OXNARD, Calif. — The Dallas Cowboys are through ten on-field practices in front of the media at training camp at the River Ridge Complex in Oxnard, and now is around the time that true separation starts to occur for the final few spots on the 53-man roster.
With CeeDee Lamb still holding out from training camp as he awaits a new contract extension, other receivers and offensive playmakers have taken centerstage, which has allowed some youth on the offensive side to shine.
Defensively, a new system under Mike Zimmer along with fresh faces in the linebacker corps have given way for big opportunities for young players.
As we officially head into a game week, let's take a look at ten players that have seen their stock rise since the beginning of training camp.
Jalen Tolbert - Probably the easiest player to put on this list, Jalen Tolbert has taken full advantage of the extra reps in the absence of CeeDee Lamb by making a big claim to be the team's WR3 going into the fall. Dak Prescott said that Tolbert was the pass-catcher he spent the most time with this offseason, and you can see that chemistry and connection translating onto the field in Oxnard. For Tolbert, it's just the beginning of what could be a breakout season in this offense.
Tyron Billy-Johnson - Another receiver that has been an active playmaker in Oxnard, Tyron Billy-Johnson has been consistent with both his speed and his route running through the first handful of practices. The absence of Lamb is also paving the way for former practice squaders such as Billy-Johnson to get run with the first-team offense, and the fifth-year receiver is making the most of the opportunity. The final one or two roster spots at receiver will be tough to grab, but Billy-Johnson is squarely in the mix.
Brock Hoffman - Coming into a training camp that was expected to have a center competition hasn't had much of a competition to this point. And that's no slight to the job that Cooper Beebe, T.J. Bass or Dakoda Shepley have done, it speaks more to the job that Brock Hoffman has done. The third-year lineman out of Virginia Tech was in the building every day this offseason working in the weight room and preparing for the opportunity to start, and that has translated to the field. His communication pre-snap, his work in both the run and pass games, and his confidence all stand out as qualities you would want in a starting center.
Caelen Carson - The case could be made that Caelen Carson is having the strongest camp of any rookie thus far, as the fifth-round pick out of Wake Forest has made himself a top contender to be CB4 in Mike Zimmer's defense. His physicality at the catch point, instincts in the run game and his zone coverage pick-up ability has all stood out. With his inside and outside flexibility, Carson could be a prime contender to be the first option to rotate in at cornerback if either of the three starters need a replacement.
Willie Harvey Jr. - One of the newer additions to the defensive side of the ball, Willie Harvey Jr. has picked up right where he left off from his UFL season with the St. Louis Battlehawks and has made an impression at camp. His coverage skills have specifically stood out, as he always seems to be near to where the ball is, including on an interception of Trey Lance early last week. He is smaller in stature than some of the other linebackers on the roster, but his early solid play may just keep him around longer than some may have anticipated.
Asim Richards - The second-year offensive lineman Asim Richards has benefitted from some depth spotlighting at the tackle position, as the North Carolina product has been able to step in while Tyler Guyton has been sick and Chuma Edoga has been in and out of full action. His opportunities have yielded results, specifically in the run game where he has used an extra step in his athleticism to get out in front as a lead blocker. If/when Tyler Guyton claims the starting left tackle job, Richards is making his claim as his direct backup.
Hunter Luepke - A year ago, Hunter Luepke put together a huge final preseason game against the Raiders that gave him one of the final spots on the 53-man roster. This year, Luepke has expanded his role in Mike McCarthy's offense as not only a lead blocker for the crowded running back room he is still technically a part of, but he has also been used more in the receiving game and as an H-Back and tight end. Considering the impact he had as a college player at North Dakota State, an expanded role for Luepke would be something he has experience thriving in.
Marist Liufau - While DeMarvion Overshown and Damone Clark have certainly had big camps, Marist Liufau has found himself in the middle of high pressure situations at camp and has thrived with those opportunities. Whether it be communicating loudly before the snap, accounting for large portions of the field in zone coverage across the middle or blitzing the quarterback, Liufau has been a fun tool in Mike Zimmer's weaponry early on.
Rico Dowdle - While there is still a lot of sorting out to do in the running back room in the preseason with live game reps, Rico Dowdle has come into camp looking to have at least one of the two major roles at the position this fall. He looks healthy and lively when he carries the ball, decisive between the tackles, and dangerous in the receiving game. An ability in the return game might also give him an extra role that he could thrive in.
Marshawn Kneeland - In a rookie class that has its fair share of blue-collar types, Marshawn Kneeland has stood out with his elite preparation that he has taken to the field so far in his rookie training camp. His size and ability on the defensive line is going to be called upon in the absence of Sam Williams, and he has responded well to that pressure early on. Can he be the pass rushing presence that Dallas needs? That remains to be seen, but his application early on has to give way to confidence in that area.
