Watkins: Training camp battles

[Cotton]

Training camp battles: defensive tackle

July, 15, 2014

By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com


With the start of training camp coming next week, we review the five biggest position battles with the Dallas Cowboys.

Defensive tackle

The favorite: Nick Hayden

The contenders: Terrell McClain, Ken Bishop and Tyrone Crawford

Outlook: Hayden became a starter due to injuries last season. He was more than serviceable (44 total tackles and a fumble recovery) but now the Cowboys have added some competition. In free agency the Cowboys acquired McClain to play the one-technique position and in the draft selected Bishop in the seventh round. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli likes position flexibility with his linemen so expect numerous players to get these looks. Crawford missed last season with a torn Achilles and the team is excited about his potential. Crawford can play rush end and defensive tackle, particularly in the nickel defense. Hayden will be challenged by McClain who impressed the coaches with his work in the offseason. This is an important season for McClain based on how his career has developed. He's played for three NFL teams before signing with the Cowboys. Establishing himself in the starting lineup is a must so he can shed the label of journeyman.

Who wins?: There’s nothing wrong if McClain wins the job over Hayden. He’s quicker and can also play the three-technique position as well.

 

[Cotton]

Training camp battles: Backup quarterback

July, 14, 2014

By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com


With the start of training camp coming next week, we review the five biggest position battles with the Dallas Cowboys.

Backup quarterback

The favorite: Kyle Orton

The contenders: Brandon Weeden and Caleb Hanie

Outlook: Orton missed the entire offseason contemplating retirement. The Cowboys took a wait-and-see approach with Orton, with coach Jason Garrett citing the collective bargaining agreement, to deal with the veteran. The status of this position is unsettled because while Orton is 35-35 as a starter, he’s still one of the better backups in the NFL. Orton played well in the regular-season finale for an injured Tony Romo last season. But if Orton is out of the picture, it means Weeden (5-15 as a starter) becomes Romo’s backup. With Romo rehabbing his back, Weeden received all the snaps in the offseason with the first team and developed a chemistry and better understanding of the new wrinkles of the offense with new playcaller Scott Linehan.

Who wins?: The Cowboys could cut, fine and even ask for previous signing-bonus money back from Orton if he refuses to report to training camp. There are no winners here because Orton, somewhere along the way, lost his desire to play and doesn’t want to be around, and the Cowboys have to depend on Weeden to support a starting quarterback coming off a second back surgery.

 

[Simpleton]

Hayden will only start this season if there are injuries, I think there is a better chance that he is cut than of him starting.

 

[Cotton]

Training camp battles: left guard

July, 17, 2014

By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com


With the start of training camp coming next week, we review the five biggest position battles with the Dallas Cowboys.

Left guard

The favorite: Ronald Leary

The contenders: Mackenzy Bernadeau

Outlook: This battle was set up when the Cowboys drafted Zack Martin in the first round and decided to move him to right guard. It meant Bernadeau lost his starting spot and had to fight for a job with Leary. Leary started all 16 games in 2013 and performed well. The Cowboys like competition at various spots, especially if it means improving the position and Bernadeau will compete. Bernadeau lost his job at right guard to Brian Waters only to regain it when he suffered a season-ending injury last season. Bernadeau is still a quality offensive lineman and has shown his versatility by playing both guard spots and some center. Regardless of whether he gets the starting job, Bernadeau is needed along the line. The Cowboys won't invest in a veteran player for the offensive line, like Waters, because the team wants a younger lineup at several key spots.

Who wins? It's a close race, but expect Leary to maintain his spot. Bernadeau will morph into a player who can play several positions and this will help the line overall.