OXNARD, Calif. -The Cowboys had a Blue-White practice on Saturday. Here are some of the best observations from the staff writers.
- In the two-minute drill period, it was the Jalen Cropper show for both Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. The second-year receiver out of Fresno State hauled in touchdowns on each of the first two drives and helped each offensive unit move down the field with strong receptions. Later in four-down drills, Cropper was once again called upon and came through with big grabs. Keep an eye on his name as the preseason nears. (Nick Harris)
- Undrafted free agent safety Julius Wood arrived at camp known as a big hit stick player out of the third level, and that physicality was on display a pair of times on Saturday. He is not a player you want to see on a crossing route over the middle as even in these practice settings he's not afraid to throw a body on you. (Nick Harris)
- Marist Liufau's physicality was on display today in the run game, as he actually took Tyler Smith off his feet filling a running lane in team drills early in practice. In coverage, he looks comfortable in Mike Zimmer's system as a player that can serve multiple roles as a blitzer, coverage guy or someone to fill running lanes. All in all, the linebacker unit is playing seamlessly together. You would not think that there are so many new faces in that room. (Nick Harris)
- I feel like Brandin Cooks could rightfully walk onto the field at this point in camp with a boombox over his shoulder and blasting "Forgot about D.R.E.". So much praise is being rightfully heaped upon the younger corps of receivers in the absence of CeeDee Lamb, and then there are headlines that stem from … wait for it … the absence of CeeDee Lamb, but Cooks looks outstanding on a daily basis. On Saturday, he was taking whomever lined up against him to school and made several of the biggest plays of the day — looking extremely comfortable in his second year of McCarthy's offense. - (Patrik Walker)
- There is much to be said for how well the safety unit is practicing in camp this year, and Juanyeh Thomas is a reason for that to be a part of the conversation. The third-year safety already has an interception but he's also racking up PBUs, another couple of them on Saturday, against targets as the days roll along. The former Yellow Jacket is really taking the next steps in his progression and is all set to be a major component of what Mike Zimmer does defensively in 2024. - (Patrik Walker)
- Caelen Carson is really something to watch as camp starts to approach its midpoint. With Jourdan Lewis making plays from the nickel in Oxnard and DaRon Bland doing the things DaRon Bland does on the outside, Carson has taken full advantage of the ramp-up and absence of Trevon Diggs in team drills. The rookie fifth-round pick was again must-see TV with his coverage on Saturday, and his end zone PBU against Jalen Tolbert on a throw from Dak Prescott drew high fives and celebration from, guess who, Trevon Diggs. - (Patrik Walker)
- Asim Richards took the majority of the left tackle reps during team drills. Tyler Guyton has flu-like symptoms and Chuma Edoga was not on the practice field, held out for precautionary reasons.- (Nick Eatman)
