A new feature on DallasCowboys.com this training camp is to hand out some Cowboys-themed "gold stars" after each padded practice here in Oxnard. Sunday's practice had a couple of repeat standouts who are showing some consistency.
Mickey Spagnola: He lines up outside. He lines up inside. He runs precise routes over the middle. He can go deep, too. Thought we got a nice glimpse of just what Allen Hurns can do on Sunday. Caught a couple of passes in team session, one on a really nice route and another on a play-action rollout where he came across the field. Joy to watch even while running routes in drills against air.
Nick Eatman: I get the feeling that when he practices, this could be the appropriate answer every time. I won't be surprised to see his name from other writers today. Tyron Smith was absolutely dominant. On 1-on-1 drills, he didn't let Tyrone Crawford or any other defensive end even sniff the quarterback on pass-rushing drills. He locked up on his guys and didn't let them go anywhere. The good news for Crawford … it should only get easier from here.
Bryan Broaddus: The most impressive offensive player in this camp to this point has been Cole Beasley. Sure there are physical limitations due to his lack of height but you would never know that by the way he has been playing. Inside or outside, he has made plays at all levels. What has been impressive is how well he has adjusted to making plays down the field. Through four practices I have yet to see him drop a pass where he was able to get his hands on the ball.
Rob Phillips: Call me repetitive, but I'll go with the guy who's made the play of the day in two straight practices. Cornerback Byron Jones made an incredible effort to stretch out in the end zone and knock away a would-be Lance Lenoir touchdown catch with his fingertips. Those one-on-one drills heavily favor the receivers because they have all the time they want and all the field they need to use. But Jones has shown good speed, technique and recognition in these first two practices back at corner.
David Helman: We've spent so much time worrying about Tyron Smith's health, it can be easy to forget what he looks like when he's healthy. Yes, the Cowboys are going to manage Tyron's reps to keep him fresh – but he looks pretty damn good when they let him rip it. Smith was dominant throughout practice on Sunday, mauling defenders both in team drills and one-on-ones. He basically looked like a grizzly bear out there.
| Player Name | Camp Star Total |
|---|---|
| Tyron Smith | 2 |
| Byron Jones | 2 |
| Cole Beasley | 1 |
| Allen Hurns | 1 |
| Conner Williams | 1 |
| Michael Gallup | 1 |
| Mekale McKay | 1 |
| Donovan Olumba | 1 |
