FRISCO, Texas – For the first time this week, the Cowboys spent the entire practice back outside. It was another spirited session from the players and coaches, who were rather vocal in getting their points across.
Still, there were some highlights to mention. Here are the Camp Stars – the best players from both sides of the ball.
Here are the Camp Stars – the best players from both sides of the ball.
Tony Pollard
Ambar Garcia: Tony Pollard keeps impressing in both the running game and the passing game. Continues to show quickness and great footwork. His cuts are improving and I feel like his fluidity is getting better. Love his ability to find the hole and escape. Honestly, one of my favorites to watch at practice.
Daryl Worley
Ambar Garcia: Daryl Worley is not the most noticeable corner out of the bunch, but I though he did a nice job with the reps that he was given. He showed some good coverage. Doesn't tend to give up on plays. Won most battles on the 3 on 3 drills, while also getting an interception. I would like him to get some more opportunities just to see how he handles the load.
CeeDee Lamb
David Helman: Another day, another quality practice for Lamb. The rookie has no problem getting open, and it's obvious the quarterbacks trust him. Lamb caught balls from both Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton on the day, finishing practice with at least six catches. The most impressive came on the last snap of practice, when he beat Daryl Worley in coverage on a goal line fade to come down with a spinning, toe-tapping touchdown.
Bradley Anae
David Helman: After a quiet few days, the Utah pass rusher is finally getting some opportunities – and it looks like he's doing something with them. Granted, he wasn't going against the likes of Tyron Smith, but Anae beat multiple different tackles off the line during team period. It's always hard gauge sacks during these practices, but Anae definitely got pressure on Dak Prescott and may have had a sack or two.
Andy Dalton
Kyle Youmans: Watching Dalton throw a perfect ball has become almost like clockwork over the first five practices. Made one of the more impressive completions in camp with a touch pass over double coverage and into the hands of Amari Cooper. His experience in the league has helped led him to make the tough move to the backup role a seamless transition.
Daryl Worley
Kyle Youmans: A quiet start to camp hasn't been a bad thing for Worley, but Friday was an exhibition of exactly what the veteran corner brings to the table. With multiple impressive pass breakups and an interception in team drills, Worley was the most noticeable playmaker in the secondary.
Blake Bell
Nick Eatman: So much has been made of the other Blake at tight end, but watch out for Bell here in this offense. He's going to get on the field with his blocking ability but he also showed today that he can get down the seam of the field and make plays. I see him being a sneaky-good addition to this already-talented offense.
Jaylon Smith
Nick Eatman: This is my first repeat selection during this first week, but I had to go with Jaylon Smith again. He's been really good at getting to the football and more importantly, he's showing up in coverage. He made a pass breakup some 20 yards down the field, sticking right with the wide receiver to deflect the ball in the end zone.
Blake Jarwin
Rob Phillips: Great body control and concentration from Jarwin on two separate touchdown catches. First, in a one-on-one drill, he got his tip-toes inches in bounds for a score in the corner of the end zone. Then in team drills, he made a contested catch on safety Donovan Wilson in the back of the end zone, just getting both feet down.
Jaylon Smith
Rob Phillips: No. 54 continues to be my favorite player to watch on defense. A two-play sequence in red zone work illustrated the versatility Smith has shown in camp. First, he made a would-be stop on a short pass to Ezekiel Elliott. The next play, he covered Tony Pollard down the seam and broke up a pass in the end zone.
Rico Dowdle
Mickey Spagnola: Not sure yet if the Cowboys will keep more than two running backs, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard for sure, but if they do there is a pretty good battle going on for the third spot between rookie free agents Darius Anderson of TCU and Rico Dowdle of South Carolina. For the past two practices, each has distinguished himself with speed and ability to see holes and slither through.
Deante Burton
Mickey Spagnola: Must admit, had to check my roster to see who No. 33 is. Am reminded it's Deante Burton, signed to the Cowboys practice squad in November of last season. Well, very quietly he continues to show up at cornerback, competing for possibly that fifth cornerback spot or maybe forcing the Cowboys to keep a sixth.
