NFL
By: Greg Rector
The Dallas Cowboys just finished their rookie mini-camp. As it happens every season, the doubters attack Tyler Guyton, the first-round draft pick. This time, the gentleman who attacked Guyton is an “ANONYMOUS” BIG 12 coach.
Now, I watched Guyton play right tackle for Dillon Gabriel, who, as a left-handed quarterback, protected Gabriel’s blindside quite nicely. Guyton has been working out with Duke Manyweather, who has also assisted Zach Martin, Terence Steele, Tyler Smith, and many other offensive linemen in the NFL. Every indication I have seen something regarding Tyler Guyton is that he needs some time to fill out his body in the weight room, and every other indicator, though, tells me the Dallas Cowboys successfully found another fine first-round talent on the offensive line.
Dallas Cowboys Free Agency
So linebacker Eric Kendricks and running back Ezekiel Elliott are the only two names signed by the Dallas Cowboys. This is due to the protracted contract talks regarding re-signing Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb. Now, every hater out there can say what they like regarding Elliott being back as a running back for the Dallas Cowboys. I feel the Cowboys had no choice after not drafting a running back in the NFL draft. Since I don’t buy NFL jerseys with someone else’s name on them, his switching to number 15 means nothing to me.
The lack of moves regarding free agency might change after June 1st, or the Cowboys might hope another defensive tackle is released by another team. I’m also convinced that Stephon Gilmore won’t be back playing corner for the Dallas Cowboys, as Steven Jones isn’t inclined to give Gilmore the longer term he seeks.
The Rest Of the Dallas Cowboys Rookies
As this was the first time on the field for these new Dallas Cowboys, the rest of the rookies looked decent, and many are excited by Cooper Beebee, who looks solid at the center position and has called out blocking schemes nicely. That’s something that Tyler Biadisz wasn’t capable of as a rookie and could be something less on the back of Dak Prescott.
Cornerback Caelen Carson looked excellent, another reason Stephon Gilmore isn’t getting re-signed. The Wake Forest corner was overlooked by most NFL teams, and if he turns out to be another decent corner, like Daron Bland, then the corner position looks to be a solid spot for the Dallas Cowboys.
Linebacker Marist Liufau was hitting everything sent his way, and the Cowboys coaches were impressed. The former Notre Dame linebacker has looked much better since the East-West Shrine Bowl and has opened up his game in coverage and calling out signals. Folks seem to love to label players because of the systems they played in college. Liufau is proving his doubters wrong.
The Dallas Cowboys Chances?
The Dallas Cowboys’ chance to repeat as the NFC East Division champions is under scrutiny. The coaches and the de facto general manager, Stephen Jones, discuss the improvements the previous draft class must make. Mazi Smith and Luke Schoonmaker must make big improvements, as must linebacker Demarvion Overshown and corner Eric Scott.
I also believe Micah Parsons will be placed back as a linebacker on running downs more often than under Dan Quinn. Marshawn Kneeland is much more like Demarcus Lawrence and understands how to stop the run. Don’t get me started on Parson’s lack of ability to recognize the running game.
As far as the contracts for Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb go, we all wait for both of these deals to be finished. The longer each deal takes, the more expensive it will be.
The talent is there for the Dallas Cowboys to compete against the Philadelphia Eagles. While the Washington Commanders and New York Giants improved this off-season, their changes must work out in the field. I have doubts regarding the Dallas Cowboys, as I have for many years. I feel the Dallas Cowboys are still in the right place to be a playoff team.
As for anything outside of being a playoff team, I doubt they can succeed as a Super Bowl contender, so for the 29th season in a row, get ready for another disappointing run at making Cowboys Nation a happy crowd.
The Dallas Cowboys will once again disappoint their devoted fanbase. There are just too many questions to be answered. And after 29 straight seasons of dealing with this franchise, can I claim otherwise?
I’m sorry, folks, but after cheering on the Dallas Cowboys for 55 seasons, the simple fact that so many people still follow the organization amazes me daily.
Please find me on X @GregCowboys
