FRISCO, Texas – With 90 on the current roster, and so many starters back from last year's division title team, and so much speculation about the next Pro Bowler in line for a long-term contract extension, it's easy for some players to get lost in the pre-camp discussion.
Yet, as the Cowboys count down to their July 25 arrival in Oxnard, California, several under-the-radar players – a combo of rookies and veterans – are worth monitoring when practice finally gets underway out west.
Here are 10 to watch in training camp and preseason this year:
With training camp inching closer, we count down the top 10 roster sleepers to watch when practice gets underway in Oxnard, California.
10. Cedrick Wilson: Wilson had a chance to make last year's team, but shoulder surgery ended the receiver's rookie season before it began. Now he's back, and while the wideout group is deep, he's a steady pass-catcher who can line up at multiple spots.
9. Joe Jackson: The Cowboys have so many defensive ends on the current roster that it might be the toughest competition in camp. Jackson, a fifth-round pick, is a powerful edge rusher at 275 pounds. He was very productive in college, posting 24 sacks in three seasons at Miami (Fla.).
8. CJ Goodwin: After getting signed off the Bengals' practice squad last October, Goodwin made an impact on special teams before and after a forearm injury. He also got some additional cornerback reps this offseason while Byron Jones rehabbed from hip surgery.
7. George Iloka: Xavier Woods and Jeff Heath are incumbents at the safety positions, and sixth-round pick Donovan Wilson is a prospect with range. But Iloka, who signed a one-year deal after the first wave of free agency, has 79 career starts in seven seasons with the Bengals and Vikings.
6. Jamize Olawale: New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore wants versatile skill players, and he's pointed out that Olawale is part of that group, having moved around a lot in Oakland's offense from 2012-17. The veteran fullback did not receive a carry last season and posted only two catches, but he's capable of helping in those areas.
5. Kerry Hyder: Hyder, a free-agent pickup in March, is only three years removed from an eight-sack season with the Lions. And the Texas native is back at his more natural spot, defensive end, after playing mostly tackle in Detroit. He's an intriguing addition to a deep D-Line group.
4. Christian Covington: Over four years with the Texans, Covington did a lot of the dirty work next to star defensive linemen J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. Signed by the Cowboys in March, Covington is an underrated pass rusher who could become a solid contributor in the defensive tackle rotation.
3. Darius Jackson: Yes, the Cowboys drafted two running backs (Tony Pollard and Mike Weber) in April. But for much of OTAs and minicamp, it was Jackson – a 2016 draft pick by Dallas who has also spent time with the Browns and Packers – who got second-team reps behind Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard, a fourth-round pick, figures to be part of the offense's plans, but Jackson will compete with Weber for a spot, too.
2. Donovan Olumba: Olumba posted interceptions on consecutive days of minicamp in mid-June. A practice squad player last season, he's got the rangy frame (6-2, 205) that defensive backs Kris Richard wants in a cornerback. With a year in the defensive system, he's got a chance to win a backup spot in camp.
1. Dorance Armstrong: The second-year pass rusher took first-team reps at defensive end in offseason workouts while Pro Bowler DeMarcus Lawrence rehabbed from shoulder surgery. The Cowboys love Armstrong's potential and versatility to play either end spot. He'll continue to get plenty of preseason work as Lawrence points toward the season opener for a return to action.
Honorable Mention: Daniel Wise, Jalen Guyton, Jalen Jelks
