While the OTAs started Tuesday, the first time the media will get a good look at the entire squad will be Wednesday, with a two-hour open practice.
Lots of things to be looking out for as Rob Phillips pointed out, but for me, I think it'll be interesting to see how things shake out in the middle of the offensive line.
Now that Mackenzy Bernadeau is out for about 2-3 months with hip surgery, just how do they counter that injury?
Obviously Nate Livings will take over one of the spots, presumably at left guard. And Phil Costa should be back in the middle at center. But at right guard, there could be a combination of guys like Bill Nagy, Kevin Kowalski and let's not forget about David Arkin. Last year's fourth-round pick who never played a snap, will get another chance to prove himself this offseason. Let's see what some time with strength coach Mike Woicik has done for Arkin, who will likely get some first-team reps at guard.
Remember, it's only May. This is the time of year to try things out. Nagy will probably work some at center, with the idea of him potentially competing with Costa for the job. And Kowalski is a wild card in that not only did he fill in four times last year – twice at guard and twice at center – but he did admirably with little practice work. Don't rule him out as a potential starter, possibly at center if he can compete with Costa.
And then you've got rookie free agent Ron Leary, whom the Cowboys are high on. The former Memphis tackle whose knee injury caused him to fall out of the draft completely, will get some work at guard. While he has a transition to make in switching positions, his strength and size and tackle-like feet should allow him to make a smooth adjustment.
Bernadeau might have been the favorite to start, but nothing will be handed to him. If his absence opens the door for another player to shine, then the Cowboys will gladly deal with that problem when Bernadeau returns.
