Where do things stand with the Dallas Cowboys new additions this year? Now that we're at the halfway point of training camp and with the first preseason game about to get underway against the Seattle Seahawks, we thought this would be a great time to share which new players are currently shining and others who still have something to prove. So far, early returns are better than expected.
The jury is still out on safeties Jalen Thompson (hip) and P.J. Locke (knee) after missing time with injuries, but thankfully both are currently working their way back into the lineup. Both are expected to be key contributors on the back end of Dallas' secondary and should start proving themselves now that they're healthy. Outside of them, the Cowboys vet additions have mostly performed better than expected, some even shining.
Ogbonnia has been one of the more impressive free agent additions for the Cowboys. If he's not blowing up plays, he's batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. He's an underrated signing that could pay huge dividends this year as an upgrade along the interior of Dallas' defensive line.
Howell has had his moments throughout training camp, but hasn't proven to be a clear upgrade over last year's backup, Joe Milton. Both are competing to be the QB2 this season, but right now it's Milton running with the second team. That could change for Howell with a strong showing in preseason.
An argument could be made Durant has been the defensive star of training camp for the Cowboys. He's been an absolute menace in coverage and if he isn't breaking up passes, he's coming away with the INT. He's probably Dallas' best outside addition and a steal on a one-year, $4 million contract.
Kendrick has yet to break out form the crowd at training camp. He's been playing primarily out of the slot, but has shown he can play outside as well. That kind of position flex could end up earning him a roster spot. He's definitely someone to keep an eye on from here on out.
Gary is quietly having impressive training camp. Not only has he been praised for his leadership ability, getting named to the Cowboys Leadership Council, but he's been showing up in practice as well, especially as run defender. Playing inside and out, he's an upgrade for Dallas' DL.
Winters may not be receiving the same kind of attention as DeMarvion Overshown or Jaishawn Barham, but he's been showing up in practices both the run defender and in pass coverage. He's currently the Cowboys most experienced LB and could wear the green dot at times this year.
Early returns on the Dallas Cowboys rookie additions have been better than expected. Nearly half of them have have flashed from time to time. Consistency will be key for all of them, but so far it looks as if several of them could play key roles this year, even starting roles.
Downs is the real deal and has been better than advertised, and that's saying something. No matter how much the Cowboys throw at him, he's absorbed and performed above expectations. He might already be their best defensive player and could be the best rookie in the league this year.
Lawrence has been praised for the steady progress he's made throughout training camp by the Cowboys coaching staff. He splashed his first-round talent from time to time in practice, but is still considered a work in progress making the jump from a small school to the NFL.
Barham is unfortunately dealing with a groin injury that isn't considered to be serious, but prior to that was blowing things up in practice. Whether it was in run defense or in pass coverage he's exceeding everyone's expectations, so much so he's pushing for a starting job.
Moore is currently dealing with a groin injury, but prior to that had a solid training camp for a rookie. He looks like a future project for the team with potential. Playing in some preseason games would be ideal to judge his game day composure.
Overton's name wasn't hardly mentioned early on in training camp, but he's been coming on as of late as someone to keep an eye on. If he can continue to string some good practices together and show up in preseason, he could earn a role for himself this year.
While he's having a pretty quiet training camp, Smith's deep threat ability and special teams value makes him someone to keep an eye on in preseason. He's currently in contention for Dallas' fifth and probably final WR roster spot, along with several others.
Even though he joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, Trigg has been one of their most impressive rookies so far. With Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford roster spots secured, he could push Luke Schoonmaker off the roster and win the TE3 job.
Brown is another undrafted player having a strong showing so far in training camp with the Cowboys, even working with the second-team offense recently. He's made several impressive athletic TD catches, putting himself in the WR mix for a roster spot.
