott out of the backfield? A fresh wave of tight ends should add a twist for Prescott. And new addition Austin will certainly allow the Cowboys to mix it up some.


What an awful piece of writing. In addition to the belaboring the obvious over and over again, there isn't one word or phrase in the whole thing offers any insight or any piece of information the average fan doesn't already know.


5 things to watch for during Cowboys OTAs: From Jaylon Smith to a question that has lingered all offseason
By Brandon George , Staff Writer Contact Brandon Georgeon Twitter:mad:DMN_George

FRISCO — This has been an offseason of change for the Cowboys, headlined by the departures of tight end Jason Witten and receiver Dez Bryant. NO SHIT, REALLY?

But Dallas doesn't have any time to reminisce. The Cowboys are only two months away from training camp. NO SHIT, REALLY?

They'll begin to put the pieces back together beginning Tuesday with the start of organized team activity practices. The Cowboys have three consecutive weeks of OTAs before ending their offseason work with a minicamp June 12-14. NO SHIT, REALLY?

Here are five things to watch during OTA practices:

1. How are the Cowboys using Tavon Austin?
One of the intriguing additions for the Cowboys this offseason is receiver (or is he a running back?) Tavon Austin. NO SHIT, REALLY?

The Cowboys traded a sixth-round pick during the draft last month to the Rams for Austin. NO SHIT, REALLY?

Owner Jerry Jones said he envisions Austin taking over the Lance Dunbar role from a few years ago, when the running back often caught passes out of the backfield on third down.

But offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Austin's strength is at receiver and the Cowboys view him as a receiver first. He can play outside or inside at receiver. NO SHIT, REALLY?

But the Cowboys will look for different ways to get him the football, trying to take advantage of his speed in space. That should start to materialize in OTAs. NO SHIT, REALLY?

2. Who is getting first-team TE reps?
The Cowboys no longer have the luxury of depending on Jason Witten at tight end. The veteran retired last month to take a job as a Monday Night Football analyst for ESPN. NO SHIT, REALLY?

The Cowboys must now figure out who will start at tight end for the first time in 15 years. NO SHIT, REALLY?

They certainly don't have another Witten waiting in the wings. Instead, they'll see who stands out in practices among Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin, Rico Gathers, fourth-round pick Dalton Schultz and undrafted rookie David Wells. NO SHIT, REALLY?

Swaim is the only tight end on the roster who has an NFL catch. He has nine catches for 94 yards in three seasons.

3. How is Jaylon Smith looking?
The Cowboys have remained optimistic that linebacker Jaylon Smith would eventually return to his Notre Dame form after missing his rookie season recovering from a major knee injury. NO SHIT, REALLY?

Smith was solid in his first NFL season a year ago but didn't play with the same quickness or explosion he often flashed in college.

Smith has continued to progress this offseason, even practicing without the ankle-foot orthosis he used for his drop foot condition. He recently said he's hopeful he can play this season without the brace.

Smith has competition at middle linebacker with the addition of first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch. NO SHIT, REALLY?

4. Who will step up at WR with Dez gone?
The Cowboys parted with their No. 1 receiver last month. Now they plan a receiver-by-committee approach to replace Dez Bryant's production. NO SHIT, REALLY?

The Cowboys don't have a clear No. 1 target on their roster, so that opens the door for someone to emerge in OTAs. NO SHIT, REALLY?

Free-agent addition Allen Hurns will likely start after the Cowboys signed him to a two-year, $12 million deal. No. 2 receiver Terrance Williams returns but won't practice this offseason because of a fractured foot and finds himself on shaky ground after his arrest last weekend for alleged public intoxication.

How quickly third-round pick Michael Gallup develops will be something to keep an eye on throughout offseason practices and training camp. NO SHIT, REALLY?

5. Are we finally shown a Dak-friendly offense?
All offseason, Cowboys executives have used the phrase "Dak-friendly" to describe how they want their offense to look for quarterback Dak Prescott. NO SHIT, REALLY?

We could finally see that take shape during OTA practices. NO SHIT, REALLY?

The Cowboys could begin to show new wrinkles in their offense as they tailor it more for Prescott's skill set. NO SHIT, REALLY?

That doesn't necessarily mean we'll see Prescott running more. Could the Cowboys throw the ball more to running back Ezekiel Elliott out of the backfield? A fresh wave of tight ends should add a twist for Prescott. And new addition Austin will certainly allow the Cowboys to mix it up some. NO SHIT, REALLY?
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
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Anyone sick of "Legion-of-Boom" references yet?
I am a little tired of the idea that Kris Richard is some sort of coup as a hire.

Is he better than Joe Baker? Of course.

But people are already talking about him as having some sort of grand influence on the defense and even some think he is a future head coach.

Uh, the Seahawks dumped him. You know, that team that has two Super Bowl appearances and has been winning consistently over the last decade?
 

boozeman

28 Years And Counting...
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Messages
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Gut Feeling: Most Pressing Issue At OTAs? DallasCowboys.com Debates
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 4:23 PM CDT



FRISCO, Texas – Football’s back. Almost, anyway.

The Cowboys began organized team activities Tuesday at The Star in Frisco, and Wednesday’s voluntary workout is the media’s first look at the veterans and rookies together on the field.

With plenty of change on the roster and Jason Garrett’s coaching staff, the DallasCowboys.com staff (Bryan Broaddus, David Helman, Lindsay Draper, Nick Eatman, Rob Phillips and Mickey Spagnola) discusses who and what they’ll be watching most as OTAs get underway.


Bryan Broaddus:

This will be our first chance to see the veteran and rookie players together for the upcoming 2018 season. Something to think about that I said on Talkin’ Cowboys this morning. I thought we had the potential of four rookies lining up as starters this season. Connor Williams at left guard, Leighton Vander Esch at middle linebacker, Dalton Schultz at tight end and Michael Gallup at wide receiver all make sense. Williams is a no-brainer due to his talent level and the need at guard. Vander Esch wasn’t drafted to sit on the bench, so they’ll find a spot for him. Schultz is a complete tight end and should provide a boost to the position from the jump. If the learning curve isn’t too steep for Gallup, he’ll be pushing for Terrance Williams’ spot. OTAs are only the start, but it also gives you a clue to what the front office and coaching staff are likely thinking.


David Helman:

There’s only one thing I’m wondering heading into these practices, and that’s – to paraphrase Aubrey Graham – whether or not we get hit with the Rico. That was a bad joke, but a good point. For nine months, Rico Gathers has been seen and not heard, as far as tight end is concerned, at least. With Jason Witten heading into retirement, Gathers is the biggest variable on this depth chart. He showcased what his athleticism can bring to the table last preseason, but he’s also the least-polished tight end on this team. This could be a big opportunity for him to prove he’s worth a look higher up on the depth chart. Obviously, these aren’t full contact practices, but it’s a chance to do some serious work on the mental side of the game. This will be the first time we’ve seen Rico on the field since August, and I’m curious to see just what we should expect from him in this new-look offense.


Lindsay Draper:

I’m not necessarily looking at a certain player. On the contrary, I’ll be looking at the absence of players. We all know there is roster turnover from year to year. But I’ve spoken with colleagues who have covered the club for decades, and they’ve collectively noted this offseason as the greatest turnaround they’ve witnessed to date. I’ll be eyeing every position group, every drill order, and every new coach. I want to see who’s voice we hear bouncing off the silver walls of The Star. I want to see which jersey all eyes turn toward before a drill. Who commands the huddle? Who is calling for hustle? We all knew when Jason Witten was talking. We heard Dez Bryant’s voice before one-on-one drills. Those are now just memories. I’m so intrigued to see who emerges as new leaders of this club, because there are new vacancies in a new era.


Nick Eatman:

For this first minicamp, I’m not sure how I could pick anyone other than Tavon Austin. After all, I’ve been lobbying for a fast, electric, playmaker-type like Austin, and the Cowboys have gone out and acquired that. I know Austin hasn’t been the player the Rams hoped for when they drafted him No. 7 overall a few years back. That’s OK. The Cowboys aren’t asking for first-round talent right now, but a guy who can be a game-changer and someone the defenses have to be prepared for. All the Cowboys need is the defensive players focusing on something else and that’s when Zeke hurts them up the middle for big gains. I’m anxious to see how they line up Austin and what kind of role he will have. But I think the fans should be excited about the Cowboys’ willingness to go out and get him, because that means they should be committed to using him.


Rob Phillips:

How about every skill player not named Ezekiel Elliott? We know Zeke is a rock for Dak Prescott and the offense. We know the offensive line, when healthy, is its foundation. But Prescott will be throwing passes to a bunch of new running backs, receivers and tight ends: Tavon Austin (whether you call him a RB or WR), Allen Hurns, Deonte Thompson, rookies Michael Gallup and Dalton Schultz. Cole Beasley is now the longest-tenured receiver on the roster. Geoff Swaim is the only tight end who has caught an NFL pass. There’s talent here, but roles and snaps are up for grabs. Terrance Williams has been recovering from offseason foot surgery, so it’ll be interesting to see if a young guy like Gallup can take advantage of extra offseason work.


Mickey Spagnola:

Most everyone seems bent out of shape over the Cowboys’ safety position. My guess is Jeff Heath starts at one of the spots. The other? I can’t wait to see Xavier Woods. Oh, we got a small glimpse of him back there last year during his rookie season. But mostly Woods was pressed into the slot on the nickel and dime defenses. Now we get a chance to see him back there. And remember, the Cowboys gave Woods, a versatile player at Louisiana Tech, a fourth-round grade. So when he was still sitting there in the sixth – they didn’t have a fifth – the Cowboys ran out of patience, giving the New York Jets their 2018 fifth-round pick to move up to the seventh pick in the round to grab Woods. With only four starts in 2017 under his belt, but having played 51.5 percent of the defensive snaps, now is his chance to convince the Cowboys they don’t need to trade for a veteran safety.
 
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